Diplomacy took a quieter form on April 18 at Space at One Ayala, where Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya and his wife, Endo Akiko, attended “Thread of Dreams”, a fashion show marking the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines.
Co-hosted by Bench/ and the Japan Foundation Manila, with support from the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, the event formed part of the 2026 Japan-Philippines Friendship Year.
The project took shape during a meal at the ambassador’s residence, where Bench/ founder Ben Chan first outlined the idea of a collaborative runway tied to the anniversary year. Drawing on nearly four decades in the fashion business, he framed the show as a form of cultural exchange, where design becomes a way of extending tradition while situating it in a contemporary context. The program that followed reflected that intent, using fashion as a working medium to articulate shared references between Japan and the Philippines.
Ambassador Endo acknowledged Bench/ as organizer and the Japan Foundation, Manila as co-host, linking the event to the anniversary theme, “Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, Possibilities.” He said, “This milestone is not only a testament to seven decades of friendship and partnership but also a moment to look forward with hope and shared purpose.”
He added: “As we celebrate this important anniversary, and particularly as we face serious shared challenges both in our region and around the world, we must keep weaving our futures together— threading our strengths to build on the foundations of peace, advancing shared prosperity, and embracing the endless possibilities that lie ahead.”
Three Filipino designers—Rhett Eala, Jaggy Glarino, and Joey Samson—each presented 20 looks, bringing the total to 60 styles developed for the show. Each collection was anchored in themes connected to Japan, incorporating materials and design elements from both countries while maintaining the designers’ distinct approaches to construction and silhouette.
Eala opened with “Inherited Stories,” grounding the collection in personal memory while drawing from the discipline associated with Japanese dress. Structured silhouettes, controlled layering, and a restrained palette defined the presentation, with garments that suggested continuity rather than contrast.
Glarino followed with “IMIN,” described as an exploration of cultural intersections shaped by movement and exchange. The collection introduced more fluid forms, with draping and mixed materials reflecting transition and hybridity.
Samson closed with “Imagined Dialogues: Una Bulaqueña & O Sei-San,” bringing together historical and conceptual references through structured silhouettes that moved between archival inspiration and contemporary construction.
The staging underscored the collective nature of the project, with the runway serving as a shared platform for three distinct but connected design narratives.
Ambassador Endo also highlighted personal encounters with dress as part of cultural appreciation, citing his own affinity for the barong tagalog and his wife’s interest in Filipiniana, alongside their continued regard for the Japanese kimono.
He also recognized Bench/’s broader role in cultural exchange through ventures that have introduced Japanese brands such as Marugame Udon, Maisen, St. Marc Café, and Ritzwell to the Philippine market.
The program concluded with a full runway presentation of all 60 looks, bringing together the three collections in a single sequence aligned with the commemorative framework of the 2026 Japan-Philippines Friendship Year.
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