When we talk about Filipino style today, reimagined ternos, classic barongs, and other modern iterations of Filipinianas are what usually come to mind. But contemporary Filipino fashion doesn’t end there. There are jewelry pieces made the artisanal way by the local plateros. There are also traditional crafts, from weaving and beading to carving, now being translated into wearable pieces dedicated to giving respect to the materials used and the hands that made them. A testament to that are the pieces of homegrown bag brand Calli.
Tessa Nepomuceno
Since its inception in 2013, the brand has been on a mission to put the spotlight on the many age-old artisanal works of the Philippines and the people that keep them alive. Led by its founder and CEO Tessa Nepomuceno, the brand, which is named after her son Khalil, is where ancestral craft and luxury meet. All in all, it pays homage to the vibrant heritage and the talents of Filipino artisans.
Years after, we saw its bags and other creations being carried by many celebrities, one of which is Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray. During her time at the pageant, the Filipino beauty queen served many stunning looks that celebrated the talents of Filipino fashion creatives. Completing her ensembles are the statement pieces courtesy of Calli. Today, Catriona continues to carry one of the brand’s pieces in her every function, whether it is for fashion events or her appearances as an ambassador for the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
What makes Calli’s pieces special, apart from their design, is the story of the people that created them. Tessa worked with three Filipino artisan communities in bringing her designs to life. First is with multi-generations of wood carvers from Paete, Laguna for her signature wooden bags. Next are the artisans of the Merville community for the intricate embroideries. Lastly, the Moonwalk community adds an extra touch of Filipino artistry to the bags with their banig, rattan, tikog, inabel, t’nalak, and denim works.
“It is super important to help these communities,” Tessa says to Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “They are not dying, but if we don't help them, they’ll be gone. We need to help them in passing the crafts on to the next generation.”
As the brand celebrates its decade-long journey in the Filipino fashion scene, Calli is reintroducing itself with a new emblem and collections featuring pieces that will suit the lifestyle of today’s Filipinas.
Camillia and Raffa bags from the '10 by Calli' collection
Ayesha and Solana bags the '10 by Calli' collection
With that in mind, Tessa unveils the “10 by Calli” collection, a diffusion line for today’s conscious consumers. The collection highlights slow fashion with its elegant multi-functional designs adorned with fine solihiya weaving and hand embroidery, which are meant to be worn every day and to stay in people’s closets for years. This is Tessa’s love letter to her clients whose fashion choices have a positive impact on the community, the planet, and the preservation of craft.
Jacqui bag and Kiss clutch from the brand's holiday line
Felix Vanity and Rocco bag from the brand's holiday line
Her second collection, a holiday line, features hand-carved wooden clutch bags made by artisans in Paete. The structured clutches present intricate floral and geometric patterns highlighting the beauty of acacia wood. Also included in the collection are the dainty bags with solihiya weaves and hand embroidery.
“We later realized that the Calli woman leads multifaceted lives,” Tessa muses. “She doesn’t just get dolled up for parties and special occasions. She also leads a purpose-driven life, which demands well-made pieces that reflect her roots and ancestry.”
Calli’s holiday collection and “10 by CALLI” line will be launched exclusively at the ArteFino Festival happening from Aug. 24 to 27 at Powerplant Mall in Makati City.