New York City — Filipino children with autism splurged their creativity on pinya fabrics fashioned into shawls, wraps, skirts and evening wear by designer Anthony Legarda. Their creations were the highlight of a recent fashion show at the Philippine Center in Manhattan to commemorate the World Autism Day on September 29.
The masterpieces by Filipino National Artists Jose Joya, Vicente Manansala and Mauro Malang, among others served as inspiration for the designs made by the young artists with autism.
Anthony Legarda with his models
The Fashion Arts Autism Benefit Fashion Show, held at the Gallery Lobby of the Philippine Center, was sponsored by the Philippine Consulate General, the Philippine Mission to the United Nations, and the Autism Hearts Foundation.
Philippine Consul General to New York Amb. Mario De Leon Jr. hailed the program partners in their work that uplifts the lives of persons diagnosed with autism and to increase the public understanding of the condition.
After a tour in Manila, San Francisco, New York and Geneva, the gowns will be put on international auction in April 2016, in time for the celebration of the next World Autism Awareness Day.
The yearlong fashion tour will come full circle in April 2017, with the gowns given to the winning bidders in Manila. According to organizers, the proceeds of the auction will help the participating artists save up for their future.
(A press release from the Philippine Consulate General of New York. The featured photo, taken by Ms. Lumen Castaneda, is Amb. Mario de Leon Jr. and Mrs. Eleanor de Leon)
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