Rising Above the Flood: John Guarnes’s
Bold Statement at
Paris Fashion Week
Bold Statement at
Paris Fashion Week
By:RB Borinaga
In a powerful blend of art, fashion, and social reflection, John Guarnes unveiled a collection at Paris Fashion Week that captured the world’s attention. Far from the usual couture spectacle, Guarnes’s collection was inspired by the real-life struggles of Filipinos facing floods amid a major and ongoing corruption scandal in the Philippines.
The scandal—marked by allegations of massive corruption, “ghost” projects, substandard infrastructure, and billions of pesos in kickbacks—has left countless communities vulnerable. From this harsh reality, Guarnes drew inspiration, transforming pain into purpose and tragedy into art.
Each design told a story of resilience and hope. Flowing silhouettes mirrored the movement of floodwaters, while structured forms embodied strength and survival. Most striking were the 3D fabric sculpture houses intricately incorporated into the garments—standing tall amid symbolic “flood” textures. These miniature structures served as poignant metaphors for the Filipino spirit: grounded, enduring, and unshaken even when surrounded by chaos.
To deepen the artistic dialogue, Guarnes collaborated with two acclaimed Filipino artists—Honesto Guirella II of Bahay ni Estong and Lander Blanza—whose craftsmanship brought cultural and emotional depth to the collection. Their artistry fused with Guarnes’s design vision, turning each piece into a living testament to the Filipino capacity to rebuild and rise.
The show, presented by Dang Morales Bricca of Global Fashion Glam through her Zora Fashion House, drew amazement from audiences at Le Bourbon Hotel in Paris. Critics praised the collection not only for its craftsmanship but also for its powerful message—a reminder that fashion can serve as a mirror to society and a catalyst for awareness.
John Guarnes’s collection stood as a tribute to the resilience, creativity, and unbreakable spirit of the Filipino people. In a week filled with beauty and extravagance, his work resonated as a call for empathy, unity, and change—proving that couture can indeed rise from the flood.
The scandal—marked by allegations of massive corruption, “ghost” projects, substandard infrastructure, and billions of pesos in kickbacks—has left countless communities vulnerable. From this harsh reality, Guarnes drew inspiration, transforming pain into purpose and tragedy into art.
Each design told a story of resilience and hope. Flowing silhouettes mirrored the movement of floodwaters, while structured forms embodied strength and survival. Most striking were the 3D fabric sculpture houses intricately incorporated into the garments—standing tall amid symbolic “flood” textures. These miniature structures served as poignant metaphors for the Filipino spirit: grounded, enduring, and unshaken even when surrounded by chaos.
To deepen the artistic dialogue, Guarnes collaborated with two acclaimed Filipino artists—Honesto Guirella II of Bahay ni Estong and Lander Blanza—whose craftsmanship brought cultural and emotional depth to the collection. Their artistry fused with Guarnes’s design vision, turning each piece into a living testament to the Filipino capacity to rebuild and rise.
The show, presented by Dang Morales Bricca of Global Fashion Glam through her Zora Fashion House, drew amazement from audiences at Le Bourbon Hotel in Paris. Critics praised the collection not only for its craftsmanship but also for its powerful message—a reminder that fashion can serve as a mirror to society and a catalyst for awareness.
John Guarnes’s collection stood as a tribute to the resilience, creativity, and unbreakable spirit of the Filipino people. In a week filled with beauty and extravagance, his work resonated as a call for empathy, unity, and change—proving that couture can indeed rise from the flood.
