BAGGING IT (PART 2)
THE ALESSANDRA long clutch is crafted from ocean blue raffia with rattan ‘solihiya’ caning weave overlay and finished with Kabibe shell inlay clasps. It features a drop-in gold chain shoulder strap, allowing your hands to be free to take selfies and sip a drink. It’s the perfect clutch to wear if you’re going somewhere warm and sunny. Measures 9.25”L x 1.75”W x 4.5”H. Inspiration: ‘With its solihiya rattan weave, the Alessandra clutch channels the refined craftsmanship of classic caned furniture. It’s a small accessory with a big story, marrying tactile nostalgia with modern, polished sophistication.’
ORIAS’ Segunda Book Tote is defined by an all-rattan solihiya body with dimensions 13.25 x 5.5 x 19.5” (LxWxH) The book tote reimagines a reliable, functional silhouette through craft. Cargo-style pockets introduce quiet utility — designed to move seamlessly between travel, work and leisure. A considered highlight of our Summer 2026 capsule, where form, function and Filipino materiality meet.
MICRO Josefa Shoulder Bag by The Leather Studio Manila. A small take on the brand’s iconic Josefa Hand Bag from their maiden collection originally launched in a single color that expanded into a variety of shades. Thoughtfully made from crochet abaca, Kantarines fabric and vegetable-tanned leather. This piece is hand-stitched by skilled women leather artisans. Dimensions: L3.25 x W2 x H3.5 inches.
BEATRIZ'S Summer 2026 collection Amara Abaca Bag is made from handwoven abaca with leather top handles and stitched detailing. It features natural abaca weave that keeps the bag lightweight, while the leather accents add structure and durability. Finished with a leather tassel, Amara is mindfully designed with practicality and craftsmanship for daily errands to weekends getaway.
VESTI'S Taklobo Ball Bag is thoughtfully designed and inspired by the graceful curves of the taklobo in Filipino, meaning ‘giant clam.’ Crafted with the natural beauty of our Philippine abaca fabric and accented with shimmering capiz, baroque mother-of-pearls and gold-tone rings, the Vesti Taklobo ball bag represents courage with sculptural statement in Filipino craft. It fits an iPhone Pro Max and other essentials. Can stand alone. Exclusive and in limited edition.
THIS Anmari & Co. Hand Bag from the Buntal and Solihiya collection utilizes native buntal fiber and solihiya sourced from Quezon province and hand woven by local weavers in Marinduque. This is hand crafted into bags by highly skilled crafts men and women from Bulacan. The major inspiration of the collection is to showcase the unique buntal fiber weave taken from the leaves of the buri palm. Modern design meets heritage craftsmanship. These bags are spacious, functional without compromising artisanal roots, a perfect companion for every occasion. The dimension is 23 cm length x 12 cm width x 22 cm height.
QILI is Project Nova’s bag for the muse. Upcycled from limited-edition inflatable kayaks that come in vermillion red or shadow grey and available while the source material lasts. The braided handle adjusts from hand carry to shoulder bag with front mini detachable pocket. And for adornment is a snap-off dimensional flower. Dimension is Height 30.7cm — 39.1cm, Length: 24.5cm Width: 5.9cm.
BESO Beso Bag by CHRISTIAN CERA. Hand-stitched chevron patchwork in cowhide leather in white and taupe. Top frame closure is made out of pinewood with polyhedron plastic kiss lock. Dimensions: 11” x 5.5” x 4”.
R2R ReCreate Tote is crafted using upcycled fabric in R2R’s signature weave, and it combines indigenous textile off-cuts from the brand’s own production with reclaimed materials. No wastage because the textiles are woven thread by thread by artisan communities. Inspired by tapestries and patchwork, the ReCreate Tote transforms production scraps into wearable art. Some designs appear only once, others limited quantities. Measuring 18.5 x 11 inches with a 6-inch base. The January 2026 batch will be exclusively available at the R2R pop-up in Power Plant Mall until the end of January.
In today’s era of the conscious collector, the bag has evolved from a mere utility to a profound cultural manifesto.
As we pivot toward a landscape defined by “quiet luxury” and radical authenticity, the Philippine accessory scene has emerged as a formidable vanguard of global craft.
This is the new artisanal frontier: where the rhythmic pulse of indigenous weaves meets the architectural rigor of modern leatherwork. No longer bound by tradition alone, Filipino designers are instilling heritage into contemporary creations for the discerning global citizen.
In this curated world of “Pinoy pride,” sustainability is the ultimate sophistication, and every stitch serves as a celebration of local ingenuity. The bag becomes wearable narratives of responsible luxury.
NEW.NOW.NEXT presents the second part of 2026’s most coveted bags that are a definitive masterclass in form and function. This is a lineup of the year’s essentials reimagined with their distinct signatures that define the vanguard of accessory design. Fresh, unparalleled and utterly unmistakable — these are among the future icons of the modern wardrobe.
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