RENOWNED fashion designer Edgar San Diego paid homage to Filipino culture in his first solo exhibit “Baro’t Saya Tuwa at Ligaya,” at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City on Oct. 15.
Fusing painting and fashion, the fine arts alumnus shaped a theme that emphasized his love for both: “Tribute of Joy to the Filipina and her Traditional Dress amidst the Pandemic.”
“My orientation is fashion and I’m into costumes and I love the culture. Everything I love I put it into my painting,” San Diego told the Varsitarian.
Using the Baro’t Saya, the exhibit displayed a collection of costumes and paintings.
San Diego said her daughter, Abby, was the primary muse and inspiration of the exhibit.
“Since the pandemic, she is…often in the house, so she can pose for me. I ask her to take proper form, lighting and I take a picture of her and she becomes my referent,” said San Diego.
Among San Diego’s artworks was Manila Carnival Queen, a 24 x 33 in. acrylic painting of a woman surrounded by circus characters while riding a zebra side-saddle.
San Diego also exhibited a 24 x 33 in. acrylic painting of a woman donning a Filipiniana with two angels at each side, titled “Reyna de las Flores.”
The Thomasian designer started preparing for the exhibit in May last year and finished it a month ago. “I make it a point to finish one painting every week,” he said.
San Diego was known for hand-painting gowns when he was an undergraduate in UST.
San Diego has also championed Philippine culture through fashion shows all around the world.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the special services of Jose Reyes Medical Center in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
