At Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), creativity becomes a powerful platform for environmental advocacy through “VERDANCE: Climate Justice,” a cross-disciplinary fashion showcase that transforms concerns about climate change and ecological issues into wearable art.
The collaborative project brings together the talents of third-year Clothing, Fashion, and Design (CFD) students under the guidance of Prof. Ma. Stefanie I. Caintic and fourth-year Interior Design students led by IDr. Veronica Labita-Arong. The showcase highlights how fashion, design, and storytelling can work together to communicate urgent social and environmental messages.
The production was presented as part of the 1st ARKI EXPO organized by the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) – Leyte Chapter, providing EVSU’s design programs an opportunity to showcase their creativity in a public setting at the Robinsons North Activity Area.
More than a fashion show, “VERDANCE: Climate Justice” became a collaborative learning experience. The entire CFD 344 class, composed of 17 students, handled various aspects of production—from model choreography and stage preparation to styling and backstage management. Meanwhile, Interior Design students contributed by creating accessories that complemented each collection, adding depth and symbolism to the runway presentation.
Supporting the production behind the scenes were 16 students from the AFT 123 Fashion Design and Illustration class, who served as dressers, organizers, and backstage assistants. Their work ensured the smooth transition of each design from preparation to presentation.
The success of the showcase was also made possible through the support of community partners, including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), local creatives, patrons, and establishments that helped strengthen the production. Their contributions demonstrated the importance of collaboration in advancing local creative industries.
Before reaching the runway, each collection underwent a detailed process of conceptualization, fabric selection, pattern development, construction, and styling. Designers participated in consultations, work-in-progress evaluations, and panel reviews that helped refine their ideas and align their designs with the overall theme of climate justice.
The search for models also reflected the inclusive spirit of the project. Through an open casting call shared through social media, the production gathered 31 runway models from Tacloban and nearby communities. The final lineup included students from different academic programs such as Architecture, Hospitality Management, Business, Engineering, and Education, as well as guest models from Leyte Normal University (LNU) and local communities.
During the showcase, the runway became a visual narrative of nature, heritage, environmental challenges, and the future of the planet. Twelve collections carried the audience through different interpretations of climate realities.
The presentation opened with “Anito Canopy” by Cloe-Ann Tabuclao, a collection inspired by indigenous heritage and traditional craftsmanship. Featuring elements that celebrate local materials and cultural identity, the piece established the connection between nature and community.
Other collections—including “Wild Verdure,” “Dahum,” “Sylvan Strata,” “Verdelune,” “Elysian Ensembles,” “Evergreen Reverie,” “Verdant Fleur,” “Sylvan Sovereign,” “Elarbor,” and “Bulong ng Kagubatan”—explored themes of environmental preservation, ecological balance, and humanity’s relationship with nature.
The showcase reached its emotional climax with “Prophecy of Sand” by Noel Joshua Maguad and Cedric Jorge Porta, a collection that portrayed the devastating possibilities of climate change through the imagery of drought and a fragile future. The designs served as a warning about the consequences of environmental neglect.
As the final collection left the runway, “VERDANCE: Climate Justice” proved that fashion can be more than visual expression. It can become a platform for awareness, advocacy, and meaningful conversation.
Through the creativity of young designers, the showcase transformed climate concerns into stories that could be seen and felt. It demonstrated that when art is combined with purpose, fashion becomes a powerful tool for change.
“VERDANCE: Climate Justice” leaves a lasting reminder: clothing can carry messages, designs can inspire action, and creativity can help shape a more conscious future.
Fashion is not only worn—it speaks, challenges, and advocates.
