November 8, 2024

Artist Carmela Geisert brought the timeless beauty of the Filipiniana to Paris with her participation in the art and fashion exhibition, La Mode En Moi (The Fashion in Me), which was part of the Business Art Fair this October at Espace Nesle, Paris Saint-Germain-des-Prés. The exhibition featured the works of Geisert and 24 other talented Filipina artists from around the globe, offering a unique fusion of fashion and art.

Geisert’s collection is a tribute to the renowned Filipino fashion designer Ole Morabe. Morabe, a celebrated figure in the Philippine fashion industry, is known for his groundbreaking Modern Filipiniana designs. For over four decades, he has masterfully blended traditional Filipino elements with contemporary fashion, creating elegant and innovative garments that resonate both in the Philippines and internationally.

Carmela Geisert has long been a muse of Ole Morabe, often gracing the runway in his creations. Her current artworks are titled Fleur de Ole, a nod to Morabe’s influence and to her personal connection with his designs. Each painting reflects the profound cultural narrative and timeless elegance found in Morabe’s fashion, which seamlessly combines Filipino heritage with modern style.

Geisert’s work is further enriched by her collaboration with Gabrielle “Gab” Pangilinan, a Filipino student based in France. Gab, who embodies the spirit of the Filipino youth, was chosen by Geisert to represent her in Paris. Despite living abroad, Gab remains deeply connected to her Filipino roots, a connection she shares with her mother, Glaiza Labrague, both of whom practice bayanihan—the Filipino tradition of communal unity and helping others. As Gab walks the runway for the first time, she will undoubtedly embody the fusion of cultural pride and contemporary fashion that Geisert seeks to celebrate in her artwork.

La Mode En Mo offered a unique opportunity to experience the artistry of Filipina women and the vibrant spirit of Filipino culture on an international stage.