How Fashion and Living Well Shine Even On Grey Days

After almost a decade away from the runway, Southlinks Estate collaborates with Mark Bumgarner for a collection that tells the story of his becoming

Despite the overcast skies seen in Las Piñas, the working foundations of Southlinks Estate continue to bring its vision of curated living to life. “The series of curated affairs events is our way of celebrating how life can be lived with intention, balance, and meaning,” shares President and CEO Kevin Wong. “Through these experiences, we want Southlinks to be more than just a place to live. We want it to be a place where people feel a true sense of belonging.”

Making his return to the runway after eight years, the residential parkland then collaborates with fashion designer Mark Bumgarner to unveil a 65-piece collection that resonates in a shared narrative of coming into bloom. “This show is less a comeback and more a celebration of everything I’ve learned and loved along the way,” Bumgarner says. “Hence the name of the collection, ‘A Song of Myself,’ which is based on Walt Whitman’s literary masterpiece. This is a story of my growth as a person and as a designer.”

As guests from the industries of business, fashion, and design gather at the atrium before the show, the program opens with an introduction to Southlinks Estates. “Beyond architecture, Southlinks represents a lifestyle rooted in balance and connection. Combining our values for accessibility and design, the project also prioritizes sustainability by pursuing BERDE certification and preserving more than 1,800 trees on site,” Wong elaborates.

Across 34 hectares of land, the residential area foresees a focused development on holistic home living, as spaces for homes, parks, and an open clubhouse are segmented from its neighboring commercial center. “The Clubhouse acts as the heart of the neighborhood, a place for relaxation, wellness, and recreation. Meanwhile, the Lifestyle Center complements it with dining, retail, and cultural spaces that add energy and social life to the estate,” Wong adds. “Together, they form a rhythm between privacy and shared experiences, with plans of creating an underground link connecting both areas for easy and secure access in the future.”

Ahead of the runway show, Bumgarner’s muses; including Nadine Lustre, Pia Wurtzbach, Sarah Lahbati, and Janine Gutierrez, arrived in their favored looks from the designer. As the concept unfolded, the space shifted with the sounds of typewriter clicks and piano chords, setting the tone for the opening walk led by model Jach Manere.

“I focused on movement, color, and intricate handwork; details that come alive in natural light”

Mark Bumgarner

Neutral and softened primaries gave impressions of playfulness through the first few looks, emphasized by the use of textures and accessories like windswept headdresses, floral tassel skirts, and puffed gowns. As the looks continue to build in complexity through the use of overlapping layers and embroidery, the room then darkens to reveal the final piece: a wide black gown where twists of folded satin lead upwards to an off-shouldered bodice.

“Becoming is about growth shaped by time and connection, the same values Southlinks celebrates,” Bumgarner reflects. “My collection mirrors that idea: each piece evolves through layers of craft and collaboration, just as families grow together and create something lasting.”

While Southlinks Estate continues to foster its community through its “Art of Living Well – Curated Affairs” series, this collaboration was shared to serve as an example of the brand’s desire for elevated home living, resonating in the craftsmanship and storytelling showcased on the runway. “For me, Southlinks is deeply personal. It’s a place where families can grow, connect with nature, and create lasting memories. Our vision is to redefine family living by making peace, wellness, and legacy part of everyday life,” Wong ends.