The Philippines is the second largest exporter of bananas in the world, thanks to Davao del Norte, the country's top producer of the fruit. Now, these bananas -in a way- made it to the iconic New York Fashion Week. The fruit was transformed into world-class fashion designs by Joy Soo, the founder and designer of Musa Fabric.
The uniqueness of the banana fabric makes it a standout in the fashion community. Soo shared she got the idea two years ago, when looking for fabric to use for her graduation in fashion design. A friend working at the Philippines' Department of Labor and Employment showed her a video of women inmates at the Davao del Norte's provincial jail where they were seen weaving the banana fiber.
It was through these women that Soo developed Musa Fabric into a sustainable enterprise that also helps those in need. Through a collaboration with the Davao del Norte local government, the Department of Trade and Industry, and the private sector, Musa Fabric was able to reach out and train women in indigenous communities in the province.
Soo says Musa is a fashion brand that seeks to give hope and inspiration to the local community where it was built, and to the rest of the globe.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com