Now is the perfect time to embrace local fashion. And we're not just talking about food. As we strive to keep our economy thriving, supporting designers and artisans has become more important than ever. So why not treat yourself to that stylish bag or pair of shoes you saw on Instagram, knowing that you are not only supporting a friend or acquaintance but also contributing to a community of talented craftsmen in the Philippines?
While many fashion pieces are designed with practicality in mind for quarantine life, the gradual easing of lockdown measures and the progress of vaccination campaigns means that we can still dress up a bit when we venture out, all while adhering to health protocols, of course. So go ahead and indulge in a pretty bag or a stunning pair of shoes to enhance your outfit.
Among the plethora of options available, ArteFino, the artisan fair founded in 2017 by Cedie Vargas, Marimel Francisco, Maritess Pineda, Mita Rufino, and Susan Quiros, has taken its offerings online, allowing for safe and convenient shopping from the comfort of your own home. As a movement that aims to uplift our cultural heritage and put Filipino style on the global map, ArteFino offers an extensive array of choices.
ArteFino’s pineapple bag in collaboration with Zarah Juan (www.shopartefino.com)
ArteFino firmly believes in the potential of local crafts to reach world-class standards. By creating a community that appreciates, develops, and nurtures Filipino artisans and their craft, ArteFino has established an ecosystem of interdependent relationships between artist-entrepreneurs and consumers. This collaboration inspires everyone involved to continuously reimagine, innovate, and elevate Filipino craftsmanship.
Expect to find an abundance of beautiful bags at ArteFino, such as the Calesa and Jeepney totes from Touch Of Craft. Established 35 years ago, Touch Of Craft specializes in creating one-of-a-kind decorative handicrafts using vintage tribal fabrics. Another unique find is a fun pineapple bag handcrafted by skilled cane weavers from Cavite, weavers from Camarines Sur, and assembled by Bulacan artisans.
ArteFino’s banig slip-ons from Liliw (www.shopartefino.com)
If you're looking for something extraordinary, ArteFino offers banig slip-ons manufactured in Liliw, Laguna. These modern twist on traditional sleeping mats, made using banig from Samar and Bicol, are not only stylish but also support sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
To add a touch of elegance to your accessories, ArteFino presents a collaboration between Bulacan embroiderers, Marikina bag makers, and Ilocos weavers. Together, they have crafted gorgeous holders for your alcohol spray bottles, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of these talented artisans.
ArteFino’s alcohol spray bottle holder in collaboration with Shop.TheRockwellList.com (www.shopartefino.com)
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Bambike offers lightweight and sustainable bamboo sunglasses with polarized lenses. Bambike is renowned for its bamboo bicycles, produced by underprivileged communities of Gawad Kalinga. In addition to supporting social initiatives such as educational programs, scholarships, and feeding programs for children, Bambike also contributes to reforestation efforts through its bamboo nursery.
Bambike’s bamboo sunglasses with polarized lenses (www.shopartefino.com)
FAME introduces Maco Custodio, who upcycles used foil packs woven with leather to create a unique shoe line called Lalapatos. Collaborating with communities in Baseco and Pililia, Maco Custodio draws inspiration from the B’laan, Bagobo, and T’bolis of Mindanao, resulting in innovative clothes, hats, and bags that showcase updated weaves, brass casting, and beading techniques.
Maco Custodio’s Lalapatos in upcycled foil mixed with leather and rubber (visit www.fameplus.com or @macocustodio on Instagram)
Maco Custodio’s Kalo Takmon cap with traditional Blaan mother-of-pearl embroidery (visit www.fameplus.com or @macocustodio on Instagram)
Kilus Foundation is another brand that focuses on upcycling. What began in 1997 as an all-women volunteer group in Barangay Ugong, Pasig, has evolved into transforming doypacks, the plastic pouches used for juices, into vibrant totes and lunch boxes.
Tote of upcycled Doypacks by Kilus Foundation (visit www.fameplus.com)
Carissa Cruz Evangelista's Beatriz Accessories is a brand that has gained international recognition. In addition to being available at AC+632, Beatriz Accessories now exports worldwide and has been featured by Oprah Winfrey for Favorite Things of 2016, Japan Times for Best Accessories to Buy in 2017, and US Weekly magazine for Top Summer accessory in 2018. Carissa works with communities of women outside Metro Manila, who meticulously glue raw threads one by one to create stunning graphic patterns in joyous colors.
Nihon clutch with strap by Carissa Cruz Evangelista of Beatriz Accessories (visit www.fameplus.com or @beatriz_accessories on Instagram)
Ken Samudio of Matthew & Melka has gained recognition as one of Vogue Italia’s Talents for Accessories in 2014. His statement bags and accessories, inspired by the mysterious underwater world, have been showcased at chic boutiques worldwide, captivating fashion enthusiasts with their intricate designs.
Bollman clutch by Ken Samudio of Matthew & Melka (visit www.fameplus.com or @matthewandmelka on Instagram)
Adante Leyesa designs stunning pieces that serve as the pièce de résistance in any wardrobe. His Reina bag, for example, is inspired by Iloilo's Dinagyang festival. Crafted in bamboo and embellished with semi-precious stones, beads, and shells, Leyesa's creations are true works of art.
Clutches by Adante Leyesa (visit www.fameplus.com or @adanteleyesa on Instagram)
When it comes to footwear, Jhaz, led by Nepthali and Elvie Moneda and based in Liliw, Laguna, offers stylish and vibrant slides. These footwear options are far from drab, as they feature decorative abaca braiding and embroidery, skillfully executed by a team of 90-100 individuals who work both at the Jhaz factory and in their homes.
For a more whimsical touch, Mara Piñon's versions resemble the iconic tarsiers of Bohol, utilizing locally sourced materials.
Mara Piñon’s Tarsimoji mules in pigskin and raffia (visit www.fameplus.com or @marapinonph on Instagram)
Zarah Juan offers festive options with pompom accents on geometric tribal fabrics woven by the Bagobo Tagabawa community. By working closely with communities across the Philippines, Zarah Juan not only uplifts Filipino craftsmanship but also creates witty and unique bags like the Boombox tote and Takatak horse bag in wicker.
Zarah Juan’s festive bag with pompoms (visit www.fameplus.com or @zarahjuan on Instagram)
Another bag line that will bring a smile to your face is from Maison Metisse. They create bags woven with tikog and buri leaves using the banig technique and natural dyes. With greetings like Kamusta, Bonjour, and Hola, these bags are sure to brighten your day. By purchasing these bags, you also contribute to empowering communities like the Itneg of Abra through fair trade practices and sustainable initiatives.
Maison Metisse’s colorful bags (visit www.fameplus.com or @maisonmetisse on Instagram)
So, why not make a statement with your fashion choices while supporting Filipino artisans and their craftsmanship? By opting for these locally made accessories, you not only add a unique touch to your wardrobe but also contribute to the growth and development of our homegrown fashion industry. Let's celebrate the talent and creativity of our Filipino artisans and showcase their designs to the world.
