Paul Cabral’s ‘Una’ set the stage for purposeful fashion

The debut runway presentation married Filipino textile with contemporary flair

For over two decades, Filipino fashion designer Paul Cabral has catered to a diverse clientele both locally and internationally. With a discerning eye for style, he has become the go-to designer for world leaders, celebrities, and couples exchanging vows.

This year, Paul marked a new milestone in his career with the unveiling of his inaugural fashion show, “Una.” Staged at the historic Laperal Mansion (Arlegui Guest House) in Manila, the showcase paid homage to traditional Filipino attire, creating a fitting backdrop for the presentation. Emphasizing the luxurious sheen and lightweight properties of the piña fabric, the collection offered a refreshing and playful reinterpretation of Filipiniana silhouettes, ideal for the summer season.

For menswear, the pieces showcased a contemporary twist on the barong, incorporating patterned and printed designs on the sheer fabric. Other ensembles included coordinated sets with either shorts or pants, along with a selection of pieces featuring a modern cropped and sleeveless look.

Standout pieces in the collection featured floral appliques, barongs adorned with sequins, and sleeveless tops embellished with gems.

Beyond showcasing his craftsmanship, Paul also advocates for uplifting Filipino design and the creative industry through “Una.” A portion of the proceeds from this collection will be donated to Fashion Aid Philippines (F.A.P.) which is a non-stock, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the next generation of Filipino talents. Through F.A.P., Paul envisions fostering collaborations between weavers, tailors, designers, and beauty artists, nurturing the industry’s growth while celebrating Filipino culture and ingenuity.