The KatHABI Fashion Innovation Show made history as it was held for the first time outside the Philippines. This milestone event took place at the Philippine Center in New York, organized by the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) in collaboration with the Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Philippine Trade & Investment Center, New York on June 27, 2024.  

This event highlighted the rich tapestry of Philippine Tropical Fabrics (PTFs) and honored the craftsmanship of local weavers through the creative lens of designers Anthony Legarda and Avel Bacudio. This showcase also featured the latest advancements in textile technology developed by DOST-PTRI. 

Legarda, a Filipino-American fashion designer, presented his "Haute Culture, Kawayarn, and TechStyle Collection," which drew inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines and modern textile technologies. He integrated local weaves with blended fabrics made from cotton, pineapple leaf, silk, abaca, and bamboo, finished with enzyme, fire retardant, and water-repellent technologies. 

Meanwhile, Bacudio, an acclaimed fashion icon, unveiled his "Spring and Summer Collection," using PTF such as pineapple-leaf fiber, abaca, and banana blend textiles, enhanced with enzyme finishing technologies. Renowned for his ability to reinterpret seasonal trends with a fresh perspective, Bacudio's capsule collection creatively interprets the light silhouettes of the summer season for comfort and utility, incorporating color blocks for visual interest and contrast. 

Moreover, shoes and footwear made from PTF were also showcased in the fashion show. These shoes, worn by the models, are from Ai-she Footwear, a wholly Filipino brand manufactured in Liliw, Laguna, which employs regional materials such as yakan fabric, canvas, and abaca. 

This fashion show marked a significant moment in the global promotion of Philippine textile innovation. It served as a platform to showcase not only the artistic prowess of Filipino designers but also the cutting-edge advancements in textile technology developed by DOST-PTRI, reinforcing the Philippines' position in the international fashion industry.