Bespoke limited-edition pieces you can proudly wear on your next weekend getaway
Weaving is an integral part of Philippine heritage. Every indigenous community has its distinct handloom styles and technique in producing intricately patterned and colorful textiles that represent each of its natives’ creativity, beliefs, and customs. This special art expression that dates back to the 13th century is embedded in history and reflects who we really are as Filipinos before the colonial powers took possession of our lands.
Passing on the knowledge and practices of traditional weaving is one of the main challenges of our time. “It may not be as bad as before, but it’s still a problem. Now they are more open to continuing their legacy,” says Marga Nograles, founder of Kaayo, a homegrown fashion brand known for its apparel handwoven and beaded by indigenous tribes in Mindanao.
Filipino craftsmanship and artistry come in many impressive and beautiful forms, but it is the weaving culture that is one of the most unique and meaningful in such a way that it unites people, acts as a source of livelihood for many, and captures the ideology and identity of tribesmen.
“The challenge is to keep on encouraging and inspiring them ,” explains Marga. “Kung hindi, wala na (If not, it will be the end).” This is why Kaayo is here to keep making what weavers do relevant. “We find ways to make things different. To innovate. They cannot keep doing one thing forever. ’Yung iba nawawalan na din ng gana (some already lose interest).”
As a solution, Kaayo would frequently release new products and collections that allow the T’boli weavers as well as those from B’laan, Mandaya, Bagobo Tagabawa, Manobo, and Tagakaolo tribes, to reinvent their craft.
This month, as the contemporary fashion label opens a popup at the R2 level, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Drive, Makati, its latest collection, the Kaayo Resort is also launched.
“This is the first time the T’nalak is incorporated in swimsuits,” boasts Marga. “We are very proud to share that we have finally been able to weave a unique swimwear line that showcases the different Mindanao weaves and intricate handbeading.”
The collection, which took years in the making, consists of three styles in different prints and colors all tried and tested in March of 2022 at the Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Samal Island, Davao City. The pieces, in true Kaayo fashion, are multi-functional, not just for the beach, but could also make the ideal bodysuit tank top to pair with jeans, skirts, and shorts.
“The sun, the sand, the sea, and the open space brought some semblance of normalcy and hope,” says Marga, emphasizing that the beach became a solace for when the increasing monotony and uncertainty of the health crisis became too overwhelming. After all, summer never really ends in the Philippines.
‘This collection is another attempt for us to have every Filipino wear Filipino. Not just for events, or for costumes but chic pieces that speak of identity, culture, and home. Kaayo Resort is a representation of the fit and fabulous empowered Filipina.’
It is with this very idea that Kaayo Resort was born. Among the items in the catalog are beach bags, cover-ups, romantic silk and lace robes, sun dresses, kaftans, and colorful flirty skirts, “pieces that make you happy when you need to be happy the most,” beams Marga.
Picking up from last year, inspired by the same passion, the brand has produced an exciting line to complement the swimsuits, including cover-ups in the same T’nalak-inspired prints but using different fabrics, silk-rushed sarong skirts, silk tent dresses, and a cover-up skirt.
Part of the selection is a mixed print one-of-a-kind kaftan, handbeaded by the T’boli tribe of Lake Sebu. The popular T’boli-tiered Cassie skirts in happier colors have also been brought back to complement the series of beachwear.
“This collection is another attempt for us to have every Filipino wear Filipino. Not just for events, or for costumes but chic pieces that speak of identity, culture, and home,” concludes Marga. “Kaayo Resort is a representation of the fit and fabulous empowered Filipina.”
Limited-edition items are also on offer at the popup at R2 level, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Drive, Makati, until June 29. 0915 427 0492 | kaayoph.com | [email protected]