In December 2023, this space became filled with a series of what's new now, next in 2024.

We devoted our time collating fresh ideas, having been part of a sort of renaissance of local design these past few years.

With homegrown design festivals filling our calendars in the realm of fashion, arts and crafts, no wonder the local scene is exploding with interesting things, perspectives and alternative points of view.

It was, indeed, a year filled with amazing creations from Filipino designers. This month, we will showcase bag designs and exquisite jewelry from both established and up-and-coming Filipino designers.

Here goes!

Amina Aranaz Alunan

Amor 1 and Amor 2

Both bags encapsulate bold minimalism in a sculptural form made with T'nalak fabric. It is a little experiment — our attempt to make a piece that is striking and high-impact, just as we like it. But it is minimalist in nature, which is a bit of a departure from the intricate details that we normally do.

ARANAZARANAZ

IG: @aranaz_ph • www.aranaz.ph • Stores at Rockwell, Greenbelt 5 and Alabang Town Center

ZARAH JUAN

Nautilus Mini

Drawing inspiration from the exquisite Nautilus mollusk, my vision was to craft a compact bag that effortlessly combines portability with versatility. With meticulous attention to design, this bag offers exceptional functionality and surprising spaciousness. While embracing the allure of mini bags in today's fashion scene, I couldn't understand why some lacked practicality. That's why, in collaboration with the skilled wicker artisans of Cavite, the talented weavers of Abra, and the esteemed bag makers of Bulacan, we proudly present to you the epitome of chicness and practicality — a bag like no other.

Zarah Juan bags are available at their stores in 2/F Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center and 2/F Powerplant mall, Rockwell, and Outside the Box pop -up store at SM Aura Premiere, Taguig

IG: @zarahjuan

Rafe Totengco of Rafe New York

Sofia Octagon Clutch

Every spring and summer season, I update my Sofia Octagon Clutch with new colors and treatments. This clutch is crafted from ombre hand-dyed buntal in lilac and cerulean, evoking the colors of the sky at dusk.

Each clutch comes with a drop in chain shoulder strap and an ornamental tassel, offering the wearer another, perhaps flirtier, vibe.

The Sofia has been a mainstay silhouette in the Rafe New York collection for several years, and it always does well whenever some newness is introduced.

The women who own this style have been surprised at how much they can fit in this clutch. As a result, they own the Sofia in several colors, and that is music to my ears. Available exclusively at Rustans in Manila and IG: @rafenewyork.

Vicky Vizcarra Amalingan Sales, SC Vizcarra

Palayok Bag

The Palayok Bag by S.C. Vizcarra and designed by Nazareno/Lichauco, in hand-woven wicker with leather details, recently launched at Manila Fame's Design Commune. Under the concept UTILITARIAN PH, the bag is a nod to ancient cookware and palayok (clay pot) and utilitarianism.

IG: @scvizcarra • S.C.Vizcarra Workshop Store, 737 Roxas Boulevard, Baclaran, across City of Dreams

Gabby Lichauco and Rita Nazareno of Nazareno/Lichauco

Saddler Bag

The Saddler Bag by Zacarias 1925 x Nazareno/Lichauco in its new black distressed colorway is made with chaircane and wicker, canvas and leather details. Continuing the Troop AB Collection's tropical military reference, it is named after Commissary Sergeant M. Saddler of the 25th Infantry, one of the Black infantry regiments that fought in the Philippine-American War.

Zacarias 1925 on IG @zacarias1925 and @naza renolichauco, The S.C.Vizcarra Workshop Store or at Aphro