FILIPINO international fashion designer Mitch Desunia was grounded from presenting her latest couture collection at Hitech Moda during Paris Fashion Week after her luggage — containing her entire collection — was mishandled and delayed by Saudia Airlines.
Desunia, known for representing Filipino artistry on the global stage, arrived in Paris ready to unveil months of work.
Instead, she found herself without the gowns, accessories, and presentation materials essential for her October 3 showcase.
“Months of preparation and years of dreams were inside that suitcase,” Desunia said.
“Each gown represented stories of resilience, craftsmanship, and Filipino excellence. But because of one airline’s negligence, that voice was silenced on one of the world’s most important stages.”
Upon discovering her luggage was missing at Charles de Gaulle Airport, Desunia immediately filed a lost baggage claim and has since submitted a formal report to Saudia Airlines’ Baggage Claims Department.
She continued to await both her belongings and an official response from the airline.
The incident cost Desunia not just her Paris Fashion Week slot but several professional opportunities.
“One producer even offered me a chance to showcase last Saturday, had the luggage arrived,” she shared.
“I missed a lot of opportunities and got stuck in my accommodation. I couldn’t attend other shows or meetings because even my outfits — my own creations — were in that luggage.”
Desunia, who remains in Paris ahead of her return flight to Manila, said she was instructed to claim her luggage later at the airport’s lost and found section before check-in. However, the situation poses another challenge: some of the gowns were meant for her clients in Paris, and bringing them back would mean paying additional baggage fees.
“It’s like a double or even triple kill,” she lamented.
Despite her calm demeanor, Desunia’s call goes beyond her personal loss — she is urging greater accountability and protection for artists and professionals whose creative and livelihood assets depend on reliable logistics.
“This isn’t just about a lost bag — it’s about lost opportunity, lost craftsmanship, and lost voices,” she said. “I hope airlines understand that what we entrust to them are not just belongings, but pieces of our life’s work.”
Still, Desunia continues to embody her advocacy, “The Truly Rich Life,” which centers on purpose, peace, and perseverance.
“True elegance,” she said, “is how you rise, even when everything falls apart.”
The designer is now planning a special exhibition in Paris dedicated to resilience and recovery, transforming her disappointment into inspiration — a reflection of her enduring artistry and grace.
