CinemaBravo

Brazilian actress and model Alexia Núñez, who had a brief stint in the hit primetime teleserye FPJ’s Batang Quiapo top-billed by Coco Martin, has taken a bold step into the fashion industry with the launch of her own clothing line, Alexia Núñez Designs. More than just a brand, her first collection is a tribute to sustainability and Indigenous culture, crafted entirely from recycled materials.

Núñez unveiled her collection through a mini fashion show, where models of diverse backgrounds showcased her streetwear made from repurposed denim and breezy summer ensembles designed for comfort and style. A key highlight of the event was a cultural presentation featuring traditional music and dance from the T’boli people, whom she met during her travels in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

During the press conference, Núñez passionately shared the inspiration behind her brand, emphasizing her commitment to supporting Indigenous communities and environmental conservation in the Philippines.

“This is for them. My brand is all about supporting Indigenous People and protecting the environment here in the Philippines. Imagine—all the way from Mindanao, they’re here!” she expressed, recalling her first-hand experiences in the region.

She recounted how, when she first arrived in the country a little over a year ago, many people recommended tourist spots like Siargao, Palawan, and Boracay but warned her against visiting Mindanao. “I didn’t even ask where not to go, I just asked, ‘Where should I go?’ But they kept saying, ‘Don’t go to Mindanao, it’s dangerous!’ And I thought—why not? If you tell me I shouldn’t go there, that’s exactly where I want to go!” she recalled with a laugh.

Instead of heading to popular destinations, Núñez traveled to Mindanao, where she formed deep connections with the T’boli people. She was moved by their rich culture and the struggles they face. “I asked them, ‘Do you guys want to go to Manila? I want to share your story. I want to share your culture with people in the city who are afraid of you. I want to show them how beautiful and amazing you are.’”

Having the T’boli community present at her event was a moment of pride for Núñez. “For me, it’s a privilege to have them here. Maraming-maraming salamat po. Wow, grabe! It’s not easy. Imagine, they live in paradise—with clean waters, fresh air, beautiful jungles. And now they’re here in Manila, in this concrete jungle with traffic, pollution, and noise. Thank you, thank you for being here.”

Núñez also reflected on how her Brazilian roots connect with Filipino culture, noting their striking similarities. “Filipino and Brazilian cultures are very similar. We are loving people, very happy, always celebrating life, and family-oriented. We are Christians. We also have beautiful nature. It’s very easy! For me, it’s the same, actually.”

Her design process was deeply personal and inspired by the T’boli tribe, who are known as dreamweavers—crafting intricate textiles based on visions they see in their dreams. “This is exactly what happened to me. One day, I was meditating, and then I had this vision of a full collection in my mind. I started sketching immediately, writing down notes.” She then sought the help of designers to refine her ideas, eventually connecting with Simon, a designer from Pangasinan. “We made a video call, and he accepted the challenge to enhance and improve the designs. When he presented them to me, I loved it! It was exactly the way I envisioned it.”

To bring her collection to life, they sourced materials from Baguio’s night market and traveled to Pangasinan, where local artisans assisted in crafting the final pieces. When asked if she has a physical store, she teased, “Wala pa. Stay tuned. Coming soon.”

Through Alexia Núñez Designs, she hopes to bring Filipino craftsmanship to the global fashion scene while uplifting local artisans and promoting sustainability. With her passion and vision, she is not only creating fashion but also telling stories—ones that celebrate culture, resilience, and the beauty of human connection.