For Filipino designer Gabby Garcia, his clothing brand Tagpi is all about celebrating the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage. The name Tagpi, which means “to patch together,” reflects his mission to unite artisans and their traditional crafts. This vision is beautifully brought to life in Garcia’s latest collection, which was unveiled at New York Fashion Week as part of the FILIPINXT showcase.
In an interview with L’Officiel Philippines, Garcia shared the inspiration behind his new collection and what it means to present Filipino culture on the global stage of New York — a city where dreams are made.
The collection, Tahak — meaning “journey” — emphasizes connection and movement. Garcia explains, “It bridges the tropical landscapes of the Philippines with the vibrant urban energy of New York City. As a Filipino designer, I wanted to create a story that reflects both my heritage and the spirit of the global traveler.”
Garcia’s work is deeply inspired by the beauty of the Philippine islands. The collection features various shades of blue, evoking the crystal-clear waters surrounding the country. “The lush textures, warm breezy atmosphere, and rich cultural materials, such as handwoven fabrics, mother-of-pearl, and banana fiber beads, are all integral to this collection,” Garcia says. “I’ve reimagined these elements for a cosmopolitan lifestyle, merging them into contemporary silhouettes that mirror the urban sophistication of New York.”
Much like the journey to New York, each piece of the collection tells a story of evolution, transitioning from flowing, tropical-inspired styles to structured, city-ready designs. “Tahak is about celebrating both the warmth of home and the energy of city life — blending cultural heritage with modern elegance for the global traveler,” Garcia adds.
Garcia’s design philosophy is grounded in a deep respect for cultural techniques and materials. He believes that understanding the available resources is crucial, particularly in a country like the Philippines, where artisanal craftsmanship is a deeply embedded tradition. “Every local community in the Philippines has its own distinct materials and traditions, many of which remain underappreciated,” he explains. “By uncovering these hidden gems, I can help bring them into the spotlight.”
Once he has gathered the materials, Garcia carefully examines their qualities and considers creative ways to incorporate them into his designs. “I approach every project with a sense of exploration,” he says. “I enjoy the process of experimentation and transformation, drawing from both traditional methods and modern design concepts. Ultimately, my aim is to patch together the past and present, breathing new life into our heritage while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.”
Reflecting on his presentation at New York Fashion Week, Garcia emphasizes the significance of the event in showcasing Filipino craftsmanship. For him, Tagpi is all about celebrating the artisans of the Philippines, and he views New York Fashion Week as the ideal platform to share these stories. “Each piece we create tells a unique narrative,” he says, adding that with every stitch, the goal is to bring the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines to a global audience. Garcia concludes, “It’s not just about fashion; it’s about honoring the traditions that have shaped me and presenting these talents to the world in a meaningful way.”
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