Happy Andrada wears Sanso art on her sleeve
The line between art and fashion has always been blurred, as each creative discipline happily crosses into the other and back. Such was the case with the recent Sanso x Happy Andrada fashion show, presented by Fundacion Sanso, in partnership with Discovery Primea.
Everything about the event was a celebration—from the way Happy Andrada reinterpreted Sanso’s different collections into wearable pieces of art, to the music of three different groups that set the tone for the night, to the fashionable address that is Discovery Primea. Adding meaning to this joyful collaboration was the generous donation of proceeds from the sale of art and fashion pieces to fund scholarship and arts programs, further sustaining this happy cycle.
For designer Happy Andrada, the project was a perfect fit.
“Juvenal Sanso’s artworks are really magical and easy to be inspired by,” she said. “He has quite a diverse body of work, from melancholic to floral, but it’s the balance of colors and darkness that makes it relatable for me.”
She added, “It was just supposed to be 18 pieces, but I was so happy working on it that the collection evolved into 30! Sanso also did printmaking, and I learned printmaking, too, in the US. He was an illustrator for Balenciaga. I love Balenciaga, and I illustrate, too.”
The one-of-a-kind barong bibs she created are easy to wear and gender-neutral, utilizing both traditional and modern techniques such as hand-painting, airbrushing, laser-cutting, crochet, beadwork, felting, pleating, smocking, and embroidery. Her love for Philippine textiles is evident in the fabrics she sourced from Ilocos, Baguio, Cavite, Aklan, Basilan, Lake Sebu, and Sulu. She also collaborated with artisanal groups Hiblang Cavite, Narda’s Weaves and Harvest Collective.
Guests were welcomed at the foyer of Discovery Primea by an art and fashion display and the sentimental music of Rondalla de Canoy. The show opened with the vocal harmony group Acapellago, while the models were accompanied by the music ensemble Anima Tierra, whose lively beats had them practically dancing as they moved down the runway.
Fabric flowers bloomed, and landscapes unfolded across the pieces. Bibs inspired by seascapes were matched with swirly skirts that moved like ocean waves. Brilliant beadwork and vivid colors echoed those of Sanso’s vibrant sunsets in his Moderno collection, while black-and-white pieces reflected his Black Bouquet series. Happy even created miniature versions of her collection for dolls, which are also for sale.
Happy’s husband, Tanguy Gras, provided Chilean wines for the evening: a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc with bright citrus notes and a bold Cabernet Sauvignon with hints of pepper and ripe berries. At Happy’s Quezon City atelier, they sell wines from around the world representing all major wine regions, personally selected by Tanguy. They also offer a wine bar, wine-and-cheese classes, and event services for occasions such as weddings.
Complementing the wines were delicious contemporary takes on Filipino finger food by Discovery Primea, making the art and fashion event a feast for all the senses.
