“Fashion for a Cause” is LoveYourself White House’s program commemorating World AIDS Day 2020. Tapping on InDep, a group of independent Cebu-based fashion designers, LoveYourself White House will have an exhibit of World AIDS Day-inspired couture pieces at the 2nd floor atrium of Robinsons Galleria Cebu from December 5 to 11, 2020.

InDep members Dexter Alazas, Lorenzo Ceniza, and Hanz Coquilla each have created new collections specifically for this endeavor. Alazas celebrates the independent spirit with a breezy, luxe-resort theme, Ceniza uses red to show boldness and rage, mirroring the turmoil and strife in a global pandemic, and Coquilla showcases strength and vulnerability by merging aggressive ‘30s military motif with soft, delicate silhouettes. Their pieces will be up for auction throughout the month of December, with a portion of the proceeds going towards LoveYourself’s relentless efforts in fighting the spread of HIV.

“We picked functional art like fashion to be able to send a message and at the same time raise funds for our community center,” says Jan Shaltiel Vincent Estrada, clinic manager of LoveYourself White House. “In one way or another, hopefully, we are able to embrace this year’s theme of ‘Global solidarity, shared responsibility’ with the help of some of Cebu’s much-celebrated fashion designers.”

“Fashion for a Cause” is in partnership with Robinsons Galleria Cebu, Quest Hotel, Services for Key Population in Asia (SKPA) Philippines, Champion Community Centers, Macare Medicals, Inc., Australian Federation of AIDS Organizations, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, PhilHealth, Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc., Sonny’s Mannequin Shop PH, Premiere Ads Print Solutions, Bai Hotel, Romero Vergara, Dexter Maneja, Mooleaf, Pret Tea Milk Tea, Nails Dot Glow, Virtucio, Campos Jewelry Creations, and Crimson Resort & Spa.

LoveYourself is a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit, non-governmental organization that offers free HIV counseling, screening, and treatment, among other services targeted towards key populations. LoveYourself White House is its first community center outside Metro Manila. It is located at #6 Avelino Morales St., Kamputhaw.

Text by Ryan Taborada