Manila Designers To Have In Your Wardrobe In 2019

by Bianca Salonga Contributor

Artisanal, grass roots and craft. In past seasons, designers and fashion houses have used these words—some quite loosely—as a point of reference for their design directions. It is indication of a growing appreciation for items that tell a story and celebrate masterpieces crafted by hand. It reflects the new fashion consumer’s mind frame that now looks beyond aesthetics. Today, there is a movement within fashion gravitating towards labels and products that honor centuries-old traditions, craftsmanship and history. And Manila is one destination where all this is flourishing.

Meet Manila-based fashion labels to add to your wardrobe this year:

FILIP + INNA: A Taste of Philippine Life

Fashion in the Philippines has been integrating more local elements in past seasons. And where Filipino-inspired garments are concerned, Filip +Inna is a forerunner. The label was focused on home décor before branching out to fashion in 2008. It was a business decision that would later define ethical fashion in the Philippines. Its founder, Len Cabili, does not merely take inspiration from tribal craft and embroidery. She works alongside tribal artisans from conception of design down to actual embroidery. They are considered by Cabili as partners in the process. She also insists that they are proprietors of the designs. Classic pieces like vests, jackets, shirt dresses or skirts are infused with patterns, texture and colors from Philippine tribes. They connect wearers to various aspect of Philippine life. They are also fashion keepsakes that immortalize the artistic vision of tribal artisans through garments.

Pieces from Filip + Inna are hand embroidered by tribal artisans from various parts of the Philippines.PHOTO COURTESY OF FILIP + INNA

Intricate patterns from indigenous tribes are applied onto classic silhouettes like this trapeze dress.PHOTO COURTESY OF FILIP + INNA

The celebrated collaboration between Filip + Inna and artisans from various tribes have shown that traditional Philippine weaves and embroidery are viable for modern and global market.PHOTO COURTESY OF FILIP + INNA

To read the original article in full, please visit Forbes.com.

Previous: Our Storybook

Next Post: Introducing the Artisans of Hanunuo Mangyan

Our thoughts and prayers to everyone

Buena Sawit, Jun 02 2020

Len Cabili showcases how indigenous tribes are not only sources of her inspiration, but her partners. She travels to Mindanao to interact, share stories and even live with the country’s oldest tribes to learn about how they make their time-honored fabrics.

Introducing the Artisans of Hanunuo Mangyan

Filip+Inna, Jul 09 2019

Solidarity governs the Hanunuo. Their long-kept beliefs rooted on the value of fellowship sustain the harmonious connections they have with one another, between children and the elderly, men and women. One of the eight indigenous groups collectively known as the Mangyan, the Hanunuo reside in Mindoro Island, at a rustic community atop the mountains, overlooking […]