Fundacion Sansó presents Sansó X Happy Andrada: “Art Inspires Fashion” in partnership with Discovery Primea, a striking 30-piece collection by acclaimed designer Happy Andrada inspired by the rich visual legacy of Presidential Medal of Merit awardee, artist Juvenal Sansó.
Blending Andrada’s love for Philippine textiles and artisanal craftsmanship with Sansó’s celebrated imagery, from his iconic Black Bouquets and florals to his hand-painted photo slides, abstracts, and Moderno Series, this collaboration presents a dynamic dialogue between fashion and fine art. United by a shared affinity for vibrant color, innovation, and emotional expression, the collection reimagines Sansó’s expansive oeuvre through Andrada’s wearable art.
Though widely recognized for his evocative Brittany landscapes and floral paintings, Sansó also maintained a lesser-known yet significant connection to the world of fashion. As a young student in Paris, he supported himself by creating textile designs for European fashion houses including Bianchini-Ferrier and Synergie. His breakthrough came after selling a portfolio of designs to the House of Balenciaga, enabling him to devote himself fully to painting.
For Andrada, a recipient of the Ani ng Dangal Award from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Artist of the Year at the International Fashion Art Biennale in Seoul, this collection reflects a deeply intuitive creative process shaped by Philippine art and material traditions.
“My process was very intuitive; I chose the works that resonated with me on an emotional level,” Andrada explains when asked about how she created this collection. “I was drawn to pieces I could translate into fabric through texture, movement, and detail. From there, I explored how those emotions could take shape in silhouettes and materials, allowing the garments to reflect the same mood and depth as the paintings.”
The collection highlights one-of-a-kind barong bibs conceived as gender-neutral pieces with a universal fit, embodying both inclusivity and craftsmanship. To reinterpret Sansó’s celebrated motifs, Andrada incorporated an array of indigenous Philippine materials, handwoven textiles, and upcycled eco-conscious accents.
Each piece combines modern and traditional dressmaking techniques, including hand-painting, airbrushing, laser-cutting, crochet, beadwork, felting, pleating, smocking, punch-needle work, embroidery, and more. The designer sourced different woven fabrics from weaving communities across the country, such as Ilocos, Baguio, Cavite, Sulu, Basilan, Lake Sebu, and Aklan. She also collaborated with artisanal groups including Hiblang Cavite, Narda’s Weaves, and Harvest Collective, further strengthening the connection between contemporary fashion and local craftsmanship.
Adding to the prestige of the collaboration is the partnership with Discovery Primea, one of Manila’s premier hotels, the host for the exhibition and fashion show. This partnership highlights the hotel’s celebration of artistic legacy and contemporary Filipino design. Discovery Primea believes that great artistry deserves a setting equally considered exceptional.
Where artistry and fine living finds its place, the hotel remains a vibrant space for quiet refinement. In a city constantly in motion, creativity is welcomed and art naturally becomes part of the hotel’s experience. Long appreciated by discerning travelers and Manila’s cultural community alike, the hotel continues to champion Filipino artistry through meaningful collaborations, intimate gatherings, and experiences that celebrate craft in all its forms. Offering more than hospitality, Discovery Primea’s initiatives create a sense of belonging for those who value beauty, culture, and the stories behind them.
Guests at the show last June 6 at Discovery Primea were immersed in a multi-sensory presentation that wove together live Filipino music and the striking visuals of Happy Andrada’s Filipiniana creations. At the foyer, welcoming guests were musical performances by Rondalla De Canoy. Upon entering, guests saw the beautiful floral backdrops and accents by Amante Fleurs. The show opened with a stirring performance by vocal harmony group Acapellago, whose renditions of beloved Filipino songs set a nostalgic and celebratory tone for the night. Making the event more fun and livelier were hosts Issa Litton and Anne Gauthier and their witty and interesting banters about the collaboration and the program.
runway
The fashion show directed by Raymund Seranillo followed with a vibrant acoustic backdrop by multicultural music ensemble Anima Tierra. Their rhythmic performance underscored the dramatic runway presentation, bringing energy and movement to each look. The ensembles were further accentuated with pieces by Hiyas Jeweller. The evening culminated in a show-stopping finale that highlighted the collection’s transformation into wearable art pieces.
The capsule collection is available for purchase. In keeping with Andrada’s commitment to supporting the arts, and in honoring Sansó’s vision of nurturing young artists and creatives, a portion of the collection’s proceeds will help fund Fundacion Sansó’s scholarship and arts programs.
“Happy Andrada has committed a significant portion of the proceeds from this collection to support these programs,” says Fundacion Sanso director Ricky Francisco of this collaboration; “Her participation transforms the project into more than a creative dialogue; it becomes a meaningful act of cultural stewardship and shared belief in the importance of nurturing future practitioners.”
To inquire about the Happy Andrada x Sansó: Art Meets Fashion collection, or to purchase your own piece of wearable art, visit Fundacion Sansó at 32 V. Cruz St., Brgy. Sta. Lucia, San Juan; follow and message @fundacionsansomuseumshop on Instagram and Facebook, or visit their online shop fundacionsanso.shop.
Fundacion Sansó and its museum are located at 32 V. Cruz St., Brgy. Sta. Lucia, San Juan; URL fundacionsanso.ph.
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