12 (fashion) days of Christmas
THE Batwing Mules are hand -beaded by the Bagobo Tagabawa community of Toril, Davao and crafted with the expert shoemakers of Marikina. Each pair brings together heritage, traditions, and purpose — they carry the life, soul, and the quiet strength of the hands that made them. A beautiful story of power coming alive. All heart. All talent. Proudly Filipino.
Gifting now is something you should really give some thought. One has to be mindful, conscious and sustainable — not that you have to but in these trying times and in the rest of our future — we should.
In buying a piece to add to our wardrobe or closet, the first thing that should come to mind is — investment.
Yes, you have to have your money’s worth. It’s not about the price at all (a consideration since noteworthy pieces are not cheap), but choose mindfully something that will endure the passage of time, perhaps a decade.
Secondly, without question and exception, is outstanding quality. There’s nothing to argue when the standard of excellence in the products are cut above the rest. From materials to the workmanship to branding, one can tell their elevated value. Their work is of global quality and pass international standards wherein they have participated in international fashion, trade and pop up shows — and some have brought honor to the country.
Third is practicality. These pieces can fit into one’s closet easily and can be mixed and matched to create a look that will make you stand out. They are not for the weak of heart. These are statement pieces that evoke style and can effortlessly boost your confidence.
Lastly, have consciousness and sense of community. The pieces, give one a sense of awareness that they contribute to the bigger picture — circular economy — the chain which involves a lot of hands from the artisans, to the communities that are dependent in the business of craft.
More importantly, there is the preservation of culture and tradition that has been handed down from generation to generation. Each piece has a relevant and noteworthy narrative to tell.
NEWNOWNEXT rounds up a personal list of celebrated names to consider for gifting this holidays! Anchored in patriotic aesthetics, artisanal relevance, advocacy and contemporary design, they have been tried, tested, made a statement and even history. But most importantly, they all have unique, authentic, triumphant and real stories to tell. Merry Christmas!
