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From Book Store to Fashion Runway: Adapting Lessons from the
Music-enhanced Sisyphe Bookstores Culture in Qingdao (China) to the
Fashion Culture of Manila, Philippines
Wang Fan
1
, Brian Bantugan, PhD
2
, and KC Pusing
2
1
Graduate Student, St. Paul University Manila
2
Faculty Member, St. Paul University Manila
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.1210000055
Received: 13 October 2025; Accepted: 20 October 2025; Published: 03 November 2025
ABSTRACT
This study investigated how music education activities integrated into bookstore culture can enhance cultural
literacy, customer engagement, and employee development, using Sisyphe Bookstore in Qingdao, China as a case.
Drawing on theoretical frameworks from social learning, behaviorism, and multiple intelligences, the research
examines the cognitive and social mechanisms by which music activities influence both patrons and staff. A
mixed-methods design was employed, combining surveys (n = 45 customers; n = 6 employees) with semi-
structured interviews. Findings indicate that music education activities improved customers’ musical literacy,
heightened their enjoyment and loyalty to the bookstore, and fostered greater interest in music-related products.
Employees reported increased job satisfaction, creativity, and teamwork, while also gaining musical knowledge.
Both groups emphasized the value of practice-based learning, collective participation, and the creation of a
socially enriching atmosphere. Results align with prior research on music’s role in shaping consumer behavior,
workplace satisfaction, and cultural identity. This study contributes to the cognitive sciences of music by showing
how informal educational contextssuch as bookstorescan serve as platforms for music learning and cultural
engagement. Implications extend to music education practice, retail innovation, and community-based cultural
development. Limitations include the single case-study design and reliance on self-reported data. Future research
should examine cross-cultural bookstore contexts and employ longitudinal measures.
Keywords: music education, bookstore transformation, cultural experience, customer engagement, employee
satisfaction, music cognition
Across Asia, cultural consumption now blends commerce, leisure, and education into hybrid cultural spaces (Wu,
2022). In China, bookstores such as Sisyphe exemplify this shift, integrating music activities that foster cultural
literacy, community connection, and employee engagement (Ho, 2018; Li & Boonsrianan, 2024).
This study extends that model to Manila’s fashion culture, where fashion expresses identity, community, and
aspiration. As Chinese bookstores evolved into multisensorial hubs, Manila’s fashion platformsfrom boutiques
to runway eventscan likewise become interactive spaces for learning and dialogue. The Sisyphe case offers a
framework for integrating sensory design, education, and marketing to enhance engagement and inclusivity.
The study contributes by (1) reframing fashion as cultural pedagogy rather than mere consumption, (2) adapting
music education principles such as informal learning, participation, and multisensory design to fashion, and (3)
providing insights for policy, industry, and community development that link artistic-educational integration to
economic and social benefits.
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Artificial and Human-Made Multisensorial Spaces
Multisensorial spaces deliberately engage multiple sensessight, sound, touch, smell, and sometimes tasteto
shape experience. Historically, temples and cathedrals used music, incense, and architecture to deepen spiritual
awareness (Classen, 1993). Modern consumer culture adopted these principles through department stores, theaters,
and digital environments that merge art and commerce (Benjamin, 1999; Pine & Gilmore, 1999).
Today, multisensoriality defines much of the creative economy. Technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and
interactive projections intensify sensory engagement (Carvalhais, 2021). In fashion, soundscapes, scents, textures,
and digital backdrops transform consumption into immersive cultural experience.
From Music in Bookstores to Fashion in Manila
Studies of hybrid spaces like Sisyphe Bookstore show that integrating artistic practicesparticularly musicinto
retail fosters cultural literacy, social belonging, and job satisfaction (Xing, 2019; Yanli, 2014). These activities
illustrate informal learning supported by social learning (Bandura, 2001), reinforcement (Skinner, 1953), and
multiple intelligences (Gardner, 1983).
