SIERRA MADRE by Geronie Labora (Grand Winner of Mascota de Zamboanga 2021)

In celebration of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, the biggest fashion showdown of Zamboanga's very own haute couture Mascota de Zamboanga has come back after a year of absence due to the pandemic. This year, the theme is "SIEMBRA," inspired by the lush flora biodiversity of Zamboanga City. 19 of the Zambo's best couturiers created their best interpretations of a Mascota inspired by plants, ranging from various concepts, from foilage, to flowers, up to the grandest garden and landscapes. 

Among the 19 entries, Geronie Labora's "Sierra Madre" claimed the top spot, becoming this year's Grand Champion. Geronie also won in 2015 "Traje de Boda" and 2016 "Ethnic-inspired" Mascota de Zamboanga competitions. She is also the grandslam winner of the Festival de las Bellas for 5 consecutive years. 

Geronie Labora's Mascota interpretation of "Siembra" is inspired by the mountain ranges of the Sierra Madre. It features a forest in the sleeves and huge leaves for the cola with three-dimensional details that resembles parts of a plant or it could also be seen as the mountain ranges.

In her Facebook account, Geronie expressed her haute couture creation follows the proper silhouette of a classic Mascota. "The sleeves and panuelo should never be too big but it should be just the right size. It should compliment the body of the lady wearing it. Seen in the photos is the proper folding of the panuelo in the front and in the back."

Geronie also emphasized what a Mascota skirt should be. "The rich women in the past will never wear extremely voluminous skirts. The skirt should be classic, elegant and manageable. It should be easy to walk in and it should not make the lady wearing it appear fat with such an unflattering skirt design."

"The overall design of the Mascota should also match from head to foot, that's why they also call it the Philippine Terno. The details on the blouse should also be seen on the skirt."

The Mascota will never come to life with the right señorita wearing it. Shaira Arasad exemplifies a Filipina with class and elegance. She carries the Mascota with grace and charm that makes the overall appeal of the creation more impactful.

Credits to Roy Guilly RGphotography for the beautiful portraits and MsChesca Mua Cris Stone for the hair and makeup.

Once again, congratulations to Geronie Labora as well as the Top 5 winners and other finalists. You can check out the list of winners and their photos in a separate post (click here).