Lutz Huelle with Norman René De Vera. Martin Romero
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 couture 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 tailoring 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.