Fashion offers parallel potential. It engages multiple senses and acts as a social performance of identity. Runway
shows, exhibits, and pop-ups serve as educational encounters on design, sustainability, and cultural diversity.
Through a humanistic lens (Rogers, 1969), fashion supports creativity and self-expression, while social learning
explains how audiences absorb and reproduce trends through observation and participation.
Fashion as a Multisensorial Educational Space
Applying the music-infused bookstore model to Manila’s fashion scene shows how fashion can function as a
cultural-educational hub. Like interactive music sessions, fashion events that integrate live demonstration,
participation, and storytelling enhance emotional engagement and learning (Koelsch, 2014; Hallam, 2010).
Multisensorial fashion experiences that balance artistry with pedagogycombining aesthetic immersion with
education on culture or sustainabilitycan transform audiences and communities.
Thus, the study positions fashion in Manila not merely as a creative industry but as a multisensorial platform for
learning, identity formation, and social cohesion, inspired by the cultural innovations of Qingdao’s music-based
bookstore model.
Study Framework
Fashion shows in Manila are often staged as one-dimensional visual spectacles, emphasizing surface aesthetics
while overlooking their potential as multisensorial cultural learning experiences. Yet, contemporary audiences
especially the social media generationseek events that move beyond passive viewing to offer immersive,
interactive, and meaningful engagement. Drawing inspiration from the transformation of Sisyphe Bookstore in
Qingdao, which evolved from a retail space into a hybrid cultural hub through music-based educational activities
(Xing, 2019; Wang, 2025), this study envisions how fashion shows can similarly integrate artistry, education, and
marketing into cohesive, multisensorial experiences.
Grounded in the concept of multisensorial cultural learning, the framework synthesizes insights from several
complementary perspectives. Social learning theory (Bandura, 2001) explains how audiences internalize cultural
meanings and fashion identities through observation and imitation of models, peers, and influencersprocesses
intensified by digital sharing. Behaviorist principles (Skinner, 1953) describe how sensory pleasure, social
validation, and technological interactivity reinforce engagement and strengthen brand attachment. Humanistic
education (Rogers, 1969) emphasizes personal growth and intrinsic motivation, framing fashion shows as
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platforms for creative self-expression and cultural connection. Meanwhile, Gardner’s (1983) multiple intelligences
theory situates audience participation within a pluralistic mode of engagement that activates visual-spatial, bodily-
kinesthetic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal intelligences. Together, these perspectives conceptualize fashion
shows as cultural-educational ecosystems where sensory immersion, social learning, and identity formation
intersect with marketing value.
Within this framework, multisensorial fashion show elementsincluding choreography, lighting, soundscapes,
fabric textures, interactive media, and digital amplificationserve as core design components influencing
audience engagement, cultural appreciation, brand loyalty, and online participation. These experiences are
moderated by two critical factors: (a) the balance between artistic spectacle and educational-cultural purpose
(Swanwick, 1999) and (b) the evolving cultural environment of Manila fashion, shaped by global trends,
consumer aspirations, and the social media generation’s appetite for immersion (Carvalhais, 2021).
Statement of the Problem
By integrating lessons from bookstore-based cultural innovation with the realities of Manila’s fashion landscape,
this study investigates how multisensorial strategies can reinvent fashion shows as transformative cultural learning
events. Specifically, it seeks to determine: (1) how insights from the Sisyphe Bookstore model can inform
multisensorial fashion show design in Manila, (2) what challenges in contemporary fashion trends must be
addressed to enhance immersive and persuasive impact, and (3) how fashion shows can be reimagined to resonate
more deeply with the expectations and participatory culture of today’s audiences.
METHODOLOGY
Research Design
This study adopted a qualitative research design with a focus on document analysis to explore how insights from
Sisyphe Bookstore’s integration of music education can inform the reinvention of fashion shows in Manila.
