CEBU CITY - In a bold move that would see local fashion break in the international fashion industry, the Fashion Council of Cebu (FCC), comprised of Cebuano fashion designers, is now looking at the possibility of exporting their products overseas. "We are confident in making it in the international fashion industry because we have faith in our local designers and their creativity," said FCC President Philip Rodriguez. Rodriguez said initially, designers here are tapping foreign tourists as consumers. While currently, majority of the designers cater to the local market, they are now being approached by foreign nationals who contract their services for a variety of apparel.
Fashion designer Dexter Alazas, for instance, said a bulk of his clients are from the local market including personalities from Metro Manila, but he is now getting job orders from a growing number of "balikbayans" needing gowns for special such special events as debuts, weddings, and other formal functions.
"Cebu-based fashion designers are thriving," Alazas said. "In fact they are growing in number because the industry continues to be promising and they never run out of ideas." The FCC bared its members will participate in the 2nd Philippine-Russian Business Forum and Exhibition (PRBFEX) to be held this October 21-24, which, Rodriguez said, could jumpstart its export market potential. "This is unexplored territory for us but the rewards will be worth it," he told a press conference.
