Fundacion Sansó presents Sansó X Happy Andrada: “Art Inspires Fashion” in partnership with Discovery Primea, unveiling a striking 30-piece wearable art collection by acclaimed designer Happy Andrada inspired by the rich visual legacy of Presidential Medal of Merit awardee and artist Juvenal Sansó.
The collaboration brings together Andrada’s passion for Philippine textiles and artisanal craftsmanship with Sansó’s celebrated imagery, including his iconic Black Bouquets and florals, hand-painted photo slides, abstracts, and Moderno Series. United by a shared appreciation for vibrant color, innovation, and emotional expression, the collection transforms Sansó’s artistic vision into wearable art while celebrating Filipino creativity through fashion.
A Creative Dialogue Between Fashion and Fine Art
Although Juvenal Sansó is widely recognized for his evocative Brittany landscapes and floral paintings, he also maintained a meaningful connection to the fashion industry. As a young student in Paris, he supported himself by creating textile designs for European fashion houses including Bianchini-Ferrier and Synergie. His breakthrough came after selling a portfolio of designs to the House of Balenciaga, allowing him to devote himself fully to painting.
For Happy Andrada, a recipient of the Ani ng Dangal Award from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Artist of the Year at the International Fashion Art Biennale in Seoul, the Art Inspires Fashion collection reflects a deeply intuitive creative process rooted in Philippine art and material traditions.
“My process was very intuitive; I chose the works that resonated with me on an emotional level,” Andrada explains when asked about how she created this collection. “I was drawn to pieces I could translate into fabric through texture, movement, and detail. From there, I explored how those emotions could take shape in silhouettes and materials, allowing the garments to reflect the same mood and depth as the paintings.”
The collection features one-of-a-kind barong bibs designed as gender-neutral pieces with a universal fit, highlighting both inclusivity and craftsmanship. To reinterpret Sansó’s celebrated motifs, Andrada incorporated indigenous Philippine materials, handwoven textiles, and upcycled eco-conscious accents.
Each garment combines modern and traditional dressmaking techniques, including hand-painting, airbrushing, laser-cutting, crochet, beadwork, felting, pleating, smocking, punch-needle work, embroidery, and more. The designer sourced woven fabrics from weaving communities across Ilocos, Baguio, Cavite, Sulu, Basilan, Lake Sebu, and Aklan. She also collaborated with artisanal groups including Hiblang Cavite, Narda’s Weaves, and Harvest Collective, further strengthening the connection between contemporary fashion and local craftsmanship.
Discovery Primea Hosts the Art Inspires Fashion Showcase
Adding to the significance of the collaboration is the partnership with Discovery Primea, one of Manila’s premier hotels and the venue for both the exhibition and fashion show. The partnership reflects the hotel’s celebration of artistic legacy and contemporary Filipino design. Discovery Primea believes that great artistry deserves a setting equally considered exceptional.
Where artistry and fine living find their place, the hotel remains a vibrant space for quiet refinement. In a city constantly in motion, creativity is welcomed and art naturally becomes part of the guest experience. Long appreciated by discerning travelers and Manila’s cultural community alike, the hotel continues to champion Filipino artistry through meaningful collaborations, intimate gatherings, and experiences that celebrate craftsmanship in all its forms. Offering more than hospitality, Discovery Primea’s initiatives create a sense of belonging for those who value beauty, culture, and the stories behind them.
Guests at the June 6 show at Discovery Primea experienced a multi-sensory presentation that combined live Filipino music with the striking visuals of Happy Andrada’s Filipiniana creations. Musical performances by Rondalla De Canoy welcomed attendees at the foyer, while floral backdrops and accents by Amante Fleurs enhanced the venue.
The program opened with a stirring performance by vocal harmony group Acapellago, whose renditions of beloved Filipino songs created a nostalgic and celebratory atmosphere. Hosts Issa Litton and Anne Gauthier kept the evening engaging through their witty and interesting banter about the collaboration and the program.
The fashion show, directed by Raymund Seranillo, followed with a vibrant acoustic performance by multicultural music ensemble Anima Tierra. Their rhythmic presentation complemented the runway showcase, bringing added energy and movement to every look. The ensembles were further enhanced with pieces by Hiyas Jeweller. The evening concluded with a show-stopping finale that highlighted the collection’s transformation into wearable art.
Capsule Collection Supports Fundacion Sansó Arts Programs
The Art Inspires Fashion capsule collection is available for purchase. In keeping with Andrada’s commitment to supporting the arts and in honoring Sansó’s vision of nurturing young artists and creatives, a portion of the proceeds from the collection will help fund Fundacion Sansó’s scholarship and arts programs.
“Happy Andrada has committed a significant portion of the proceeds from this collection to support these programs,” says Fundacion Sanso director Ricky Francisco of this collaboration; “Her participation transforms the project into more than a creative dialogue; it becomes a meaningful act of cultural stewardship and shared belief in the importance of nurturing future practitioners.”
The collaboration demonstrates how fashion can preserve artistic heritage while supporting future generations of Filipino creatives. By transforming Juvenal Sansó’s celebrated works into wearable art, Art Inspires Fashion creates a meaningful connection between contemporary design, traditional craftsmanship, and cultural stewardship.
To inquire about the Happy Andrada x Sansó: Art Inspires Fashion collection or purchase a piece of wearable art, visit Fundacion Sansó at 32 V. Cruz St., Brgy. Sta. Lucia, San Juan, follow and message @fundacionsansomuseumshop on Instagram and Facebook, or visit fundacionsanso.shop.
