Art in Fashion was the unofficial style guide. Check out who’s who and who wore what at the 3rd Modern and Contemporary Art Festival

Words Maria Sophia Andrea E. Rosello
Featured photo courtesy of Jio Japson
July 7, 2024

Couture is one of the simplest yet most complex ways to express one’s artistry. This year’s Modern & Contemporary Art Festival (MOCAF 2024) showcased this beautifully, with everyone adding their own modern and contemporary twist.

Gold of the Orient
Rum Corvera, Special Projects Manager of Rojo Galerie
Taking inspiration from Rojo Galerie’s blend of futuristic and mystical themes, Corvera chose an Oriental outfit to match the gallery’s exhibit. The Davao local malong/batik paired with a Pablo Mendez kimono, further accented by gold accessories. The straw hat, described by the wearer as the piece that truly set the “oriental vibe,” was the cherry on top.

Photo by: Maria Sophia Andrea E. Rosello

Back to the Gothic Age
Genzel San Jose, Artist Attendee
San Jose’s standout gothic getup created an almost ghastly aura, contrasting sharply with the bright art on the walls and floor. Even as a simple witness to the event, San Jose’s style was in perfect harmony with the event’s motif.

Photo by: Maria Sophia Andrea E. Rosello

Simply Eye-Catching
Dada Bordado, Content Creator Attendee
The Project Pearls earrings were the main focus of Bordado's look. The black and white clothing pieces were chosen to draw attention to her adornments. To call it simple is an understatement, as it disregards how even the simplest pieces can exude style.

Photo by: Maria Sophia Andrea E. Rosello

Fit by (Own) Design
Carla Zhang, Designer and Artist with Art Toys PH
Behind every wonderful outfit stands a wonderful designer. Zhang’s textile exhibit with Art Toys PH wouldn’t have been complete without her showcasing her expertise in fabric through her fashion choices. The entire outfit, except for the skirt, was a creation of Zhang’s own design.

Photo by: Maria Sophia Andrea E. Rosello

Sweet Like Ice Candy
Rio Cuervo, Designer behind RIOtaso
Cuervo perfectly embodied her brand, RIOtaso, which emphasizes comfort and Filipino culture. She highlighted how comfort allowed her energy to shine through during long days at MOCAF. Besides the bestselling ICE ICE KENDI bag, the matching shoes mimicked the local favorite ice candy with see-through mesh showcasing scrap fabric, bringing the look to life.

Photo by: Maria Sophia Andrea E. Rosello

Rough Around the Soft Edges
Mimiyuuh, Celebrity Attendee
The internet celebrity combined contrasting styles with a soft top and rugged bottoms. The coordinated top and trousers from Lalune featured a sweetheart shape but maintained an edgy look with rugged bottoms. Describing the overall theme of the outfit, Mimiyuuh chose the word “purity!”

Photo by: Maria Sophia Andrea E. Rosello

Snazzy in Modern + Vintage
Gabbie Sarenas, Designer Attendee
Filipino designer Sarenas effortlessly blended old and new with her mix of modern and vintage pieces. Her oversized white polo and long black skirt exuded a laid-back charm, creating an effortlessly chic look.

Photo by: Maria Sophia Andrea E. Rosello

Baby’s First Art Fair
Shaun Castro, Content Creator Attendee
Taking inspiration from Japan’s Decora style, Castro ensured she looked like a piece of art herself at MOCAF. Her custom-made dress from Dolly Kaye Shop (@dollykayedresses on Instagram) perfectly complemented the bag and shoes she created.

Photo by: Maria Sophia Andrea E. Rosello

Nothin’ but a Dandy
Kenji Pascua, Artist Attendee
What began as an unexpected stop before a theater play turned into an opportunity to impress. Inspired by greenery, Pascua’s top from ḢA.MÜ (@ha.mu on Instagram) featured dandelions that he described as a “messy but curated” look.

Photo by: Maria Sophia Andrea E. Rosello

Art has evolved over the years, moving beyond sculptures and canvases to become wearable ensembles. Fashion has achieved the status of artwork that one can wear, as seen in the casual models you encounter daily.