Manila, Philippines– In the vibrant landscape of Filipino fashion, one brand stands out for its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Bayo, a beloved homegrown fashion label, is taking the industry by storm with its groundbreaking regenerative fabric – a testament to their dedication to circularity and eco-conscious practices.
For three decades, Bayo has graced the Philippine fashion scene with its unique creations, and under the leadership of Leo and Anna Lagon, the brand is evolving in ways that transcend trends and redefine the essence of “homegrown.” Regenerative fashion, the heart of their latest initiative, reflects an approach that transforms the entire supply chain into a value chain, turning clothing into a resource rather than a waste.
Regenerative fashion is a philosophy that resonates deeply with the modern world’s eco-conscious movement. The term “regenerative” enters the fashion conversation as a way to mitigate the environmental impact of vast clothing production. Recognizing its influence as one of the country’s largest fashion companies, Bayo has embraced the responsibility to lead the way in developing regenerative practices within the industry.
Central to their latest endeavor is the Bakong fabric – a natural, potentially circular material that encapsulates their commitment to sustainability. The journey of Bakong fabric’s creation is a story of serendipity and collaboration. After encountering invasive Bakong plants in Santa Teresita, Cagayan, the Design Center of the Philippines partnered with Anna Lagon to explore the plant’s potential in fashion.
This exploration led to the creation of the Bakong fabric, a feat that involved meticulous research and development. Anna and her team turned raw Bakong fiber into threads, which were then handwoven by the Bayo Foundation’s adopted community in Bulacan. Combining Bakong with Philippine cotton, Anna crafted a unique textile pattern, showcasing the fabric’s viability.
The commitment to sustainability goes beyond aesthetics – Anna ensured the Bakong fabric’s dyeing process adhered to Oeko-Tex certification standards. This emphasis on skin-friendly, body-safe materials underscores Bayo’s unwavering dedication to quality and ethical fashion.
Anna’s journey to bring the Bakong fabric to life is a labor of love, inspiring not only the Bayo community but also fellow designers. Filipino designer Carl Jan Cruz embraced the fabric’s uniqueness and developed a top and skirt ensemble that melded his signature techniques with Bakong’s raw essence. The collaboration exemplifies the harmonious blend of creativity and sustainable innovation.
Bayo’s visionary leadership goes beyond fashion – their commitment extends to environmental and social causes. As a member of the United Nations Global Compact, Bayo is dedicated to sustainable business practices. Their journey towards carbon neutrality and the creation of an end-of-life facility that converts fabric waste into construction materials exemplifies their holistic approach to sustainability.
Anna Lagon aptly summarizes Bayo’s mission as “Sustainability is like building a new world, a world that is filled with opportunities.” Through regenerative fashion, Bayo has carved a path toward a future where every thread woven carries a meaningful story and contributes to the betterment of the planet and its inhabitants. With each step, Bayo transforms fashion from a fleeting trend to a timeless legacy, rooted in responsibility and resilience.