Document analysis was chosen because it allows for the systematic review and interpretation of textual and visual
materials to extract meaning, identify patterns, and generate knowledge in relation to cultural innovation (Bowen,
2009). This design was particularly appropriate for addressing the study’s first two research questions: (1) how
bookstore practices can inspire multisensorial fashion shows, and (2) what challenges in contemporary Manila
fashion trends must be addressed to optimize audience engagement.
Research Context
The study examined two main sets of documents. First, materials related to Sisyphe Bookstore in Qingdao
including published case studies, media reports, and promotional contentwere analyzed to identify the strategies
used to integrate music as a multisensorial cultural learning activity within a retail environment. Second, online
resources related to contemporary fashion trends in Manilaincluding fashion blogs, digital magazines, brand
websites, and social media contentwere analyzed to capture the dominant styles, audience expectations, and
marketing practices currently shaping the local fashion scene. Together, these document sources provided a
comparative foundation for translating cultural practices across contexts.
Sampling of Documents
A purposive sampling strategy was used to select documents most relevant to the study’s objectives. For the
bookstore context, inclusion criteria focused on documents that described music education events, customer or
employee engagement, and the bookstore’s cultural positioning. For the fashion context, inclusion criteria
prioritized materials from 20202025 that discussed emerging trends, audience behaviors, and marketing
strategies in Manila’s fashion industry. Exclusion criteria included promotional materials without substantive
descriptions of cultural practices or documents unrelated to multisensorial or experiential elements.
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Approximately 20 documents on the Sisyphe Bookstore and 30 on Manila fashion culture were included for
analysis.
Data Collection
Document analysis followed a structured process. Each document was reviewed for explicit references to cultural
practices, sensory strategies, marketing goals, and audience engagement. Data were organized into categories
reflecting innovation, multisensorial design, learning potential, and challenges in audience reception. Digital
annotation tools and matrices were used to code and compare findings across the two document sets, ensuring that
insights from the bookstore context could be systematically mapped onto fashion contexts. that discussed
Emerging trends, audience behaviors, and marketing strategies in Manila’s fashion industry between 2020 and
2025 were used to identify book store innovation that resonated with the Manila fashion scene.
Data Analysis
Data were analyzed thematically following Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-step approach. For the bookstore
documents, themes such as innovation in hybrid spaces, multisensory engagement, and integration of education
with retail were identified. For the Manila fashion documents, themes included audience expectations, challenges
in immersive design, and the dominance of visual-centric approaches. Comparative analysis was then applied to
align insights from the bookstore with gaps or opportunities in Manila fashion shows. This process generated a
framework for how fashion events can be reimagined as multisensorial cultural learning spaces with marketing
impact.
Validity and Reliability
Credibility was strengthened by triangulating multiple document sources (academic, journalistic, promotional, and
digital media). Transferability was supported through detailed contextual descriptions of both the Chinese
bookstore and the Manila fashion scene. Dependability and confirmability were addressed through systematic
coding procedures, transparent criteria for document selection, and peer review of thematic categories.
Ethical Considerations
As the study relied solely on publicly available documents, it did not involve direct interaction with human
participants. Nevertheless, ethical standards were observed by ensuring accurate citation of sources, avoiding
misrepresentation, and respecting intellectual property.
RESULTS
Insights from the Bookstore Study for Fashion Shows
The innovation dimension of the bookstore study showed that customers valued hybrid experiences where music
was integrated with other offerings, such as book launches or workshops. For fashion shows in Manila, this
suggests that innovation lies not only in presenting clothing but in layering multiple cultural and artistic
elementsfor instance, blending live music, visual projections, interactive art, or even scent design with runway
sequences. Such integration can transform the fashion show into a multisensorial cultural event, moving beyond
a transactional showcase to an immersive experience.
