The Enlightened Ones

Illuminata brings together the best in Philippine art, fashion, and jewelry. Renowned artist Dominic Rubio, visionary fashion designer Ditta Sandico, and premier jewelry house Hoseki will unveil their latest collections during the by-invitation only event, slated for November 8, 2018 at Shangri-La at the Fort.

Illuminata reflects the artists’ journeys towards the enlightenment of their creative prowess. Gracing the runway are chic sustainable pieces by Ditta Sandico and stunning jewelry by Hoseki. The art of Dominic Rubio, including his collaborative works with Hoseki and Ditta Sandico, will be presented in an exhibition.

Faico of Hoseki, Ditta Sandico, and Dominic Rubio join forces for Illuminata

Regarding Illuminata, Ditta says: “The title alone can denote a lot of things, from finding the light within, to bringing light to others. It may also mean a spiritual approach to everything we do, in terms of fashion and the arts. We can bring this sense of lightness to all that we touch, whether we are into creating our own art, weaving fabric, designing clothes or accessories. It’s our connection to the spirit that touches our lives.”

“Wrap Artiste” Ditta Sandico showcases the versatility of Banaca fiber (banana and abaca) by creatively sculpting it into stylized swirls. She aims to have the texture of the fabric stand out on its own through fabric manipulation and by contrasting the lightness of the fibers against the stiffness and rigidity of the material.

Epitomizing the art of jewelry design, Hoseki is launching three collections— The New Maharlika, Fleurs de Nuit, and a collaboration between Hoseki and Dominic Rubio. They are revisiting and updating their Maharlika collection, which is based on prehistoric diggings in Butuan. Hoping to illuminate the past, the New Maharlika is inspired by gold artifacts discovered in Butuan and the adornments of elite individuals and their deities.

Taking off from the idea of gorgeous black blooms, Fleurs de Nuit (“Flowers of the Night”) juxtaposes rare Philippine Bronze Mabe Pearls with precious stones and hand-carved flowers made of black kamagong wood and carabao horn. Hoseki and Rubio’s joint collaboration is influenced by Rubio’s depictions of Filipinos during the Spanish colonial period in the late 19th century. Intricately detailed and meticulously crafted, these wearable sculptures capture the spirit of the age.Rubio’s works can be traced back to the tradition of Damian Domingo’s tipos del pais, featuring images of colonial grandeur from the turn of the century. However, Rubio’s paintings and sculptures for the gala feature a modern update, taking as design inspiration the style of Ditta Sandico and Hoseki.

Three special sculptures done by Rubio are going to be outfitted with Ditta Sandico’s wraps and Hoseki jewelry—an interaction between the three artists. The proportions of these figurative sculptures differ slightly from Rubio’s typical works in that they are more elongated and realistic, but it will mirror the statuesque models walking the runway during the fashion show.

The three have a history of working together. Ditta would sometimes borrow Hoseki pieces for her fashion shows, and vice versa. Hoseki has formed a partnership with Rubio, who is designing a jewelry line with them. Illuminata presents them with a unique opportunity for fruitful collaboration, born out of mutual respect and shared goals.

“I believe we are all together in bringing Filipino art and fashion to the fore of Philippine culture,” says Ditta. “I strongly believe that by showcasing the best of Philippine talent, we are taking one step in keeping our culture and heritage alive, as well as preserving indigenous and sustainable livelihoods.”