AZ Factory’s Paris Fashion Week Presentation United Celebrities, Creatives, And Designers

Photographer Martin Romero gives you a backstage look at AZ Factory’s Spring/Summer 2023 runway show.

There are a handful of designers representing Filipino talent in the past fashion weeks from Rhuigi Villaseñor in Milan to Chris Habana in New York. In Paris, designer Norman René De Vera continues championing Filipino creativity on the international stage with AZ Factory. The brand gets a novel interpretation of their offbeat and ever-evolving alphabet (its cheeky, collection-naming convention) with their newest guest designer, or in their words, their newest amigo, Lutz Huelle. Named F is for Friendship, the collection is an expression of friendship—a deep-rooted value of the label and a principle strongly upheld by the late Alber Elbaz. On October 3, the Spring/ Summer 2023 collection took to the catwalk in modern reinterpretations of classic silhouettes in colorful hues.

AZ Factory’s previous collection was made in collaboration with designer Thebe Magugu, titled INTERSECTION. Through classic garments reinterpreted in innovative fabrics, eccentric prints, and versatile compositions, Magugu highlighted the key aspects of haute coutureHaute CoutureA protected French term for made-to-order, handcrafted fashion produced by houses that meet strict criteria set by the Chambre Syndicale. Haute couture involves multiple fittings and hundreds of hours ofGo to Haute Couture Glossary found in Africa—the birthplace of both Elbaz and Magugu.

For Spring/Summer, AZ Factory design director De Vera collaborates with Huelle for a sentimental collection ingrained in camaraderie. Abstract floral prints are translated onto billowing ruffles with precise tailoringTailoringThe craft of cutting, shaping, and sewing structured garments such as suits, blazers, and trousers to fit the body precisely. Good tailoring relies on skilled pattern work and fine finishing,Go to Tailoring Glossary and rock-and-roll details (sequins, denim, and crystals included) throughout the anticipated collection.

Photographer Martin Romero, also Filipino, takes us backstage at the AZ Factory show where Vogue Philippines correspondents Anna Vitiello and Kim Jones, designers Norman René De Vera and Lutz Huelle, along with other fashionphiles gathered after the mahic ensued. Get an insider’s look at the exciting show below.