Fashion Exchange International (FEI) was established to bring Filipino fashion to the global market – the first of its kind in Manila.
Coming from various backgrounds, FEI’s four partners, Carmina Sanchez-Jacob, Robby Carmona, Valerie Lim and Henry Chan, saw a unique opportunity in combining their strengths to connect local talent to an international audience. The main goal of the collective is to promote and sell ready-to-wear fashion labels for distribution overseas.
This month, the fashion marketing and brand management platform showcased Filipino designers and their carefully curated products. The much-anticipated event, held in Marriott Grand Ballroom, was targeted towards international buyers.
By working closely with their roster of designers, FEI has partnered with Samsung Electronics, the leader in innovation, to offer a more in-depth and experiential showcase of the fashion process. Leveraging on the technology present in Samsung’s mobile gadgets like Gear 360, Gear VR, Galaxy S7 and Galaxy Tablets, this platform will enable the audience to capture their experiences to create beautiful and exciting content, as well as relive them even after they are done. This allows consumers and buyers alike to see and understand what it takes for a product to go from “Raw to “Rack”.
In addition to a stellar lineup of Filipino designers, including Ivarluski Aseron, Rajo Laurel, Francis Libiran, and Dennis Lustico, the FEI showroom presented the diffusion line, TXID, by Indonesian couture designer, Tex Saverio. Other homegrown talents who were part of the FEI included Aranaz, Ann Ong, Jail Jeans, Jeffrey Rogador, John Herrera, Ken Samudio, Maco Custodio, Proudrace and Rosenthal Tee. All the designers had their previous and current collections on display.
The FEI team is composed of Carmina Sanchez-Jacob, a PR and marketing maven; Robby Carmona, a seasoned events director; Valerie Lim, an international fashion icon/businesswoman; and Henry Chan, an AsiaPacific MNC corporate veteran.
Designers’ insight
“This is an inspiring endeavor and it has created a renewed hope in me, and I can only wish that its long-term vision will be realized. I personally salute its organizers for tirelessly championing the Filipino talent.” – Dennis Lustico
“As a Filipino designer, I know and believe that Fashion Exchange International will be able to bring Philippine fashion in the world stage. It’s about time that Philippine fashion be recognized and loved by people all over the world, because the designers that are represented by FEI are world-class and will bring pride and glory to the Philippines.” – Francis Libiran
“I love the idea and concept of Fashion Exchange International. I am hopeful and optimistic about the project. All forms of dialogue are always good. When you open up your mind to fresh perspectives and opportunities, everyone wins.” – Rajo Laurel
“I’m very positive about this project, and I’m very thankful that I’m able to participate in this first-ever venture of this kind to happen here in Manila. I believe this will be beneficial not only to designers but to the entire industry as well.” – Ivarluski Aseron