For 44 years, Karimadon, a local clothing company known for its high-quality dresses and gowns for different occasions, has been a trusted brand.

This year, the company aims to showcase local talent more. To kick this off, it dropped its latest collection, dubbed "New Weave," in collaboration with the Malingkat community from Mindanao. Malingkat is a social enterprise promoting Philippine weaving traditions focusing on Mindanao.

The "New Weave" collection is a seven-piece line with four designs featuring Yakan weaves. The Yakans are one of the more known weaving communities in the country, and their tennun, the local term for woven fabrics, is easily distinguishable with its geometric patterns and designs. They have also continued to use a traditional backstrap loom until today.

In a conversation with the Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, Karimadon president Rick Go said they are proud and happy with their collaboration with the local community.

“Traditional Yakan is known for its bright colors, but this partnership featured a muted color one,” he said “It’s very perfect because even though it's muted, we stick to the traditional designs”

Here are the designs from the collection:

For those looking for a pencil skirt dress, the Diwa comes with a sweetheart neckline cut and the signature Filipiniana terno sleeves. The Dalisay is a mid-shin, box pleats dress with pockets and can be worn as an off-shoulder number.

Meanwhile, Mutya is an asymmetrical, full-length, flowy jumpsuit that features the Yakan weaves on its waistband and gathered cuff.  Lastly, Tala is an elegant, flattering piece with a unique neckline and detachable belt.

Fawziyyah Maridul, founder of Malingkat, told Manila Bulletin Lifestyle that this partnership benefitted the community, and they are looking forward to more collaboration with the brand.

“It is woven by our community partners from Basilan and Zamboanga," she said. "In Malingkat, what we do is we take the tradition and make it more modern, more contemporary with permission from the tribe.”

This new collection is now available in Karimadon stores nationwide and on its website. It comes in different sizes, from small to extra large. Special orders for extended sizes are also available.