It felt like stepping into a vibrant world of tradition and creativity, all woven together under one roof.
Held over three days, the 14th Likhang HABI Fair brought together artisans, weavers, and designers from across the Philippines, all eager to showcase their crafts. With the theme “Earth to Loom,” this year’s bazaar highlighted the beauty of natural dyes, sustainability, and artistry rooted in local traditions.
But beyond the colors and the craftsmanship, we also fell hard for the people behind the craft: multi-generational weavers. These artisans are the heartbeat of HABI—and they’re keeping our culture alive.
As we wandered through the aisles, it was impossible not to get lost in the details: the earthy tones, the intricate weaves, and the artisans themselves—many of whom inherited their craft from generations before. It wasn’t just about the pieces they were selling (though, let’s be honest, we wanted to buy everything).
This event serves as a reminder that Filipino design is not only present but flourishing as well as continuously motivating.
Related: For the artisans of Leyte, summer is an eternal bloom
So, if you didn’t make it to Glorietta last weekend, here’s what you missed—and trust us, these local gems deserve all the attention. Here are the brands we couldn’t stop thinking about:
Twinkle + Ferraren
The collection Art & Archaeology fuses traditional Filipino weaving with modern fashion. Key pieces include a transforming reversible jacket-vest weave in mustard, made with one-eyed kusikos (Binakul) and paired with bold leopard print. This jacket and vest combo is great for layering and comes with a small pocket bag too.
Twinkle’s designs honor Filipino weaving traditions while adding a fresh, modern twist. Each piece showcases local craftsmanship, making it perfect for anyone who wants to wear something stylish and meaningful.
Pidayit
The Kapampangan concept of “pidayit-dayit,” which means putting fabric scraps together, is taken and turned into chic, hand-made fashion by designer Philip Torres. The brand combines sustainability by transforming retazos (scraps) into new, one-of-kind clothing and accessories.
Pidayit creates wearable art that honors Filipino heritage while keeping fashion fresh and innovative. The brand provides meaningful work for stay-at-home mothers, working students, and displaced factory workers, giving them a chance to sustain their families. Pidayit also collaborates with local Aeta communities, sourcing indigenous beads and materials, further supporting Filipino artisans and enriching the cultural depth of each product.
MCV Designs
Known for their signature Origami bag, this season brings a fresh update with bold new hues and striking textile combinations.
Standouts include Binakol and Kantarines weaves which marry traditional and contemporary design.
The Origami bag has long been a favorite for its versatile, foldable structure, and with its bold colors, it’s ready to make a statement too. Whether you’re heading to the beach or roaming around city streets, this bag will surely jazz up your look.
Astella
Based in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Astella brings the beauty of nature to life through its hand-drawn, hand-printed designs. Since 2015, the brand has focused on sustainability by using factory excess fabric to create limited-stock shirts, polos, skirts, and shorts.
Each collection is inspired by the rich biodiversity of the Philippines, turning clothing into a form of storytelling that raises environmental awareness.
Hanap Habi
A brand whose name is inspired by hanap-buhay (livelihood), Hanap Habi creates beautiful, upcycled pieces by reworking old clothes and fabric scraps, paired with traditional weaves from Benguet’s Cordillera region. With an all-woman team, Hanap Habi collaborates with home-based weavers from Benguet and female sewers in Manila.
One standout piece is the Olive Set, featuring a stylish yet comfortable sleeveless top with crossed straps at the back. Made from a blend of Mt. Province Lang-git weave and upcycled corduroy or deadstock cotton, this terno is perfect for days when you want to be effortlessly chic all while supporting local craftsmanship.
PIESA
Piesa is a homegrown brand known for its intricately handcrafted statement pieces. It was founded in 2011 by Paula Pioquinto-Dimaano, inspired by her love for wire jewelry and the creative influence of her grandparents—her Lola, a dressmaker, and Lolo, a tinkerer.
More than just accessories, Piesa is about empowering women to express themselves boldly and confidently. Each piece is crafted to inspire, celebrating women from all walks of life by giving them the freedom to express their style, without judgment.
ARETE
ARETE specializes in accessories made from locally sourced materials like baroque pearls, carved mother of pearl, cracked shell, woven wicker, and hand-painted ceramics. Each design, hand-drawn by founder Mia Jeanjaquet, carries a unique story inspired by the vibrant Filipino spirit.
The brand empowers local artisans, particularly women, by providing hands-on training in jewelry making.
Ili Likhaan
This nature-based studio in Batangas offers a unique way to reconnect with Earth through mindful, hands-on workshops. From pottery and natural dyeing to eco printing, pigment making, plant-based cooking, and even mud house building, Ili Likhaan’s workshops inspire creativity while honoring sustainable practices.
In time for the 14th Likhang Habi Fair, the studio launched the Habi Mugs with designs inspired by hablon and malong patterns, bringing the rich textures of Filipino textiles into your daily rituals.
Related: Local beauty brands we’re loving from the DTI Beauty Fair
