The Philippines is known for having a unique set of cultures which defines our heritage and shows the creativity of the different tribes, especially in the countryside. Some Filipino fashion brands take a step back from the hip and chic pop culture and promote the Filipino weaving tradition by using indigenous fabrics. They use these materials as a kick off not only for the brand’s sake but also as an awareness to the artistic legacy handed over from generation to generation.
Here are 10 local fashion brands that seek to promote and enhance indigenous fabrics in their unique creations.
1. Narda’s
Started in 1972 in La Trinidad Benguet, Narda’s is a project of Narda Capuyan, a family planning nurse that attracted mothers with her hand-knitting hobby and encouraged the women to weave. Narda revived the Cordillera Ikat, a very old tradition of tying and dyeing segments of threads before actual weaving. In 1982, Narda had a big break when her products were featured in an all-Philippine sales exhibition in Bloomingdale’s in New York. Moreover, her designs and fabrics had been featured in New York Fashion Week in 2012! Since then, she has made a great move in bringing her Filipino designs and fabrics in the local market and she has won several awards for reviving a dying indigenous art. Now, Narda’s is managed by Lucia Capuyan-Catanes, daughter of Narda, and has maintained its high-profile image with the use of their Facebook page.
2. Kaayo
Kaayo, in Bisaya, means “kindness,” “to go beyond,” and “for the good.” Kaayo Modern Mindanao is a curated collection of different stories and livelihoods centered in southern Philippines. It is a weaving tradition and modernization to produce one-of-a-kind creations that are uniquely Mindanaoan. It was founded in 2016 by a mother and daughter team: Mary Ann “Baby” Montemayor and Margarita Nograles. Kaayo aspires to be more than just a clothing brand and aims to become a creative platform that honors the Mindanao indigenous tribes with whom they have built long and enduring partnerships with such as the tribes of T’boli, B’laan, Mandaya, Bagobo Tagabawa, Tagakaolo, and Ata Manobo. Their fashion pieces are very trendy that can be worn in our everyday life but with the statement of the local fabrics. They also sell clothing for kids, accessories, bags, shoes and even sports wear! Check out their classy products on their official website.
Remember this iconic interview of Karen Davila with singer Lyca Gairanod that brought major good vibes to everyone? Davila was then wearing a Marion hand beaded TBOLI microfiber jumpsuit from Kaayo!
3. Manila Collectible Co.
Located at the heart of the capital, Manila Collectible Co. is a Philippine cultural heritage shop that looks more like a museum than a store. It is founded by Charisse Tugade to advocate for the spreading or knowledge about the culture of the Philippines during pre-Hispanic colonization. It is a “culturespace” to appreciate the Filipino indigenous people, culture and products.
4. PIOPIO
PIOPIO is a proudly Filipino brand that preserves and showcases Filipino artistry through their clothing and accessories. Their line is a bohemian, free-spirited and contemporary that promises quality products at an affordable price. Each of their pieces is meant to incorporate the unique Filipino heritage to our everyday personal style. All textiles and pieces they produce are a labor of love and take anywhere from 2-6 months to make. Check out their stylish and colorful pieces on their official website.
5. Filip + Inna
Filip + Inna is a Filipino indigenous fashion brand that is inspired by the distinct and traditional clothes with the use of embroidery, beadwork and old custom weaving handcrafted by indigenous groups all over the Philippines. They work with Filipino artisans to give them an opportunity to practice their traditional craft while improving their livelihood and to revive and preserve the tradition that is now at risk of being forgotten. Check out their products here.
6. Rags2Riches
After meeting several artisans in Payatas, Quezon City who are mostly women who make a living from making rugs out of scrap fabrics, R2R started their mission to pluck our kababayans out of poverty. They partnered with the artisans in urban poor communities and transformed unwanted fabrics to woven rugs, bags and clothes with designs inspired by indigenous patterns and styles. R2R has been around for a while and they are available both locally and internationally. Check out their products with stories here.
7. Rurungan
Located at Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, the Rurungan sa Tubod Foundation (RSTF) is a non-profit organization that creates an alternative livelihood for women who are suffering from poverty in the rural areas of Palawan. The foundation teaches them the piña weaving technology and provides physical and financial support to these women. They recently celebrated their 22nd year in the industry and showed gratitude for the artisans who continue to learn and share their knowledge about traditional weaving from generations to generation. Check out more of their products here.
8. Monica Madrigal
A 100% made in the Philippines, Monica Madrigal is a clothing brand that is designed and made with the use of handwoven fabrics skillfully created by their local weavers from Negros Occidental and Lanao del Sur. The brand aims to create pieces that Filipinos can proudly wear everyday while presenting our country’s cultural aesthetic at the same time. Their products are mostly simple, minimal yet modern and easy to wear. Check out their products on their official website.
9. Interweave Concepts
Interweave Concepts is a handwoven product line of Creative Definitions that aims to co-create and support sustainable products made by local artisans in Negros with the use of indigenous materials. They partnered with several communities of weavers who know unique techniques and weaving patterns. Creative Definitions also has a footwear line named Lakat Sustainable Footwear that is made from experimented locally-sourced natural fibers, recycled materials, and trusting these delicate materials to the craftmanship of Marikina shoemakers. Learn more about their products here.
10. Gabbie Sarenas
Gabbie Sarenas is a Filipino clothing brand that aims to introduce and re-introduce culture. The brand champions and preserves the Philippine culture through unique Filipino weaving technique and artisanship. Each of her pieces is thoughtfully considered to come up with great details in textile manipulation and signature hand embroidery. Her works are custom-made. Check out her works on her website.
With our rich culture and long history, there’s no doubt that there are a lot of indigenous fabrics all over the country that has several meanings and representation. As the fashion industry focuses their eyes on international and luxury brands, us, Filipinos should realise that we have so much more to offer to everything, and this includes fashion!