The findings on engagement highlight that multisensorial elements encouraged longer customer presence, repeat
participation, and additional purchases. For fashion shows, this implies that designing spaces where audiences
can lingersuch as post-show interactive zones with tactile fabric experiences, augmented reality try-ons, or
themed cultural displayscan enhance both customer immersion and commercial outcomes. Much like how
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music boosted inquiries about related products in the bookstore, multisensorial elements in fashion can drive
interest in accessories, sustainable textiles, or designer collaborations.
Regarding effectiveness, the bookstore study showed that interactive, practice-based formats promoted deeper
learning and appreciation. Applied to fashion shows, this suggests including participatory componentssuch as
live styling demonstrations, DIY sustainable fashion corners, or audience voting on designsto foster not only
appreciation of trends but also cultural and creative learning. Audiences, especially younger ones, respond
better when they are part of the process rather than passive viewers.
The results on educational outcomes further highlight that multisensorial activities can sharpen concentration,
memory, and cultural literacy. For Manila’s fashion scene, a fashion show could be framed as a cultural learning
journeywhere designs are contextualized through historical storytelling, cross-cultural inspirations, or thematic
narratives (e.g., Filipino weaving traditions reimagined for contemporary fashion). This aligns with the “social
media generation’s” appetite for shareable, story-driven content that combines aesthetics with knowledge.
Finally, the bookstore study stressed the importance of balancing artistry and education. For fashion shows, this
balance is crucial: while audiences want the emotional impact of visual spectacle, they also benefit from
explanatory and contextual cues. A multisensorial fashion show could therefore alternate between high-impact
artistic displays and short guided narratives (through digital projections, narration, or interactive apps), ensuring
that the audience is both inspired and informed.
Key Takeaways for Fashion Show Design
Hybrid integration. Fashion should be paired with music, visual arts, scent, or interactive media to create
multisensorial depth.
Engagement through immersion: Designing lingering zones and interactive elements can boost both audience
retention and spending.
Interactive learning: Participation in styling or sustainable fashion activities makes the experience more effective
and memorable.
Cultural literacy: Embedding local cultural narratives in fashion strengthens appreciation and global relevance.
Balance of art and education: Ensuring inspiration and explanation coexist enhances audience satisfaction and
long-term impact.
Challenges in Contemporary Fashion Trends in Manila
Fast-fashion culture and low consumer price sensitivity. Filipino audiences often prioritize affordability and
novelty over deeper appreciation of craft or cultural messaging. This preference weakens the persuasive potential
of multisensorial fashion shows. As Cayaban (2023) observed, “Filipino consumers love and buy fast fashion
because it is relatively cheap but trendy” (p. 2).
Sustainability trade-offs and resource constraints. Designers in the Philippines experiment with upcycling and
ethical practices, but costs and limited consumer awareness make sustainability-focused immersive shows difficult
to scale. According to a report, local brands are adopting upcycling to combat the issue of textile waste”
(Business World Online, 2024, para. 4).
Production, manufacturing, and infrastructure limits. High production costs and limited local manufacturing
infrastructure constrain the staging of large-scale, immersive fashion experiences. Deepwear (2024) notes that the
industry faces “high production costs and infrastructure limitations” (para. 6).
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Funding and institutional support for talent. Although competitions and awards highlight Filipino creativity,
emerging designers need long-term financial backing to sustain immersive production. As Vogue Business (2024)
explains, “Access to capital is essential, especially for emerging … talent” (para. 8).
Audience attention economy and social media dynamics. Manila’s fashion events must balance live immersion
with digital visibility. Vogue Business (2024) reported that runway shows generated two-thirds of the impact,”
showing how both offline and online strategies are essential (para. 3).
Balancing spectacle with contextual storytelling. Filipino designers must provide not just visual spectacle but
also meaningful cultural narratives. Vogue (2022) emphasized that for many designers, sustainability is no
greenwashing gimmick. It is a lifeline” (para. 5).
