Davao-based designers insulted’ by Miss U organizing committee.
Davao-based fashion designers were disappointed to the decision of the Miss Universe committee to hand over the privilege of dressing up some of the candidates to a “non-Mindananoan” designer.
A group of Davao-based fashion designer criticized the decision of the Miss Universe pageant hosting committee for choosing industry veteran Renee Salud to head the fashion show that will be held in Davao City starting January 19.
Davao designers released their statement on Tuesday.
“Call it proper and befitting, the Mindanaoan designers have all the rights and benefits to best represent the distinctive fashion and style of Mindanao, in the first place,” the statement said.
In the statement of the Davao-based fashion designers, they said that they are insulted with the committee’s proposal to have them dress up local models instead.
In a recent news report of ABS-CBN news, Alfonso”Boy” Guinoo, the region’s widely recognized fashion czar supported the group’s stand.
“I am displeased by the insensitivity of the Miss Universe Committee, led by Department of Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo to allow Renee Salud, a non-Mindanaon designer, to showcase the tapestry of Mindanao fashion in the Davao event of Miss Universe,” he said.
Despite the Criticism of the Davao fashion designers, Renee Salud defended the committees’ decision.
Salud revealed that the decision was approved by DOT chief Wanda Teo.
“I’m very sorry kung na-insulto sila but I don’t mean to harm them,” said Salud. “Actually, designer din ako ng Davao. I had my shop there for 15 years. And medyo nag-lay low lang kami doon pero I would consider myself a Davao designer pa rin,” Salud said.
Salud also clarified that his gowns will be made out of Mindananaon silk and pointed out that the spotlight will not be on him, but on the province’s women weavers who will be making the outfits
“Ang weavers dito ang shino-showcase kaya wala nang tampuhan,” he said.