This past weekend, I was honored to again be a part of Malou Cordery’s photo shoot with Shawn Nguyen Photography and his talented team!
Her collection, the Mindanao Collection, is based on traditional Filipino clothing of the island of Mindanao, where she is from. Malou’s designs are all one-of-a-kind, very detailed and use a lot of colors. Not only is she a clothing designer, but she is an award-winning recyclable fashion designer. Her website, DesignsByMalou.com, is where she blogs about the creation and debut of her designs. Interested buyers are encouraged to contact her for pricing.
And yes! This amazing woman is indeed my mother and I am proud to be half Filipino. After all, being Half Filipina is Better Than None.
The Singkil
Singkil: This is a unique interpretation of the traditional outfit worn by Moro Princess Gandigan, from Lanao del Sur of the Maranao People. The legendary princess is accompanied by a lady-in-waiting, who holds a beautifully decorated umbrella over the Princess’ head where ever she goes. The headpiece is called, Sari Manok; a symbol of good fortune.
Designer: Malou Cordery
Model: Genevieve Cordery
Jewelry provided by: Malou Cordery
Tausug Pangalay
Designer: Malou Cordery
Model: Alyson Cordery
Jewelry provided by: Malou Cordery
The Sama-Bajau & The Bagobo
Designer: Malou Cordery
Model: Genevieve Cordery
Jewelry provided by: Malou Cordery
Bagobo: This is a traditional dress of the Bogobo Tribe, in the island of Davao, Mindanao, Philippines. This tribe loves using colorful designs and colorful jewelry. Yellow and red are the two main colors used in their outfits.
Designer: Malou Cordery
Headpiece: Cordeo Fashion (Malou Cordery + Venie Tadeo)
Model: Genevieve Cordery
Jewelry provided by: Malou Cordery
The Woven One & The Asik
Crochet cardigan & Tank top: Target
Headpiece: Malou Cordery
Model: Alyson Cordery
Jewelry provided by: Malou Cordery
Asik: This is a traditional Moro outfit worn by a the Princess’ royal servant. The girl holds up an umbrella for the beautiful Princess Gandigan, shielding Gandigan from the sunlight.
Designer: Malou Cordery
Model: Malou Cordery
Jewelry provided by: Malou Cordery
Oyster Shells & The Women
Oyster Shells: Concept art turned into a native-styled outfit.
Designer: Malou Cordery
Model: Alyson Cordery
Jewelry provided by: Malou Cordery
The Women:
Designer: Malou Cordery
Models (Left to Right): Malou Cordery, Genevieve Cordery, Alyson Cordery
Jewelry provided by: Malou Cordery
Designer: Malou Cordery | Assistant: Carlos Pareyes Designs | MUAH: Michelle Rodriguez | Photographer: Shawn Nguyen
Below are photos from a previous photo shoot with Shawn Nguyen Photography which include a few more designs from Malou Cordery’s Mindanao Collection. These images have been previously shown on my article: Half Filipina Is Better Than None.
Mindanao Princess (Left):
Designer: Malou Cordery
Model: Alyson Cordery
Headpiece: Malou Cordery
Jewelry provided by: Malou Cordery
Kahel Princess (Right):
Designer: Malou Cordery
Model: Zander Sidney
Jewelry provided by: Malou Cordery
The Ifugao Princess
Ifugao Princess: Traditional Ifugao headpiece with a Mindanao Malong (dress).
Designer: Malou Cordery
Model: Genevieve Cordery
Headpiece: Malou Cordery
Jewelry provided by: Malou Cordery
The Princesses
The Princesses:
Designer: Malou Cordery
Models (Left to Right): Alyson Cordery, Zander Sidney, Genevieve Cordery
Headpieces: Cordeo Fashion (Malou Cordery & Venie Tadeo)
Jewelry provided by: Malou Cordery
Designer: Malou Cordery | Assistant: Carlos Pareyes Designs | Assistant: Amanda Dial | MUAH: Deme Fourtounis| Photographer: Shawn Nguyen