Fragmented platforms and fragmented audiences. Fashion in Manila is spread across mainstream shows,
boutique events, and streetwear subcultures. This fragmentation complicates efforts to deliver a unified
multisensorial experience that appeals across demographics (Business World Online, 2024; Deepwear, 2024).
Linking Fashion Show Challenges to the Bookstore Study Findings
The findings from the Sisyphe Bookstore study offer valuable insights that can inform and enhance the immersive
and persuasive impact of fashion shows in Manila. By addressing the challenges identified in the contemporary
fashion landscape, these insights can guide the evolution of fashion events into multisensorial cultural learning
experiences that resonate with audiences.
Innovating Beyond Fast Fashion. The Sisyphe Bookstore's success in integrating music education into its
offerings highlights the importance of innovation in cultural engagement. In contrast, the fast-fashion culture in
Manila, driven by affordability and trendiness, often overlooks deeper cultural narratives (Cayaban, 2023). By
drawing inspiration from the bookstore's approach, fashion shows can move beyond mere trend replication and
offer audiences meaningful experiences that blend artistry with education, fostering a deeper connection to the
cultural context of the designs.
Balancing Artistic Expression with Educational Content. The bookstore's ability to balance artistic enjoyment
with educational value was central to its success. Similarly, fashion shows in Manila can enhance their impact by
incorporating elements that educate audiences about the cultural and historical significance of the designs. This
approach not only enriches the viewing experience but also aligns with the growing demand for sustainability and
ethical practices in fashion (Cayaban, 2023).
Overcoming Infrastructure and Production Constraints. The Sisyphe Bookstore's structured programming,
such as sequential workshops, proved effective in engaging participants. Manila's fashion industry faces
challenges related to high production costs and limited local manufacturing infrastructure (Deepwear, 2024). By
adopting modular and structured formats, fashion events can maximize impact within resource constraints,
ensuring that each segment contributes meaningfully to the overall experience.
Engaging Audiences in a Fragmented Attention Economy. The bookstore's ability to extend customer
engagement through immersive music activities offers a model for fashion shows aiming to capture and retain
audience attention. In Manila, the fragmented attention economy, influenced by social media dynamics,
necessitates fashion events that are not only visually appealing but also immersive and interactive, encouraging
audiences to stay longer and engage more deeply with the content (Vogue Business, 2024).
Fostering Cultural Literacy Through Fashion. The bookstore's impact on cultural literacy through music
education underscores the potential of fashion shows to serve as platforms for cultural learning. By integrating
storytelling elements that highlight the cultural narratives behind the designs, fashion events can contribute to a
more informed and appreciative audience, aligning with the broader goals of cultural education and awareness.
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Building Community Across Diverse Audiences. The Sisyphe Bookstore's role as a cultural hub demonstrates
the power of shared experiences in building community. Manila's fashion scene, characterized by diverse
subcultures and fragmented audiences, can benefit from creating inclusive events that bring together various
groups around common themes, fostering a sense of belonging and shared cultural appreciation (Business World
Online, 2024).
Ideas Reinventing the Fashion Shows of Manila
1. Interactive Storytelling Through Garments
Concept: Each clothing line or collection tells a cultural or environmental story that is visually and narratively
immersive.
Implementation:
Traditional/Heritage Clothing: Models can perform short, choreographed movements inspired by Filipino
dances while wearing indigenous fabrics like piña or abaca, accompanied by live or curated soundscapes.
Streetwear: Integrate multimedia projections that show the origin of design motifs, local graffiti art, or urban
narratives, turning the runway into an interactive story.
Social Media Angle: Clips of garments “in motion” with cultural context can be shared as reels or TikTok videos,
increasing engagement and educational reach.
2. Multisensorial Integration with Accessories
Concept: Accessories (shoes, bags, jewelry) can serve as tactile and olfactory focal points in the show.
