Luxury boutique store Corso Como 88 paraded Filipino talent as it partnered with rising local artist JJ Duque for a special exhibit of his works and a unique presentation of his art printed on a scarf.
Corso Como 88 founder Millet Menguito said that their collaboration with Duque comes aligned with the store’s goal to be more than just a reselling brand.
“It’s always been a lifelong dream to make the most of the talents from artists and designers of the Philippines,” Menguito said. “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,” she added.
Corso Como 88 founder Millet Menguito with artist JJ Duque
Menguito furthered that she wants to use her platform to provide opportunity to local artists and designers to showcase their talents in Italy and Europe – where Corso Como 88 usually sources out luxury items – in a cultural exchange.
Corso Como 88’s partnership with Duque included incorporating his art into limited-edition fashion pieces launched through an intimate gathering attended by various fashion and art aficionados in Manila.
The Corso Como 88 exhibit marks only 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,” Duque said. “I was excited about Millet’s shared vision and I like the direction in which she can take my art. It’ll be great for both Philippine fashion and art.”
Duque furthered that the said effort with Corso Como 88 is a unique take on using art to promote art.
The limited-edition JJ Duque scarf will be available at Corso Como 88 until supplies last.
“We’ve done exhibits to promote causes like women’s month, breast cancer awareness, and gay pride. We’ve had these exhibits in other venues apart from the normal galleries. Promoting fashion – through this partnership with Corso Como 88 – is another feature in our cap in terms of showing a different side to how art is offered,” Duque said.
The exhibit is open until the end of the year at the Corso Como 88 store at the third level of One Ayala in Makati City.
