The Fashion File: Eco Chic

International fashion designer Dita Sandico Ong, known for transforming banana bark fibers into a fashion art form, was in Salt Lake to share her vision with the students at SLCC’s Fashion Institute.

Students got to try their hand at mulberry bags sale molding, twisting, knotting and tying Dita’s abaca clothing (made from banana fiber, which has a natural, sculptural form) into rolled collar jackets, bubble skirts, wrap dresses and various avant-garde shaped attire.

Discovering that banana fiber can be shaped, Dita developed her signature wraps while playing and experimenting with the drape of the fabric. The abaca textile does not have the texture or feel of standard fabrics, as it is heavier and stiffer. She says that it has the ability to sculpt mulberry alexa itself and has its own character. The wearer can form and shape the wrap into their own unique design each time it is worn; styled the way you want it whether it’s simple or as Dita says, “va va voom!”

The abaca collection has redefined and modernized Philippine fashion and features the versatile wraps as well as belts, hats, handbags, brooches and even slippers. Colors are bright and vivid yet maintain the translucency of the natural fibers.

Working in the fashion industry for 25 years, Dita has a reputation for being one of the Philippines most culturally aware designers involved in ethical and contemporary fashion. She is recognized for unique collections made from eco-friendly handmade textiles and also for her humanitarian efforts.

As an advocate of environmental sustainability and cultural heritage, Dita supports traditional methods of production from natural materials woven into indigenous Filipino fabrics produced by local craftswomen. All of her products are 100 percent made in the Philippines. By employing native women from small villages and communities, Dita is able to greatly improve their quality of life and standard of living.

She hopes to bring more of what the Philippines has to offer over to the U.S. Dita says the banana fiber is the best and strongest fiber in the world. “With this abaca-inspired fashion, we are getting back to basics in promoting environmental awareness, and we are further raising the bar in terms of high-end fashion which will encourage other countries to have a more acute appreciation for Philippine culture.”

Fresh from presenting her green perspective of fashion at an exhibit in New York, she showcased her collection in Salt Lake at a stylish tea party/trunk show with more shows planned in California.

Dita has a message, “reach out – there is more to fashion – simply making a better world out of simple things.” And simply fabulous things.