Arao x Joanique jewelry collection highlights Peru’s myth and the Philippines’ submerged gemstone

After its successful collaboration with photographer and fashion creative Jo Ann Bitagcol, Arao’s Alchemy series now presents a partnership with designer Malou Araneta as they launch their latest collection, the Arao x Joanique line. 

Inspired by her recent trip to Peru, Malou designed a jewelry collection based on dreams and the Quesha people of the Andean highlands of the country. In Quesha culture, dreams are often chronicled through patterns, handwoven into textiles. And with those patterns, she was able to craft distinct fine jewelry pieces with the use of South Sea pearls sourced in the Philippines. 

“Quesha symbols or designs are inspired by nature,” Malou, founder and creative director of Joanique, says. “Some are based on myth, folklore, while others are symbolic of dreams.”

“I was inspired to collaborate with Malou because we share the same practice of self-discovery and realization, that is through dream weaving,” Arao founder Mirabel Rosar says. “It is no surprise when I asked Malou to design fine jewelry for Arao, she was motivated by her recent trip to Peru and the Quesha people, who literally would weave their dreams. Ours is a marriage of two brands who dare to dream and make it a reality.”

Honoring both the Quesha tradition and the Philippine gemstone, Arao x Joanique line features pieces that are beautiful, with striking designs—the very definition of sweet dreams. It incorporates symbols on necklaces and earrings such as the Inti or the Sun, which honors “the god that looks over and takes care of people on earth.” Representing the divine guidance toward a transformation of heart and mind is the Pilhpintu or the butterfly symbol. While the Quintu or Sacred Leaves, a sacred tradition in Andean culture that celebrates the sharing of coca leaves, is an expression of respect, gratitude, and kinship.

Continuing the nature theme is the T’ika, a floral Peruvian symbol of spirituality and history. Lastly, the Kuntur or the Condor, a prominent figure in the Incan Trilogy that pays homage to the god of the “upper world,” helping humans find their way. 

Arao x Joanique collection is, indeed, a charming manifestation of Malou’s journey in Peru and her coming back home to the Philippines. According to her, people should listen to their dreams, because these visions while in slumber are sometimes messages for something great. 

“These are messages from the source, from the divine,” she tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “Sometimes, we tend to neglect it because we question ourselves, we question our worth—if we’re worthy to achieve things and become our goal person. If we just listen, we can be.”

See more of Arao x Joanique collection here. 

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