The Plains & Prints x Mark Nicdao collection reiterates the brand’s commitment to Philippine culture and heritage.
Inspired by the City of Manila, Plains & Prints recently unveiled their latest collaboration, the Plains & Prints x Mark Nicdao Manila Collection.
Shot by acclaimed fashion photographer Mark Nicdao, the collection and lookbook feature iconic places within the historic city, such as the Manila Clock Tower, Intramuros, and the Metropolitan Theater.
“There’s so much history, heritage, and culture that you could actually show and remind people how important Manila is,” says Plains & Prints Founder Roxanne Farillas on the milestone of a collaboration for the brand. “With this campaign that we’re doing, it will actually create interest again for them to explore Manila and to understand its beauty, culture, and heritage. [As] Manila [is] our capital, I think it’s just right that people, especially the younger generation, understand and see Manila in a different perspective.”
The collection was inspired by a conversation between Farillas and a foreign couple she met from Portugal who stayed in the Philippines for two weeks. “So, I was chatting with them and I was asking, ‘Oh, how was your trip? Where did you go?’ And they said, ‘We went to the beaches: El Nido, Boracay, Cebu.’ They didn’t mention Manila, because the minute they landed, they flew to the islands already. It made me think that people just really come here, just land in Manila, take their transfers, and go somewhere else,” she shares. “So, it’s not really top of mind. Now, we’re hoping that through this campaign, our balikbayans and other cultures can explore Manila and stay in the city longer.”
With all this in mind, the founder tapped the creative mind of photographer and constant collaborator, Mark Nicdao. “This collaboration is a big difference, because it was shot where we live. A big part of what makes the Philippines great is Manila. It’s exciting, it has so much history,” says Nicdao. “I think it’s great that Plains & Prints had this idea, because it also stretches our awareness, things that we don’t see when we’re around Manila. You can see it, you can wear it. It’s beautiful, it’s elegant.”
Coming together with the National Parks & Development Committee (NPDC), National Commission For Culture And Arts (NCCA), Department of Tourism, Culture And Arts Of Manila (DTCAM), Intramuros Administration (IA), and National Museum, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan is set to sign the collection as the first fashion brand collaboration of the city.
“The iconic sites depict the rich history and culture of the city of Manila. So, it’s just right to promote it,” the mayor notes. She hopes that more of city gets rediscovered through this partnership with the brand.
Plains & Prints enlisted another person close to their hearts to bring this story of Manila through fashion to life: Anne Curtis.
“What sets it apart? I think because it’s so close to home. I mean, [there were] collections before [that featured] the masters of photography [and] portraits from all over the world, but this is specifically focused on Manila. So, I think that’s super special to me,” the award-winning actress says.
Further elevating the new collection was a fashion show recently held within the halls of the National Museum. Attended by Manila’s stylish folk, the show also recognized its collaboration with the Department of Tourism and the celebration of Tourism Month.
Through this collection, which is at its heart a love letter to Manila, Plains & Prints wants nothing more than to showcase the unparalleled beauty of the city.
