These catchphrases may be decades old, but they’re enjoying a resurgence as more people embrace all things Philippine-made — and with good reason.
A few years ago, #FilipinoFashionFridays became the go-to hashtag for many fashion girlies (and some guys, too) when posting their ‘fit check photos on social media. The challenge was to include a couple of pieces from local designers and brands in your outfit that day. Mind you, the goal wasn’t to bring out your lola’s terno and wear it out to the mall.
Since then, designers and artisans have taken their creativity the extra mile by manipulating local weaves, using traditional silhouettes in new ways, or going full on kitschy. The sum total of it is something that is 100% uniquely, and proudly, Pinoy!
Here are some observations from the peanut gallery on what makes lovin’ local a lot of fun, and the one instance where it’s not so much.
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Just weave it
From Kalinga to Maranao to Inabel, local weaving communities produce a myriad of weaves. Add to the list piña and jusi. Designers have found creative ways to manipulate these weaves into modern pieces that seamlessly fit into your everyday wardrobe. Imagine the very on-trend barrel leg pants accented with native fabrics, as seen at Coco & Tres and Jorel Espina. Very chic!
On the other end, almost everyone uses these weaves, so there is the tendency that some designs could look homogenous.
It’s all about the details
Much like the barrel leg pants, it is interesting to see modern designs given uniquely Pinoy flavor. Designers like Apol Massebieau of Good Luck, Humans have taken smocking and knotting fabric to greater heights. Apol’s pieces are handmade using a single piece of cloth. Ditta Sandico Ong, on the other hand, takes banaca (a hybrid weave banana and abaca fibers) and twists them into multi-use wearable art. The Muse Project, led by Louis Claparols and Bobby Carlos, has turned the tables on the traditional Maria Clara with diaphanous fabrics and oversized sleeves.
They’ve got something to say
Every fashion girlie needs a few statement pieces in their accessories drawer. Farah Abu, Beatriz, and Arnel Papa have become the go-to designers who can transform that LBD into a showstopper. The Pinoy wow factor comes in the form of feathers, hammered brass, clutches, and all colors of the rainbow.
Kitschy is cool
There is so much kitsch going on in the world of all things proudly Pinoy, and what’s not to love about it. At Liwayway Home, carabao-shaped gravy boats fit right in with Jose Rizal bookends. Rattan bags that look like a turtle or a beetle? Yes, and yes. There is nothing understated about these, and we’re all there for it.
There is a caveat, though. Many of these beautiful things come with a rather hefty price tag. Running into thousands of pesos apiece, whether it’s a dress, a pair of shoes, a bag, or home decor. It’s enough to leave your credit card shaking nervously in your wallet.
During their pop-up at the Powerplant Mall last year, Anthill Fabric posted on their window the work—from working with the weavers to the final product—that goes into each of their pieces to explain their prices. Which does make sense, as each piece is, essentially, a one-of, as no two weaves are exactly the same. But if the weaves only make up a small portion of the garment, or the designs are so simple, the knee-jerk reaction is to wonder how much do you really love it. It begs the question: would a lower price point be even possible?
Judging from the throngs of people who head out to fairs like Artefino, Maarte Fair, Habi, and the Katutubo Pop-Up Market, the appreciation isn’t waning anytime soon. And the designers and artisans are up to the task. Liken it to “if you want more, we’ll not only give you more, but also maybe throw in a surprise or two.” The creativity and imagination are there after all.
While many pieces are on the pricier side, each one has become a modern expression of how proudly or fashionably Filipino you are—without looking like you’re in a baro’t saya all set for Linggo Ng Wika. That’s literally wearing who you are on your sleeve. And we’re more subtle than that.
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