The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council (PCIDC), is set to highlight Filipino creativity on the global stage with “Malikhaing Pinoy: Lahi,” an artistic presentation featuring a 30-piece couture collection by renowned Filipino designer Rajo Laurel.
The showcase, which reimagines Philippine heritage through contemporary fashion, will be staged on January 30, 2026, in Bangkok, Thailand, as part of PCIDC’s landmark partnership with Thailand’s Creative Economy Agency (CEA).
“Malikhaing Pinoy: Lahi” serves as a cultural diplomacy initiative aimed at deepening regional collaboration and strengthening the Philippines’ creative economy. The collection creates a visual journey through themes of identity, history, community, and geography—elements Laurel wove together to explore the multifaceted question: “Who is the Filipino?”
“Fashion has been my medium to understand heritage, identity, and culture—not only through materials, but through how our people interact, the values that guide us, and how these stories can remain relevant for today and for future generations,” Laurel reflects.
“Being Filipino can mean many things. There is no single definition of our culture. With ‘Lahi,’ my perspective bridges who we are and who we can become. Understanding our roots empowers the future,” he adds.
The collection is enriched by collaborations with renowned Filipino artisans including Arnel Papa, Celestina Maristela Ocampo, Cholo Ayuyao, Monchét Diokno Olives, and MX Studios by Maxine Santos Tuaño. Their handcrafted accessories complement Laurel’s silhouettes, resulting in head-to-toe ensembles that highlight regional craftsmanship and contemporary design.
Among the featured looks is the “Mestiza,” a modern take on the traditional palma and camisa/blusa ensemble using jusi from Iloilo and raw silk and abaca from Abra, finished with Pampanga-crafted floral accents.
The “Kadayawan” celebrates Mindanao’s vibrant festivals through intricate weaves from Sorsogon and Ilocos, while “Datu” pays tribute to T’boli heritage with paper silk, ramie linen, a Benguet tampipi, and a ginat bead tassel from Dumaguete.
Other pieces such as “Manileña,” “Bagong Barong,” and an ensemble inspired by Baguio weaver Nada Capunan reinterpret cultural staples with modern tailoring and artisanal details. The ethereal “Paradiso,” developed with Arnel Papa, marries Palawan pearls, Bacolod capiz, and raffia into a luminous finale.
