For the longest time, crafts have championed the Philippines’ vibrant culture and heritage. From braiding threads and mixing paints to working with wood, the hands of Filipinos have made wonders from such humble materials. Through the years, these crafts have been designed not just to produce local functional arts, but also to create solutions to concerns involving the planet.
That’s what this year’s Filipino Design Studio is all about. An initiative led by Kultura, the pop-up puts the spotlight on local craftsmanship and other handmade treasures that capture Filipinos’ creativity. It also highlights apparel, homeware pieces, and wellness products that are sustainably and ethically made. Below are some of the brands featured in this year’s fair.
Love, Camille
Led by young entrepreneur Camille Sicat, Love, Camille is a brand that supports the works of the Ilocos Sur artisans. The handwoven pinilian inabel tapestries are turned into everyday wear, such as bucket hats to contemporary Filipiniana tops. Apart from giving livelihood to artisans, sustainability is also at the core of the brand. A testament to this is its Inabel Offcut Shirt, which is made of upcycled textiles bearing the pinilian design’s specific name.
Boho Manila
As the brand name suggests, Boho Manila is all about the fun and playful spirit of bohemian and tropical styles. Led by Mai Nades, the brand’s accessories are made of colorful beads and shells, crafted by talented mother artisans. According to its website, the brand is also a partner of Kaisahang Buhay Foundation, a non-profit child and family welfare organization that initiates outreach activities and livelihood.
And Again Clothing
Sustainability has been one of the key driving forces of Hazel Roldan’s creativity. That is evident in her label, And Again Clothing. The brand features tops and bottoms that are made of flour sacks sourced from different bakeries. Not only are they ethically made, they are also gender-neutral. One of our favorite pieces from the brand is its pleated skirt, which can be worn by both men and women who want to take their sustainable style game to the next level.
Not A Daydream
Pieces of Not A Daydream are crafted by mothers based in Tondo, Manila City. Its designs feature handwoven textiles from different parts of the Philippines, which are then sewn by the mothers to become travel totes, sling bags, and mat carriers.
11th Earth Home Decor
11th Earth Home Decor specializes in eco-friendly homeware pieces and accessories. It provides job opportunities to artisans in Camarines Sur as they create beach towels, blankets, and picnic mats using handloomed “inabol” textiles. While its woven gift boxes, hampers, and baskets are beautifully rustic and definitely reusable.
Vivo Handmade
Led by Vida Hayes, Vivo Handmade puts the spotlight on masterpieces created by the female artisans of Valladolid in Negros Island. Their products include handwoven bags, as well as apparel and home decor featuring the geometric patterns of the hablon textile.
Kultura’s Filipino Design Studio pop-up runs until Sep. 30 on Atrium East, Level 2 of The Podium mall in Mandaluyong City.
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