Sa Muli, which translates to "until next time" or "again," reflects how the scrap fabrics have been given new life and resurrected into another product, and then again into clothing and bags, says 17-year-old designer and maker Amara Solen Pita. 

These are what future fashion people are thinking of right now. About to debut into adulthood, this towering young lady with limbs that stretch like there's no tomorrow is more than just your mannequin-like beauty.

New beginnings

Sa Muli was born as a project requirement for Amara's final year in high school. The students were given free hand in choosing what they wanted as long as it was something sustainable throughout the whole school year. Since this young creative's interest is in both fashion and helping the community she belongs in, the idea of using mats and pot holders came about when she saw street children selling them.

Amara says, "I always thought these mats were aesthetically pleasing and durable. I also like the fact that these mats are handmade by mothers who are trying to make a living to help feed their kids."

This young designer initially made clothes because she hadn't seen anyone using the material but smartly decided to add a bag to reach. They currently sell three items: Cross My Heart halter top, Jellyfish tube top, and Tassel Tripper tote bag. All items are one of a kind since the designs are completely dependent on the available patterns and colors being sold at the time.

Mantra

"Together let's look good, and do good," says Amara of their visionary tagline whose goal is to help out the women and children that make and sell these rags and create fashionable clothing items. Furthermore, the young entrepreneur is challenged to reinvent the perception of rags as just disposable byproducts of the clothing industry.

Backed up by lessons from school (Acacia Waldorf School), it's all about learning with your head, heart and hands. 

"We are constantly exposed to crafts and handwork such as sewing, painting, woodwork and sculpting since I was a young girl. I make the items along with my mom and our house help," says Amara.

We have a production line to keep things efficient and to get orders out in time. Half of the proceeds from sales go to buying rice and distributing it to street vendors and street kids in their area.

Sustainability bug

The new kid on the block has joined the current bandwagon happening all over the world. The brand practices up-cycling and purposeful living.

"The mats and rags I use as raw material come from scrap fabrics from the local textile industry. These rags are seen as already in the last phase of their usability, thus by the repurposing them into clothing and bags I am further extending their lifespan," says Amara.

Their fashion sense of awareness and consciousness definitely on the radar. All of the products are handmade to help lessen carbon footprint.

Amara adds, "I decided to go this route to honor how the mats and rags are lovingly handmade by women and children. I wanted to continue the legacy of hope and creativity that they put into these products."

Paying forward

Sa Muli aims to help feed as many people as they can and see people wear and use their clothing and bags. Their efforts are paying off and the market has been receptive considering the designs use  rags, but I am so happy that girls my age and even moms appreciate and support our design and vision. Long term, I hope to come up with more designs to cater to a wider market and sustain my weekly feeding efforts.

Mother knows best

The inspiration behind it all? "My mom has been a huge inspiration for the fashion aspect of my brand as she is a former fashion editor and stylist. I grew up watching her dress up and make clothes herself," Amara says.

The art of putting things and a look together is something she grew up with since her mom, Donna Cuna Pita, was the former fashion director of Cosmopolitan Philippines and the renowned magazine publishing empire Summit Media. Plus, she was one of country's premiere fashion stylists.

Aside from her mother, she is also moved by the women and children who work with her. 

Amara says, "It is so inspiring and heartwarming to see how their dreams and hopes for their families and themselves are interwoven with every scrap of fabric that they use."

Sense and sensibility

Sa Muli is more than just a young, stylish brand; it's a symbol of hope. A reflection of values that stem from home, school and the people around you. It is a cause coming from a voice of the future that's fully aware, conscious of the times, unconditionally cares and has a heart of gold. Fashion now that means something.

Amara ends, "I just hope that people continue to support Sa Muli and tell their friends and families about it because with every purchase, they help make sure that less children go to bed hungry every night."

Check out on IG @sa.muli.ph

Fashion wisdom from Amara's mom

1. If you're going to do something, do it well.
2. Dressing well is a way of showing respect to yourself and to others.
3. Be careful of what you think and say because they will come true!
4. Let the voice in your head be the kindest one you hear.
5. We're given blessings so we can also be a blessing to others.