MANILA, Philippines--?I like to think of it as tracing-my-roots creativity,? Philip Rodriguez said of his homage to the manton de Manila.

Once a coveted status symbol among stylish Spanish women at the height of the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade, the manton de Manila is getting a 21st-century makeover from this prolific designer.

The Philippine Islands were an obligatory port of call for galleons, loaded with precious cargos of Oriental products, which came via Mexico to dock in Seville?s port. Known as the galleon trade, these galleons brought goods from China to Europe through the Philippines. Among these in-demand items were silk shawls which were to become in Europe as the mantones de Manila. These were lush silk shawls with embroidered motifs such as flowers, symbolic icons and animals.

The manton became an instant hit that Seville women made the Manila silk shawl their own. It was adopted and adapted by Spain as part of its national costume for dance and music.

Fast-forward to modernity. Rodriguez reinterprets the manton, an expression rooted in the past but given a contemporary twist. He gives it new life and relevance, through the use of georgette, stretch tulle, piña cocoon, a pineapple-organza blend, lace, and vivid embroidery appliqués, fringes and ruffles, which comprise his Spring 2010 collection.

The collection presents a palette of vivid and lush colors, in yellow, orange and red set in black, with obvious Latin leanings.

?I?m not just making fashion,? Rodriguez asserted. ?I am presenting lifestyle heavily injected with tradition.?