As the Paralympics 2024 opened on August 28, Wednesday the Philippine Para athletes went vibrant and traditional as they wore a design by the brand DITTA, that uses Banana and Abaca “Banaca” and fabrics hand-woven and embroidered by the Mangyans.
“Efficient in-house team,” that is how junior designer Janinna described working with the people behind the ceremony uniforms.
With almost three months of preparation, together with the communities that were involved in weaving, embroidering, and actual sewing of garments.
Aesthetic and functional fusion
According to junior designer Janinna Santos, the theme given was “Heritage in motion,” where the Philippines’ cultural heritage is celebrated through traditional textiles.
To stand out among the crowd, DITTA highlighted colors that are associated on the national flag and make a representation of it as the Para-athletes rising above the difficulties and experiences.
Details such as the dominant flag colors that symbolizes bravery and patriotism are added with a sun brooch that symbolizes how our Para-athletes will shine in the world arena.
The design of the uniform was made not only to impress the eyes as they grace in the opening ceremony parade but make them comfortable as it is designed for their exclusive needs.
For women’s attire, a wrap that can be worn in many ways; zippers on arm holes are attached and belts are included to secure the wrap in place. Men’s attire has one- of-a-kind Mangyan fabrics sewn in each garment, it is tailored fit and measured one-by-one according to their physical needs.
Bearing cultural and environmental impact
Harvested and handwoven in Catanduanes, “Banaca” is a mixture of Abaca, a native plant in the Philippines and known as the strongest natural fiber in the world that can last a lifetime if cared properly and Banana which has a lightweight quality that can make durable but comfortable wears for every day.
On the other hand, Mangyan fabric is woven in Mindoro and the sophisticated patterns are skilfully hand-woven and hand-embroidered by the community artisans.
With the meticulous process and materials that are needed to create the opening ceremony uniforms, Janinna addressed that they faced some challenges on the woven fabric for men’s suits.
The skilled craftsmanship of the unique hand-embroidered patterns presented logistical productions since the weavers and embroiderers are from the remote mountain areas of Panaytayan, Oriental Mindoro.
Janinna also emphasized that Abaca has been used throughout the Philippine history and that they want to keep utilizing these historical fabrics alive for the future generations, ensure that the products made are sustainable, and supporting community artisans by giving them a fair compensation for the fabrics traditional and cultural significance in line with promoting the rich cultural heritage of the country.
The team has expressed gratitude to the National Paralympic Committee, for choosing them to create and showcase the talent, hard work, and creativity of indigenous community artisans.
Now in its 40th year, DITTA takes hope of creating modern takes on classic Filipiñana and indigenous attire.
As well as involving the younger generations in showcasing cultural heritage and promoting artisanal and one-of-a-kind hand-woven and hand-embroidered fabrics by making them wearable outside the traditional formal events.
Photo Courtesy of Ditta Sandico
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