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The fusion of fashion and art is a well-established tradition, yet each collaboration yields a singular expression. Corso Como 88‘s recent partnership with local artist JJ Duque exemplifies this, transforming Duque’s vibrant artwork into a wearable scarf and showcasing his pieces in a dedicated exhibit at their One Ayala, Makati City store.
Corso Como 88 is the brainchild of Millet Menguito, who has spent a good two decades using Europe and the Philippines as her playground while based in Como, Italy. Her adventures into the Italian fashion scene gave her a sense of optimism about opening her discoveries in Philippine shores. The results of her initiative are the birth of two sought-out boutique stores found in Ayala Malls The 30th, Ortigas and One Ayala, Makati.
Menguito has developed standing relationships with fashion suppliers and manufacturers – mostly near her home in Como, Italy – and they’ve allowed her full autonomy in the way with which she markets and pushes forward the products she carries. “At Corso Como 88, I’m not limiting myself to just fashion items,“ she explains. “I’m also diversifying into things like coffee, food and wines with partners from that region of Italy.” She shares this sentimentality with the food scene as part of her growth as a chef, working several hours in a ristorante pizzeria, before she decided to pursue her passion for fashion.
But Menguito also wants to make the relationship work both ways. She also wants to forge things back into Italy, and the way she navigated this was to use fashion and art. “I want to also promote local artists and designers by giving them an opportunity to showcase their talents in Italy and around Europe in a sort of cultural exchange,” she continues.
One of her major first steps was to partner with rising local artist JJ Duque, who has been an important figure in the Philippine art scene as the heart and soul of South Arts Festival. “South Arts Festival started out as an art fair and developed into a community of artists, mostly from the Southern part of Metro Manila, and then is now its own brand providing opportunities for artists through out-of-gallery exhibits.” His solo exhibit, which opens this November 16, at Corso Como 88 in One Ayala, is evidence of the ‘out-of-gallery exhibits’ he organizes regularly. “We’ve done exhibits to promote causes like women’s month, breast cancer awareness and gay pride – and we’ve had these exhibits in other venues apart from the normal galleries. Promoting fashion – through this partnership with Corso Como 88 – is another feather in our cap in terms of showing a different side to how art is offered,” Duque beams.
Having an art exhibit in a boutique fashion store is just a first step on many more ideas Menguito and Duque will be collaborating on in the future. They’ve already started the process of putting Duque’s artworks into fashion pieces, starting first with a simple limited-edition scarf. Later on, Duque’s art will partner with key local designers to create even more elaborate fashion pieces. “The goal is to be more than just a re-selling brand, but also to create something, and it’s always been a lifelong dream to make the most of the talents from artists and designers of the Philippines,” Menguito explains. “JJ has a community of artists we can tap ,and I can open the door for art and fashion to come together and break into the global scene via Corso Como 88.”
Indeed, fashion embraces art.
This exhibit is only JJ Duque’s third solo show in over a decade. “It takes hours upon hours for me to finish an art work, so it is very rare for me to have a solo show. However, I was excited about Millet’s shared vision and I like the direction in which she can take my art,” Duque adds. “It’ll be great for both Philippine fashion and art.”
The first ever art exhibit of Corso Como 88 featuring the unique art of JJ Duque opened last Saturday, November 16, 2024 at the Corso Como 88 store located on the 3rd Level of One Ayala in Makati City. Hosted by Dexter Nicolau, it was an intimate gathering attended by Manila’s fashion and art aficionados. Guests were treated to an exclusive fashion show of the limited edition scarves. Models were seen wearing them in many chic ways, showcasing the styling versatility of the scarves. A sumptuous dinner and an endless flow of expertly crafted drinks were served to ensure the guests were fully indulged throughout the event. The exhibit will be up until year end. The limited edition scarf of Duque will be exclusively available at Corso Como 88 while supplies last.
About Corso Como 88
Corso Como 88, purveyor of Italian and European luxury labels, is the official and exclusive distributor for several coveted bag and shoes brands, and fragrance lines from Europe.
Corso Como 88 is located at Level 3 of One Ayala Mall in Makati City and the Ground Floor of Ayala 30th in Pasig City. For the latest in fashion and style, visit www.corsocomo88.com and follow Corso Como 88 on Instagram and Facebook.
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