Maligaya’s Fashion Week Asia Collection Pays Homage to the Philippine Seas

A little summer in the middle of October. Roko Arceo of Maligaya pushes the boundaries of sustainable fashion with his latest collection for Fashion Week Asia. Celebrating the richness of the underwater world while acknowledging rising ocean temperatures, coral bleaching, and environmental degradation, the collection transforms reclaimed textiles and vintageVintageClothing, accessories, or objects from an earlier era, usually at least twenty years old, that are valued for their style, quality, and character. Vintage shopping offers unique pieces that fewGo to Vintage Glossary materials into striking structures that reflect the brand’s commitment to sustainability.

While elements of previous Maligaya collections remain evident, Arceo takes a new approach to his latest runway offering. We caught up with the designer backstage after the show, where he shared that the collection represents a natural progression in his work. 

Arceo made a name for himself in the Philippine fashion scene by turning deadstock fabrics into intricate, beautifully tailored pieces. That craftsmanship remains at the heart of his latest showcase, but there is a noticeable shift in how he works with these materials. Rather than relying on the fabrics and their prints to speak for themselves, he reimagines and reconstructs them into entirely new forms.

The womenswear evokes corals and pearls through intricate crochet and knitwearKnitwearClothing made from knitted fabric, such as sweaters, cardigans, polos, and vests, ranging from chunky wool to fine cotton. Lightweight knit polos have become a favorite for the Philippine climate,Go to Knitwear Glossary, while the menswear sees Arceo step outside his usual repertoire of statement pieces, with tropical resortwear rendered in rich silk, nets, and jewel tones. The pieces conjure images of vacationing on the waters of Palawan, bringing a distinctly Filipino sensibility to the collection. Together, they capture the Maligaya approach to sustainability: giving existing materials a new lease on life while paying homage to the natural beauty of the Philippines and its oceans.