Slim’s Fashion & Arts School, under De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, is launching a series of Saturday workshops on couture Filipiniana techniques in celebration of National Heritage Month this May.
The program is organized with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority through Juana Creatives, a co-working and skills hub for women freelancers, hobbyists, cultural practitioners, and design entrepreneurs.
The first workshop, “Art of Embellishments,” introduces traditional and contemporary artisanal methods, guiding participants in transforming garments into hand-finished statement pieces that emphasize texture, depth, and material understanding.
It will be led by designer Aan Pineda, whose industry work includes stints with Dar Noor Designs, Fanny Serrano Couture, and Golden ABC. Sessions are scheduled on May 23 and 30, and June 6 and 13, with a registration fee of P12,500.
A second module, “Pañuelo-making,” focuses on the cultural significance and design of the embroidered Filipino neck scarf or shawl. Participants will learn fabric preparation, color application, and design techniques, combining traditional textile approaches with contemporary fabric painting.
The workshop will be conducted by visual artist and costume designer Edgar San Diego, a past recipient of the Manila Fashion Designers Awards Haute Couture Designer of the Year. It will run on June 20 and 27, with a fee of P7,500.
The final workshop, “Crafting the Filipiniana Butterfly Sleeve,” covers pattern drafting, cutting, hand-sewing, and finishing techniques for creating the signature sleeve without machine stitching.
It will be facilitated by designer and educator Joseph Richard Papa, whose work has been featured in international competitions, including the Concours International des Jeunes Créateurs de Mode in Paris. Sessions are set on July 4 and 11, with a fee of P7,500.
All workshops are open to the public and will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Juana Creatives Hub inside the TESDA Complex on East Service Road, South Superhighway, Taguig City. Materials will be provided.
For details, visit Slim’s Fashion School on Facebook or email admissions.slims@benilde.edu.ph.
