12 (fashion) days of Christmas

12 (fashion) days of Christmas | Daily Tribune

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.

JOR-EL Espina’s custom piña from Aklan reimagined as a Bomberong, finished with delicately intricate embroidery by the artisans of Laguna bridges tradition and modern form.

HINDYWEBER.every.day signature guayabera net shirt and matching pants in organic cotton net weave. Great for layering, worn together or mix-matched with other pieces for lounge, travel, resort or everyday wear.

ARAO is a HK fine jewelry pearl brand owned by a Filipino. The latest collection is inspired from the earth and Philippine seas using a variety of natural crystals sourced from Brazil and pearls from Palawan handmade into bracelets and necklaces. All designs are by Filipinos.

SEBU COAT. This piece features two craft techniques by the T’boli artisans of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato - embroidery and beadwork. The artisans work from the comforts of their home, taking time to create this piece which takes around 128 hours. The shell beadwork complements the colorful embroidery colors to create a piece that is timeless.

THE vintage barong pop tee by Bitagcol of fashion icon Jo Ann Bitagcol is a digitally printed photograph on pure linen material with ribbings made by sewers for 9-10 hours.

FROM 2019 a Tan-Gan Piña shirt featuring pockets, hand-woven in indigenous Piña and detailed with hand embroidery and precise topstitching.

ZACARIAS 1925 x Nazareno_Lichauco Saddler Bag in had-woven chaircane with canvas, leather and rope. Made at the S.C.Vizcarra Workshop Zacarias 1925 Mini Tri in hand-woven wicker with leather details.

GLOBALLY renowned accessories designer Arnel Papa’s handmade choker necklace is inspired from the Sea is masterfully crafted with accassia wood, fresh water pearls, gold leaf and leather. The outstanding masterpiece(that took 2-3 weeks to make) is assembled with love by Bulacan artisans who have been with the designer since 1984.

ALEXANDER Fragrance is a Philippine-based perfume house from Bulacan, created and crafted (1). They also offer home fragrance products such as room and linen sprays, aroma concentrates, diffuser oils, and soy candles.

LAKAT Sustainable Sneakers is a Filipino brand founded by Mike and Banj Claparols that’s 100% made (1). Crafted by local weavers and shoemakers, LAKAT supports community livelihoods while reducing environmental impact.

AISHE'S beautifully hand-stitched maryjanes are crafted with care by their talented deaf and nonverbal artisans from Liliw, Laguna. Each handmade pair is composed of canvass and yakan fabrication embellished with coconut beads.

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!