The Philippines is known for its pristine beaches and genuine hospitality and warmth. Today, even Filipino fashion is constantly being put into the spotlight. This lead Filipino fashion brand Plains & Prints to celebrate iconic traditional silhouettes while also highlighting the beauty of our country’s capital, Manila. Lensed by seasoned Filipino photographer Mark Nicdao and fronted by Anne Curtis, the PLAINS & PRINTS | MARK NICDAO| MANILA collection celebrates iconic landmarks of Manila and have made a collection meant to worn and re-worn across generations.

Anne wearing the Luneta Top and Luneta Skirt while being photographed by Mark Nicdao

The collection perfectly captures the beauty and history enveloped in our capital. Well-known historical sights like Paco Park, Rizal Park, The Manila Metropolitan Theater, Clock Tower, Intramuros, and the National Museum are elegantly translated and printed onto Plains & Prints everyday-wear—from separates to stunning dresses.

The mission of the collection is simple: to promote Manila to tourists and re-invigorate the younger generation to the beauty of our city. Simply put, it’s a sartorial celebration of our very own.

When you’re promoting tourism, it’s not just about the beaches, sites, and locations. It’s also about fashion. Fashion is [a way of expression] and it can give people another way to see Manila,” says Plains & Prints Founder Roxanne Farillas.

Anne wearing the Ermita dress

Who else to beautifully capture Manila’s essence but one of the Philippines’ top photographers Mark Nicdao. Mark tirelessly and freely walked through the streets of Old Manila to experience the grit and ingenuity of the city for himself. “I’ve been to a lot of those places, but I’ve never really explored it up close. Then seeing them on the clothes was pretty amazing,” shares Mark.

From this collaboration, standouts were the Quintin top, a sleeveless collared top, reminiscent of our traditional Barong Tagalog and Serano pleated skirt with the print of Paco Park. In the campaign, Anne is seen wearing the printed pieces with the the supersized prints of the Mark’s photographs in the backdrop.

Anne wearing the Quintin Top with Inner and Serano Pleated Skirt

Plains & Prints muse Anne Curtis also fronts the campaign and is humbled by the privilege. “They’re all so close to home. The collections before had portraits from all over the world, but this is specifically focused on Manila. That’s what makes it super special to me,” Anne says.

This collection lets Filipinos wear a piece of home, and it’s truly a special set of clothes of our time.

Plains & Prints X Mark Nicdao Manila collection will be available nationwide by September 15, 2023, with an exclusive preview shopping experience from September 6 to 12 at SM Mall of Asia, Main Mall Atrium; September 6 to 10 at Plains & Prints Glorietta and SM Davao; and online starting September 6 at plainsandprints.com and Plains & Prints Zalora.

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