Happy Andrada brings 25 years of iconic designs to one runway

Known for her avant-garde designs, Andrada redefines modern fashion with artistic partnerships and local textiles.

Fashion designer Happy Andrada marked her 25th year in the industry with a runway spectacle that brought together Filipino craftsmanship, contemporary design and live musical performances at the BGC Arts Center on October 17.

Held as part of Pinoy Playlist Musikahan 2026, the anniversary show featured 25 iconic creations from Andrada’s archives, alongside a new collection inspired by traditional Philippine textiles, funk and disco.

The presentation was accompanied by performances from acclaimed vocal group The CompanY and Anima Tierra, transforming the runway into a celebration of fashion and original Filipino music.

25 years of Filipino creativity

Andrada, the festival’s sole featured fashion designer this year, revisited collections previously showcased in London, Paris, Amsterdam, Tokyo and Seoul. For the first time, these creations appeared together on one runway, tracing her evolution as an internationally recognized Filipino designer.

Her latest collection offered a playful interpretation of Philippine heritage, combining indigenous textiles from different regions into single ensembles to symbolize unity.

Among the traditional fabrics featured in her work are binakol, Yakan, T’nalak, pis siyabit, inaul, piña and inabel, complemented by embroidery, beadwork and experimental silhouettes.

Known for her avant-garde approach, Andrada has consistently challenged conventional fashion through unconventional shapes, artistic collaborations and inventive use of Filipino materials.

Her recent projects include transforming the artworks of celebrated painter Juvenal Sansó into wearable creations through a collaboration with Fundación Sansó, as well as participating in South Korea’s Youngwol Fashion Art Biennale.

Fashion without age limits

The anniversary presentation also celebrated inclusivity, featuring models from different generations, including senior personalities from the business, design and civic sectors.

For footwear, Andrada partnered with Skechers, choosing designs that combined comfort with contemporary style. Accessories were provided by Farah Abu and Zarah Juan.

The show, directed by Raymund Ramirez Seranillo, formed part of Pinoy Playlist Musikahan, a festival curated by National Artist Ryan Cayabyab alongside Moy Ortiz, Noel Ferrer and Maria Isabel Garcia.

Reflecting on her milestone, Andrada expressed gratitude to the people who helped shape her career.

“Twenty-five years in fashion has been an incredible journey. I’m grateful for every opportunity, every collaboration and everyone who has supported me along the way,” she said.

For Andrada, the anniversary was more than a retrospective. It was a statement that Filipino fashion can remain deeply rooted in tradition while continuing to experiment, evolve and command attention on the international stage.

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