Implementation:
Footwear: Include stages with textures (sand, grass, or urban surfaces) that the models walk on, letting audiences
experience (visually and virtually via close-ups or haptics in VR/AR) how shoes interact with different
environments.
Perfumed Accessories: Limited-edition bags or scarves can be subtly scented to evoke emotions tied to the
collection’s theme.
Social Media Angle: Micro-content focusing on textures or scents (e.g., “Behind the design: How your favorite
bag smells!”) can increase shareability.
Interactive Live Demonstrations
Concept: Like workshops in the bookstore, live demonstrations can engage audiences with the craftsmanship
behind fashion items.
Implementation:
Handcrafted Clothing: On-stage demonstrations of embroidery, beading, or weaving with augmented reality
overlays explaining cultural significance.
Jewelry or Watches: Highlight production processes or design inspiration in real-time with models interacting
with artisans.
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Social Media Angle: Clips or stories showing “making-of” moments appeal to curiosity-driven engagement
common among Gen Z and Millennials.
4. Immersive Audio-Visual Experiences
Concept: Runways become fully immersive spaces combining lighting, sound, and projections.
Implementation:
Lighting & Color: Collections can be staged with lights that change according to the theme (e.g., tropical for
resort wear, monochromatic for urban minimalism).
Music & Soundscapes: Each segment uses culturally relevant or genre-specific music that matches the clothing
category (folk music for heritage collections, EDM for streetwear).
Social Media Angle: Short-form videos capturing dynamic lighting and music shifts create Instagram-worthy
moments.
5. Participatory Fashion Experiences
Concept: Audiences can interact physically or digitally with garments to foster learning and engagement.
Implementation:
VR/AR Try-ons: Provide stations where attendees or online viewers can virtually try on clothes or accessories.
DIY Stations: Mini-workshops where attendees decorate scarves, tote bags, or T-shirts inspired by the collection.
Social Media Angle: User-generated content with branded hashtags amplifies engagement and extends the
educational component.
6. Cultural Pairing with Merchandise Categories
Everyday Apparel: Demonstrate sustainability tips (e.g., styling a T-shirt 5 ways) or local textile knowledge.
Footwear: Highlight materials, comfort design, and cultural heritage in motion.
Accessories: Tie to local stories, craft traditions, or environmentally friendly production.
Luxury Pieces: Emphasize narrative, craftsmanship, and exclusivity, creating aspirational educational
experiences.
7. Gamified and Social Media-Ready Engagement
Concept: Use digital interaction to keep audiences immersed beyond the runway.
Implementation:
Scavenger hunts for QR codes on exhibits or clothing tags that link to mini-documentaries on the designs.
Social media filters or AR lenses that replicate fashion items or textures.
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Social Media Angle: Gamification encourages content creation, tagging, and sharing, expanding cultural learning
into virtual spaces.
Summary
By combining interactive storytelling, multisensorial stimulation, live demonstrations, immersive audio-visual
design, participatory experiences, and gamification, Manila fashion shows can evolve into cultural learning
experiences. Each fashion item or categorywhether apparel, footwear, accessories, or luxury goodscan be
framed as both a cultural artifact and a sensory stimulus, appealing to the attention, curiosity, and sharing behavior
of the social media generation.
DISCUSSION
Preserving the Producer-Consumer Connection of Fashion Shows and Their Products
To prevent alienation between consumers and fashion producers while reinventing the fashion show as a
multisensorial cultural learning experience, the event should prioritize interactive, participatory, and co-creative
experiences. One approach is to incorporate live demonstrations or mini-workshops where audiences can observe
and even participate in the creation of fashion items, such as embroidery, weaving, or fabric dyeing, while having
the opportunity to ask questions or offer input on designs. This fosters a sense of collaboration rather than passive
observation (Bandura, 2001). Similarly, co-creation and personalization opportunities, such as stations where
audiences can customize accessories or textiles inspired by the main collection, allow consumers to contribute to
the creative process. Integrating social media tools to let audiences vote on design features or provide real-time
feedback further strengthens engagement. These approaches echo findings from the Sisyphe Bookstore study,
where integrating educational elements with enjoyable experiences enhanced engagement and cultural literacy
(Rogers, 1969; Wang, 2025).
