Mall-goers had a glimpse of the fabulous future of fashion at the “Best of Student Work 2015”—an exhibit mounted by the esteemed Slim’s Fashion and Arts School at SM Megamall’s Mega Fashion Hall.

A joint project of Slim’s and SM, the exhibit was held in time for Slim’s 55th anniversary. It is the most established fashion school in the Philippines.

The 27 garments on exhibit were done by Slim’s students enrolled in dressmaking, pattern-making, fashion designing and bespoke tailoring. All garments, including the hand-sewn barong, were designed, cut and sewn by the students.

It was interesting to see how 25 aspiring designers—all millennials—translated 1960s fashion into fresh pieces for a whole new generation of stylish women.

Aside from the garments, an album of interesting sketches conceptualized and drawn by the students are also on display.

Slim’s was founded by Salvacion Lim-Higgins, the grand dame of Philippine haute couture, and her sister Purificacion. Together, the sisters formulated the highly technical lessons that continue to serve as a solid foundation for the school’s curriculum today, which is widely known as the Slim’s method.

Year after year, graduates of Slim’s join the the fashion industry. Many have achieved remarkable success and have become icons of contemporary Philippine fashion. Beginning with Oskar Peralta, its first graduate in 1961, the school has produced Joe Salazar, Cesar Gaupo, Oliver Tolentino, Michael Cinco, Ezra Santos and Joey Samson, among others.