The renowned fashion designer collaborates with homegrown brand JIM Weaver to bring the season's must-have piece
Francis Libiran never fails in merging Philippine culture and contemporary design in his work. From his terno creations for Filipina beauty queens to his reimagined barong pieces for the country's athletes during the 2019 SEA Games, he has proven his knack for patriotic style. This time, the noted fashion designer collaborates with homegrown brand JIM Weaver for a collaboration collection featuring the vibrant art of the Philippines in vibrant silk scarves.
"JIM x Francis Libiran is an endless flow of creativity contained within 120x120cm of dreamily soft, pure silk," the designer posted. "Yes, this is our largest scarf to date and it drapes beautifully around the body. The collection is a nod to an extraordinary design tradition; pieces that all at once celebrate fashion, culture, music, architecture, and local folklore."
The three-piece collection centers on the art of okir, a plant-based folk motif featuring rectilinear and curvilinear aesthetic common among Moro and Lumad people in Southern Philippines. According to JIM Weaver, the designer's architecture background helped bring about the inspiration for this collection.
Playing with the idea of contrast, the scarves are made of 100 percent natural silk twill and embody unique designs depicting the beauty of local myths. First is the Night and Day, which presents the naga (sea serpent) and the sarimanok (many-colored bird). Past and Present showcases the royals of the past—sultans and datus—in today's color trends. Lastly is the Fire and Ice, representing the okir's feminine and masculine side.
In support of the country's indigenous people, they are also working with Operation Blessing. The global nonprofit, humanitarian organization works to fight hunger, disease, unemployment, illiteracy, and abuse—one person, one family, and one community at a time.
"A portion of proceeds from the JIM Weaver x Francis Libiran collection will benefit Operation Blessing's Disaster Response and Medical Assistance Program supporting indigenous communities from all over the Philippines," JIM Weaver says.
Each scarf also comes with a free matching three-layer reversible fabric face mask that offers maximum comfort and protection. There is a water repellent fabric filter in between two fast-drying polyester layers. Ear loops are adjustable to fit most face shapes and sizes.
Visit @jimweaverdesigns on Instagram and jimweaverdesigns.com to know more about the collection.