Carla Gem Buyo

Thread of Dreams: How Three Filipino Designers Are Weaving 70 Years of Japan-Philippine Friendship

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<p>One of the standout moments during <strong>Bench Fashion Week SS26</strong> has moved from the runway to the gallery. The &quot;<strong>Threads of Dreams</strong>&quot; exhibition showcases bespoke creations by renowned designers <strong>Jaggy Glarino</strong>, <strong>Rhett Eala</strong>, and Joey Samson<strong></strong>. This exhibition honors the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations and friendship between Japan and the Philippines.</p><div><br/></div><p>The designers had the opportunity to create an elegant masterclass in cultural fusion, featuring designs that blend traditional elements—skillfully combining the classic Japanese kimono with delicate, hand-woven Filipino piña fabric.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Jaggy Glarino </strong></div><p>Making his return last Bench Fashion Week SS26, Jaggy Glarino offers a masterful take on cross-border craftsmanship, where he highlighted, “I am back to tell my story again.”</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17817731664471.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo Courtesy of Bench</span></span></span></div><p>Jaggy honors the 70-year bond between the two nations by seamlessly stitching authentic Japanese kimonos into indigenous T’boli artistry. His collection draws heavy inspiration from the history of migration and ancestral roots in Mindanao, reshaping stories of human movement and heritage into a cutting-edge, modern shape. Jaggy&#x27;s visionary approach aligns with the rising worldwide fascination with Southeast Asian style—a topic he recently highlighted as a guest speaker at the Business of Fashion forum, where he discussed the international relevance of regional design narratives.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Rhett Eala </strong></div><p>Rhett Eala, the essence of this collection is rooted entirely in its textile history. In an exclusive backstage interview with Metro, Rhett shares that he used “100-year-old fabrics as a canvas for my designs.”</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17817731793892.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo Courtesy of Bench</span></span></span></div><p>Rhett&#x27;s creative spark stems from his mother&#x27;s 1970s travels to Japan. Growing up surrounded by the heirloom textiles, curiosities, and mementos she brought back, he developed a deep, lifelong appreciation for Japanese design. The resulting collection translates personal nostalgia into high-fashion drama, juxtaposing oversized, sweeping silhouettes with bold, experimental headwear. It is a poignant reflection on memory, backed by Eala&#x27;s three decades of defining the look of modern Filipino elegance.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Joey Samson</strong></div><p>Bold, emotional, and deeply intuitive, Joey Samson’s contribution reimagines history through design. His pieces spark an imaginative conversation between two distinct cultural muses: the classic Una Bulaqueña and Japan&#x27;s O Sei San. Often celebrated as fashion&#x27;s “garment surgeon,” Samson is famous for his analytical, precise tailoring. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17817732086663.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo Courtesy of Bench</span></span></span></div><p>For this showcase, he dissects and reconstructs traditional clothing to find the exact sweet spot where Filipino and Japanese design languages meet. Visitors should look out for deconstructed garments that challenge traditional shapes, serene and gentle floral patterns, and dramatic, oversized Japanese umbrellas. Joey&#x27;s disciplined, avant-garde style has earned him global acclaim, with past showcases spanning Paris, Tokyo, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.</p><div><br/></div><div><em>Experience the exhibition firsthand at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila in BGC, running from June 3 through July 26.</em></div>

<p>Take a closer look at Joey Samson, Rhett Eala, and Jaggy Glarino's creations for 'Thread of Dreams'.</p>

Take a closer look at Joey Samson, Rhett Eala, and Jaggy Glarino's creations for 'Thread of Dreams'.

How Three Filipino Designers Reimagined 70 Years of Japan-Philippines Friendship Through Fashion

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How Three Filipino Designers Reimagined 70 Years of Japan-Philippines Friendship Through Fashion

Sophia Ancheta

Published June 19, 2026 12:30 PM PHT

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Bench Thread of Dreams

Joey Samson

Rhett Eala

Jaggy Glarino

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