Returning to its roots in a bold new way, Art Fair Philippines 2026 transformed a multi-level office building in Circuit Makati into a vibrant hub of creativity. This “glow-up era” for the country’s premier art event shifted away from traditional galleries to explore the intersection of technology and tradition through the theme “Digital Alchemy.” Yet, as the fair celebrated influential women and stories of empowerment, the artistry wasn’t just confined to the walls—it was walking through the aisles.
In this space where digital innovation meets contemporary culture, one guest caught our eye with a style that perfectly mirrored the fair’s spirit. Their look served as a bridge between the classic and the cutting-edge, proving that in an environment dedicated to female empowerment and tradition, every visitor becomes a contributor to the visual narrative. We interviewed with them to discuss how their “fit” serves as a personal extension of the masterpieces on display.
The Art of Loving Local by (Grace Bagasan)
The ensemble was a poetic nod to modern music and Filipino heritage, viewing the fair as the ultimate safe space for creative belonging.
- The Inspiration: “Since I knew I’d be surrounded by art and fellow creatives, it felt like the right time to really express myself. My look was inspired by Olivia Dean and her album ‘The Art of Loving’—elegant but fun. I added my own touch with locally sourced pearls to keep it connected to our culture.”
- The Philosophy: “Art and fashion always go together. You’re not just wearing clothes; you’re the artist and the artwork at the same time. You get to walk around as your own little masterpiece.”
- The Title: “Sirena, Perlas, at Sining.” > “It’s about celebrating our own and showing that fashion can carry culture too.”
The Rebel of “Camp” Accessories by(Alex Delos Reyes)
A veteran of the fair since pre-pandemic days, fashion is a tactical balance between physical comfort and a “surrealist” rebellion.
- The Inspiration: “In Art Fair, comfort is my top priority. I know the toll it takes on the body, so I went with a comfy outfit combo and styled it up with lots of accessories to make it feel put together.”
- The Philosophy: “My personal style prioritizes comfort, but I consider my accessories art. My rings are collected from years of trips and local makers like @seinestudios, and I even make my own fingertip jewelry. My ‘unpractical’ handbag is my little rebellion—it’s camp, surreal, and absurdist.”
- The Title: “Accessories, featuring Yohji.”
“It’s my response to the seriousness and practicality mindset Filipinos often have towards accessories.”
The “Pop of Color” Alchemist by(Mayang Marigmen)
Fashion is a high-stakes creative outlet where thrifted “ukay” finds and local designer pieces collide to create something one-of-a-kind.
- The Inspiration: “My mantra is to always dress up as if it’s the last opportunity to showcase that specific combination of clothes. I wanted to channel a ‘creative’ vibe using my own style—mixing a fabric shirt from the local brand Proudrace with thrifted pleated pants. I layered it with a lace wrap-around skirt used as a belt and a flower brooch from Ha.mü for that essential pop of color.”
- The Philosophy: “I see myself as an artist, not with drawings, but with how I mix and match clothes. When people with their own personal style gather in one place, it’s equivalent to an art exhibit. Being surrounded by people expressing themselves through clothes is just as inspiring to me as the paintings and sculptures.”
- The Title: “Pop of Color!”
The Ethical Alchemist by(Yael Arevalo)
Fashion is a tool for confidence and a stand against overconsumption, proving that old clothes can be transformed into high art.
- The Inspiration: “I wanted to feel confident, and dressing up is my way to gain that. Since it’s Art Fair 2026, I wanted to express my love for sustainable fashion. My pants are upcycled and covered in beads and crystals—I love taking old clothes and making them new. I even added a flower from Legazpi Market to represent my life as a solo liver in Makati.”
- The Philosophy: “I see my outfit as a completely separate form of self-expression. We are all unique, and fashion is my canvas. I use it to create a style that fits me without promoting overconsumption.”
- The Title: “Ethic Meets Aesthetic.”
The Performance of Prints by(Kyla Puyat)
Drawing inspiration from the avant-garde, Kyla treated the fair as a stage for fashion-forward experimentation and a “performance” of her most confident self.
- The Inspiration: “I’ve been inspired by the silhouettes and colors of the fictional Effie Trinket, as well as local artist Jellyfish Kisses, who always dresses in such a distinct way. For this look, I wanted to challenge myself by mixing more prints together, stepping away from my usual colorblocks.”
- The Philosophy: “Yes, my outfit is definitely an extension of the art! Someone in the comfort room told me today that it’s like I’m the art, which was so sweet to hear. It fuels me to continue using fashion to express and perform a version of myself that feels most confident.”
- The Title:“Thrifted Tangerines and Porcelain.”
The Curator: Art in Motion(Cheese Serrano)
Embodying the “youthful and playful” energy of the fair, this guest turned the act of dressing up into a deliberate creative process, using local brands to anchor her aesthetic.
• The Inspiration: “I wanted to channel a playful vibe by mixing textures. I was intentional about wearing an Artwork shirt to support local artists while staying comfortable. I paired it with a flowy black skirt and a white lace bandana for texture, finishing with silver accessories and a bright green bag decked out in my favorite anik-aniks for contrast. I felt like my authentic self—playful, cute, and ready to explore.”
• The Philosophy: “I definitely see my outfit as an extension of the art! I curated my look the way an artist builds a piece: thoughtfully pairing elements together to create something cohesive. It may not be as painstaking as the works on display, but fashion is absolutely a form of art and self-expression.”
• The Title: “Enjoy the Progress.” > “Those words are printed on my shirt in pink paint. For me, it’s not just about the final outfit, but about enjoying the process of watching it all slowly come together in a way that feels very me.”
