Photographed by Artu Nepomuceno
Mark Bumgarner
Untitled“[These textiles] represent not merely a craft but a living tradition that tells stories and carries historical significance.”
“[These textiles] represent not merely a craft but a living tradition that tells stories and carries historical significance.”
For the Threads exhibit in Paris, Mark Bumgarner’s dress is a love letter to weaved stories: generations of knowledge and effort embodied in our textiles.
The piña and abaca textiles are made from resources native to the Philippines—the former from the fibers of pineapple leaves and the latter from banana tree leaves. Today you might see the fabric used in the collections of the crop of Filipino designers taking to the runways here and abroad, its resurgence credited to its abundance in the land. But designer Mark Bumgarner doesn’t want to leave their significance at that; there are stories woven in these textiles.
“To me, these fabrics are more than just artistic expressions,” he says. “They are integral to the identity and cultural practices of Filipino communities. They represent not merely a craft but a living tradition that tells stories and carries historical significance.”
For the Threads exhibit in Paris, Bumgarner aimed to “weave a visual narrative that connects the craft to the land it represents.” Hand-pleated abaca was worked across the bodice in petal-like pieces adorned with pearls. It tops a skirt made from individually cut layers of piña and abaca for depth and movement. He elaborates, “The floral design of the abaca textile celebrates the Philippines’ rich flora and fauna, drawing inspiration from the lush, vibrant plant life native to the country.”
Largely, the piece is a dialogue between material and the land it comes from. Within the airy piña and the densely woven abaca, there is a well of knowledge honed through time. “These techniques, passed down through generations,” Bumgarner says, “are deeply embedded in community life and rituals, with each piece carrying symbolism and storytelling that reflects the social and spiritual dimensions of our culture.”
On its second anniversary, Vogue Philippines invites homegrown and global creatives to Vogue Threads, an experience that weaves Philippine culture, creativity, and community into the world. Its inaugural edition celebrates Filipino artistry and heritage, through an exhibit featuring the works of designers from the islands of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Photographer: Artu Nepomuceno. Art Director: Jann Pascua. Fashion Editor: David Milan. Production Designer: Riza Rosal. Producer: Anz Hizon, Bianca Zaragoza. Photography Assistants: Odan Juan, Lou Fajardo. Styling Assistants: KJ Villanueva, Miguel Rafael Timbol. Production Design Assistant: Christian Manlunas. PR Associate: Sophia Correa. Backdrop: Espacio Creativo Escolta.