Storytelling that highlights producer perspectives is also critical. Narrating the background of designers, local
artisans, and the cultural inspirations behind each garmentthrough live narration or multimedia and augmented
reality (AR) presentationshumanizes the production process and fosters respect and connection between
consumers and creators. Additionally, multisensorial immersion can deepen these connections by blending visual,
auditory, tactile, and even olfactory elements that reflect the materials, craftsmanship, and cultural contexts of the
fashion items. For example, garments made of Piña fabric could be presented alongside natural scents or sounds
from pineapple fields or local weaving communities. This approach mirrors how multisensory engagement in the
bookstore study increased attention, emotional resonance, and loyalty (Classen, 1993; Carvalhais, 2021).
Finally, post-event access and interaction can maintain the connection between producers and consumers.
Opportunities such as meet-and-greet sessions, online forums, or the ability to purchase limited edition or
experiential merchandise help extend the learning and cultural experience beyond the runway. The bookstore
study demonstrated that events encouraging follow-up engagement enhanced both satisfaction and loyalty (North
& Hargreaves, 2008). By combining participation, personalization, narrative immersion, and multisensorial
design, fashion shows in Manila can be reinvented as multisensorial cultural learning experiences that effectively
bridge the gap between creators and audiences, offering meaningful engagement for the social media generation
while preserving the cultural and artistic integrity of the fashion products.
Supporting a Circular Fashion Economy
Reinventing fashion shows in Manila as multisensorial cultural learning experiences can actively support a
circular economy by emphasizing sustainability, local production, and extended product life cycles, all while
engaging audiences in immersive ways. The circular economy in fashion is based on principles of reducing waste,
reusing materials, recycling fabrics, and designing products for longevity (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2017). A
multisensorial, participatory fashion show can integrate these principles in several ways.
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First, fashion items showcased can prioritize sustainable materials, such as upcycled fabrics, organic textiles, or
locally sourced materials like Piña or Abaca, making the production process part of the story. Audiences can learn
about the lifecycle of these materials through interactive displays or tactile experiences, creating awareness of the
environmental and cultural value of each item (Carvalhais, 2021). By understanding how garments are made and
the resources involved, consumers are more likely to make conscious purchasing decisions that support circular
practices.
Second, the event can incorporate co-creation and customization stations, allowing attendees to personalize or
repurpose existing clothing and accessories. For instance, workshops on transforming old garments into new
pieces or combining leftover fabrics into functional products can extend product life, demonstrating principles of
reuse and upcycling (North & Hargreaves, 2008). This approach aligns with findings from the bookstore study,
where interactive, hands-on experiences enhanced engagement, learning, and appreciation for cultural products
(Wang, 2025).
Third, digital engagement and social media can reinforce circular practices by encouraging audiences to share
ideas for reusing materials, showcasing DIY fashion projects, or promoting responsible consumption behaviors.
Virtual experiences can simulate the impact of waste reduction or illustrate alternative production cycles,
complementing the physical multisensorial show (Bandura, 2001).
Finally, the integration of local artisans and small-scale producers into the event emphasizes local economic loops
and reduces the environmental footprint associated with mass-produced fashion. By fostering direct interactions
between producers and consumers, audiences gain appreciation for craftsmanship and sustainable production,
further supporting circular economy objectives.
In sum, reinvented fashion shows can serve as educational platforms that model circular economy principles while
immersing audiences in multisensory experiences. By combining tactile engagement, narrative storytelling, co-
creation, and digital participation, these events encourage conscious consumption, support sustainable production,
and extend the lifecycle of fashion products, thereby integrating cultural learning with environmental
responsibility.
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