The Astra awakening: How Beatriz engineered a global fashion triumph

In a momentous triumph for global sartorial artistry, Filipino brand Beatriz has officially been named a prestigious finalist in the 2026 Design Excellence Awards for the coveted Handbangs Under $1,000 category with their breathtaking Fractal Collision Star Clutch in Astra. Orchestrated by the New York-based Accessories Council — a globally revered, non-profit trade organization established in 1994 to champion, stimulate and celebrate outstanding global perspective and commercial impact within the fashion accessory ecosystem — this nomination places the brand at the absolute zenith of industry recognition. Evaluated by elite taste-makers, editors, and industry heavyweights on innovation and impeccable execution, this magnificent milestone offers Beatriz an unparalleled international stage to showcase the rich heritage, intricate precision, and brilliant creativity of premium Filipino craftsmanship.

Following this historic international recognition, we sit down with the visionary mind behind the brand to explore the artistry, passion, and cultural pride fueling this milestone. In this exclusive conversation, Beatriz founder and creative director Carissa Cruz Evangelista invites us into her creative sanctuary, pulling back the curtain on the architectural genesis of the nominated Fractal Collision Star Clutch, the meticulous devotion of her artisans, and what it truly means to champion the luxury of Filipino craftsmanship on the global fashion stage.

NewNowNext: What’s the nomination for Beatriz about?

Carissa Cruz Evangelista: We were nominated for as finalist for a design excellence award for handbags under 1000 dollars by the NY accessories council . Among the finalists are bags made by Betsy Johnson, Kenneth Cole, Michael Kors, Oleada and Di Fernando. There was a call for worldwide nomination by NY based accessories council among its members to nominate its products across different accessories categories. Beatriz submitted to AC this August 2026 and found out Sept 9 that our entry Beatriz Fractal Collison star clutch in astra was a finalist. There is online voting for the winner. We are proud to represent the Philippines and our brand.

Give a short background on the organization or group behind the award.

The Accessories Council is a leading not-for-profit trade association representing the global fashion accessories industry. Founded in 1994, it brings together brands, designers, retailers, and other industry professionals across categories including handbags, jewelry, footwear, eyewear and lifestyle accessories.

Through advocacy, education, visibility, and industry connection, the Accessories Council works to elevate awareness and demand for fashion accessories. Its Design Excellence Awards recognize products that demonstrate exceptional creativity, design, and innovation, making the finalist recognition particularly meaningful for an emerging international brand like Beatriz.

How did you get into this project?

The Fractal Collision Star Clutch was created as part of Beatriz’s Dekada Collection, which we launched at ArteFino 2026. As ArteFino celebrated its 10th anniversary, we were invited to create a piece that represented the spirit of the brand and the occasion. We wanted the piece to capture what Beatriz stands for: bold creativity, joyful design, and thoughtful craftsmanship. This led us to explore a design that was expressive and visually striking, while still being functional and distinctly Beatriz.

From there, we developed the star-like silhouette and experimented with color, pattern, and composition to translate the concept through our hand laid thread technique. Each line is applied by hand, one strand at a time, so the design had to work not only visually but also within the realities of the craft process.

What is the design story behind this piece?

The Fractal Collision Star Clutch in Astra draws inspiration from the brilliance, movement, and energy of the cosmos. Its bold, star-like silhouette and vibrant composition are designed to capture a sense of wonder, imagination and possibility. Originally debuting as part of our Dekada Collection during ArteFino 2026, this piece is intentionally playful, reflecting Beatriz’s belief that fashion should be a source of joy. It represents our core approach to design — where color, shape, pattern, and craftsmanship come together to create pieces that spark curiosity and celebrate individuality.

What is it made of, and who makes it?

Every Beatriz bag is individually handcrafted by skilled Filipino artisans through a meticulous, hands-on process. Using a special gluing technique that requires immense patience and precision, each line of 100 percent cotton thread is carefully laid by hand, one strand at a time, onto a lightweight clutch structure. The bag is composed of a recycled PVC base, hand-laid cotton thread details, a braided silk thread strap, brass strap clips, and a secure magnetic closure.

Is the bag sustainable, purposeful, or mindful? Why?

We view the Fractal Collision Star Clutch as a champion of mindful fashion, particularly in how it is designed, made, and valued. By pairing a recycled PVC base with a slow, artisan-driven creation process rather than mass production, we naturally encourage a deeper appreciation for the object and the labor behind it. We believe thoughtfully made products should hold value far beyond a single fashion season. Fusing intentional design, sustainable materials, and community impact ensures that each piece remains meaningful to the owner for years to come.

What is the brand’s vision as you expand into international trade shows?

Our vision is to continue growing Beatriz’s presence in the international market while creating greater global visibility for Filipino creativity and craftsmanship. Participating in international trade shows allows us to introduce the brand to new global audiences, buyers, and industry partners. More importantly, it gives us a vital platform to demonstrate exactly what Filipino design can bring to the global fashion landscape. We want Beatriz to be recognized as an international brand with deep Filipino roots — one that competes globally while remaining fiercely loyal to the communities that shaped it.

As a flag carrier for Filipino design, what does Beatriz offer the world?

Beatriz offers the world a distinctly Filipino perspective on contemporary fashion and accessories — one built on our three core values: Creativity, Craftsmanship and Community. Filipino makers possess a natural resourcefulness and artistic spirit, and our role is to translate that energy into an expressive, youthful design language defined by bold shapes and artful patterns. Ultimately, we want to do more than sell products; we want to broaden the global perception of Filipino design, proving that our local creativity is sophisticated, joyful, and globally relevant.