Ditta Sandico, “wrap artiste,” clothing designer and indigenous fashion advocate, discusses her 40-year journey in the fashion industry in the recently launched book, It’s A Wrap: Unraveling the Future of Fashion.
Published by Far Eastern University, written by Francine Medina Marquez, and edited by Gayle Zialcita, It’s A Wrap draws inspiration from indigenous communities, most notably the Mangyan in Mindoro, whose hardworking and skillful women and their craftsmanship are often overlooked. Sandico’s innovative use of her signature banaca (banana-abaca) wrap—woven fabrics sourced from a small fishing village on the island of Catanduanes—proves the importance and value of material culture research in understanding creativity and aesthetics.
Sandico narrates in the book how a dream and vision changed the quiet lives of weaving communities and turned them into self-reliant hubs of social enterprise. She expresses hope that her story will challenge and inspire the new generation of young clothing designers to discover the value of Philippine indigenous crafts in nation-branding.
“Beyond promoting our designs, fashion shows serve as opportunities to raise awareness about the artistry and cultural heritage woven into every piece—to help people understand and appreciate the deeper meaning behind the clothes we make,” Sandico says.
The Philippine weaves featured in Sandico’s collections have been showcased in Helsinki, Paris, Rome, Dubai, Los Angeles, New York, Moscow, Amsterdam, Tokyo, and Kuala Lumpur.
It’s A Wrap also offers key lessons and best practices for those committed to presenting the artistry of Philippine weavers and embroiderers to the world.
After four decades in the fashion industry, Sandico considers as her greatest achievement her having helped open doors for Philippine weaves to be seen and appreciated globally. She continues to inspire Filipino creatives to take pride in their cultural heritage and to practice sustainability by utilizing local materials in their designs.
It’s A Wrap was launched last May 13 at the Yuchengco Museum’s Y Space. Its pages were brought to life through a fashion show and book preview, highlighting the interplay between narrative and garment, underscoring how each piece carries the stories of the communities behind the weave, and presenting a contemporary vision of Philippine fashion.
The event was made possible through the support of Manille Liqueur de Calamansi, Diskarte Beer, Bubble Innovations, Arnel Papa, and Bluethumb.—CONTRIBUTED
The book is available for purchase through TamsBookstore@feu.edu.ph.
