Artist and humanitarian Francis Sollano has been featured at the 2017 World Economic Forum on Association of Southeast Asian Nations (WEF-ASEAN) for being a Global Shaper with his works of art called “Trashion.”
The Cebu-based designer is the first Filipino to be given the spotlight at the WEF-ASEAN.
Sollano is featured in the WEF Global Shapers Community as one of the world’s leading young people who are exceptional in their potential, their achievements and their drive to make a contribution to their communities. His expertise is listed in the Sustainability and Environment-Fashion section.
The 30-year- old is featured as the “Trashion and installations artist known for contemporary takes on upcycling garbage into wearable art and converting urban spaces. Aside from being a humanitarian and ambassador for various initiatives, he is a self-made social entrepreneur; incorporates love for the natural environment in delicate handmade creations under own label.”
The University of the Philippines graduate has had his Trashion works covered in international design publications and exhibited across the globe in major cities including Paris, New York, London, Tokyo, Singapore and Bangkok.
As an advocate and Executive Director for the Youth for a Livable Cebu, Sollano “hopes to bring the movement to an international platform, advocating for sustainable practices and livability in various communities.”
The visual artist has partnered with commercial institutions driving programs that allow him to acquire the garbage materials he uses. These solutions work as a system on its own – ensuring proper solid waste disposal and upcycling reusable garbage into works of art.
Sollano’s recognitions now include the Global Shaper, World Economic Forum. Elevate Fellow, British Council, for using creativity on community works. He is also the recipient of the United Nations Environmental Programme Fellowship Award, the Philippine’s Creative Mover 2015 award by Rappler Online News Media, and was a Cultural Leader at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2016.
Sollano’s collection was also exhibited in the “Fashion to Dye For” at the WEF-ASEAN in Cambodia witnessed by 700 global and ASEAN regional leaders, including heads of state, 50 government ministers and more than 500 captains of industry.
