The Far Eastern University Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts (IARFA) organized “DIVERSIFY: Ideation and design to sustain a material culture,” a fashion exhibit featuring the collections of IARFA alumni Gabriel Bajacan, Albert Furing, and John Ken Gomez. The exhibit opened last Oct. 24 at the NRH Exhibit Hall.
Prof. Karen P. Manit of IARFA, in her speech during the opening of the exhibit, said the individual collections of Gab, Gigi, and Ken showcased their commitment and promotion to the culture of change. Gigi’s designs are anchored on the significance of Filipino identity and culture; Gab’s designs use discarded textiles to diminish textile waste while promoting trendy and environmentally friendly styles, while Ken’s designs strongly promote upcycling overused garments.
Bajacan is the current President of the Cheerleading Coaches Association of the Philippines and the Head Coach of the National University Pep Squad. Furing is a fashion designer, owner of Albert Furing Atelier, and a celebrity stylist at Team Ryujishiomitsu. Finally, Gomez, tagged as “Art Wizard,” is a multi-awarded visual artist.
The exhibition was created to provide graduates who succeed in the fashion industry with a stage to display their hard work, imaginative beauty, and clever inventions.
