Exclusive: Rhett Eala Gives Piña a Casual Spin for ArteFino’s 10th Anniversary

To celebrate a decade of the artisanal fair ArteFino, Rhett Eala turns to piña and fashions it a new way.

During a mid-shoot conversation, Rhett Eala reveals himself to be two things: an avid traveler and fabric geek. The two go hand in hand for the decades-long fashion designer, and his secret to longevity, it turns out, is an obvious one. Travel frequently, whether on foot or through the mind.

Over the years, his excursions abroad have brought his clothes around the Philippines, from brick-and-mortar stores in luxurious malls to annual runway shows and appearances at artisanal fairs like ArteFino, which is celebrating its 10th year this July.

For the occasion, Rhett challenged himself to design one of our most beloved Philippine textiles anew. “I wanted the piña to be more casual; not looked at as formal all the time.” 

Piña is often associated with traditional Filipino garments like the terno and barong, but Rhett spins the fabric into apron tops, overskirts, and kimonos, the latter of which has been a signature piece his brand has carried for years. They can be paired with any of his latest pieces (taffeta skirts, feather vests), or, as the lookbook suggests, a pair of worn denim jeans.

The ArteFino: Isang Dekada collection simultaneously serves as a prelude to his Tokyo runway show later this year. Just a few months ago, the designer presented his Inherited Stories at Bench Fashion Week’s Threads of Dreams show, which celebrated 70 years of Japan and the Philippines’ relationship through fashion. For its Tokyo re-run, Rhett plans to bring select looks from that showcase and produce a couple of new ones too.

Japan holds a sentimental significance for Rhett. Before it became one of his favorite destinations, it was first his late mother’s, who often flew out to source objects and textiles for her antique shop in Hong Kong and their home in Manila. It seems only natural that Rhett would have developed a keen appreciation for the country and its artistry. When he’s there, he frequents Dover Street Market and Isetan, and enjoys traipsing around Ebisu to discover up-and-coming designers.

“I’m really interested in fashion and what’s going on, even with the older designers or the younger designers. I really like looking at it in the stores rather than in the magazines,” he shares. Physical stores enable him an understanding of what brands offer beyond their show pieces. They also allow for interaction with the clothes themselves. “I research a lot on fabric. And I like to change it up all the time, even if it’s the same silhouette. Wherever I go, I go to a fabric store to see what they have available and what they’re using.”

Like many designers, Rhett collects fabrics before knowing what to make of them. One such material is a vintage textile crafted entirely in calado, a traditional open-faced embroidery. Calado is often used as accent points on barongs, but this time it’s presented almost like a knit garment in the form of a kimono. The women’s iteration is flanked with large piña bell sleeves reminiscent of a camisa, while the men’s version is rendered fully in calado, down to the roomy sleeves. Both are one-offs, like many of the pieces to be sold in ArteFino.

That includes piña garbs silkscreened and hand-painted with fashion sketches by designer Koko Gonzales, who was Rhett’s mentee in last year’s TernoCon. During the competition’s shortlisting process, Rhett picked out Koko’s design drawings from the submissions, not knowing who was behind them. Later, Koko would gift them to his teacher. This full-circle moment is also one that marks their first collaboration.

Over the years, the bond between Rhett and his TernoCon mentees began to strengthen and deepen. When Koko and TernoCon finalist Bryan Peralta are asked about the most valuable lesson they learned from him, they find themselves drawing a blank (though in earlier, separate conversations, they both describe Rhett as “nurturing”).

“Nakikinig ako ha!” Rhett jokingly quips, to which they respond with hearty laughter. There is no shortage of it between them.

“Do not overdesign,” Koko finally says, getting his thoughts in order. “Know your market,” Bryan adds. “There’s a reason why ang tagal na niyang [nandito].” He knows what works and what doesn’t, and that kind of instinct is what they’re learning to hone with him. There’s a palpable transfer of energy, an exchange of ideas made possible by a shared sense of humor and unconditional generosity.

Along with designers Patrick Lazol and Geom Hernandez, Koko and Bryan are constantly on the receiving end of Rhett’s many collected fabrics and even new clients he sends their way. The four played their parts in Rhett’s last two shows, helping sew some of the looks and dress the models. And yes, they say, they’ll be there for the Tokyo show too.

“These are opportunities we don’t normally get access to if we’re not connected to Sir Rhett,” Koko intimates.

“Feeling ko it comes with his success also… he feels secure about it,” Bryan reflects back. “And now he just wants to share.”

Rhett Eala’s new collection will be available at ArteFino: Isang Dekada from July 30 to August 2, 2026, at The Fifth at Rockwell and PowerPlant Mall.

Photographs by XAVIER MALLARI, courtesy of Rhett Eala. Styling by Neil de Guzman. Photographer’s Assistant: Hallvard Cano. Producers: Koko Gonzales and Bryan Johns-Peralta. Hair and Makeup: Sam Victor. Models: Ethan Nierras, Sidney Flores, Habiee Mondido, and Pedro Da Silva Diniz.