Fashion meets Pop at Libiran & SB19’s ‘Fast Zone’
Francis, fashion and music can indeed mix—without one being a mere accessory to the other.
In what can only be described as a true creative tour de force, fashion designer Francis Libiran and Filipino boy band SB19 joined forces for a one-of-a-kind spectacle that was equal parts concert and fashion show in Fast Zone, staged recently at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“It felt surreal,” Francis recalled. “Seeing everything unfold—the lights, the sound, the performers, the clothes—was like watching an idea grow into a revolution.”
For Fast Zone, Francis created an astounding 250 looks—20 worn by SB19’s Stell, Pablo, Ken, Josh and Justin; 80 by the dancers; and 150 by the models. In keeping with the concert’s high-energy mood, each piece was designed to move—literally and emotionally. These included modernized iterations of the barong, terno and kimono tops, reinvented with oversized butterfly sleeves, bibs, and more.
Showing his chops as an architect, Francis’ stage-cum-runway featured movable scaffolding that could rival concert stages in foreign venues. It was the perfect backdrop for the boy band, which celebrates its seventh anniversary in 2025, and for guest performer Sarah G., who surprised the crowd later that night.
“I’ve always believed that fashion should evolve with the times, and Fast Zone became that turning point—a new kind of runway that moves to the rhythm of pop culture,” Francis, whose designs are often seen in soirees and hotel ballrooms, worn by A-listers, doyennes of high society and those to the manor born, told me. “It represents a new chapter for my brand—what I call Pop Culture Couture. It’s a reinvention of couture, merging craftsmanship and elegance with the energy of today’s cultural pulse.”
A day after the sold-out show—a term not often used to describe such fashion events—Francis shared that the idea for the collaboration began a year ago. His business partner and CEO, Arsi Baltazar, had envisioned mounting a fashion show in a large, iconic venue like the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The twist? It would also be a concert.
“We wanted to use two powerful platforms for creativity and cultural expression. When I heard it, I immediately knew SB19 was the perfect fit,” said Francis. “They represent the essence of modern Filipino artistry—disciplined, authentic, and unafraid to evolve. Their energy and artistry perfectly embodied what we wanted Fast Zone to stand for: youth, innovation, and identity.”
For Francis, creating a show that broke boundaries and brought fashion into a space where it could connect with a younger, more dynamic audience marks a new chapter in his career. The multi-hyphenate designer—who is also an architect and furniture designer—sees Fast Zone as a pivotal moment.
Deconstructed suits, wide-legged pants that resemble the Japanese hakama, and dresses with exaggerated Victorian sleeves also gave the runway a more varied and nuanced feel.
“Each look was built around rhythm, form, and performance,” he said. “I wanted every outfit to reflect the energy of the music and the individuality of each performer.”
The concert-fashion show also featured different collections, each focusing on either “Weave, Stitch, Ripple, Pulse, or Light,” which Francis sees as important elements in his creative process. For their part, SB19 brought such ideas to life with solo performances that complemented these
At the end of the show, fans of both SB19 and Francis left the Big Dome on Cloud Nine—not just with memories but also with a renewed appreciation for couture and high fashion.
Francis sought out Arsi and his team to share the moment. “This was our shared vision, and it was important to acknowledge how far we’ve come together.”
