OPINION

Bagging it

From the meticulous manipulation of indigenous weaves to the architectural precision of modern leatherwork, these labels transcend simple utility, offering a curated narrative of cultural pride and avant-garde flair.

Luis Espiritu

Bags are everyday essentials. In this age of love local, authenticity, global talent and Pinoy pride, inclusivity has made bags a fashion piece and staple accessible for everyone without boundaries. Mindfulness, art of craft, sustainability, artisanal creations and quiet and responsible luxury rule in these modern times of design profusion. 

ROYAL PINEDA X FINO’s The Royal Atlas is a thoughtfully designed object shaped by movement, use and reflection. Conceived by Pineda as “Modern Filipino”—rooted yet mobile, disciplined yet creative, contemporary yet deeply grounded. The core is a modern reinterpretation of Pasiking weaving, an indigenous Filipino system of carrying shaped by necessity, environment, and movement. The slatted weave forms a structure that balances stability and permeability. Meticulously hand-woven by Fino artisans, The collaboration between Royal Pineda and Fino Leatherware is a testament of shared values and respect for craft.
CLASSIC pieces are seeing a resurgence, masterfully hand-woven at the renowned S.C.Vizcarra Workshop as it approaches its centennial celebrations later this year. A perfect example is the iconic S.C.Vizcarra Camison. Inspired by traditional Philippine wear, this piece is meticulously crafted from varying widths of chaircane and finished with sophisticated leather details. It comes in a variety of shades.

 In a landscape where heritage meets high fashion, Filipino creativity, ingenuity and artistry have coalesced into a formidable movement that is accessory design. This vibrant spirit is beautifully articulated through an impressive range of homegrown bag brands, each serving as a profound celebration of uniqueness and a distinct stylistic identity.

BLUE White Wisteria bindle bag is designed by Ria Bolivar for her personal brand ‘Reveri’, crocheted carefully by her using T-shirt yarn. The bag is spacious and its handle is very pleasant to hold, reflecting its creative concept of freedom and comfort. Dimensions: 14” x 7.5” x 5”
FOR 2026, GustokoLISBOA presents the Alix bag in a vivid fuchsia statement that pairs handwoven buntal texture from a small community of weavers in Pampanga with sleek leather trim finished with a soft drawstring and dual straps. Dimensions arw 17 x 18 x 8 cm

From the meticulous manipulation of indigenous weaves to the architectural precision of modern leatherwork, these labels transcend simple utility, offering a curated narrative of cultural pride and avant-garde flair. Each silhouette is more than an accessory; it is a definitive statement piece for the discerning global citizen.

THE Gopi bag by Carry On is the brand’s most versatile bag defined by its signature padded strap. Shaped in a soft half-moon silhouette, it features a padded main compartment, a concealed back pocket sized for a large smartphone and travel essentials, and two front utility pockets. Crafted from rescued nylon materials, it carries approximately 3.5 liters while remaining compact on the body.
INTRODUCING 10 by Calli 2026 collection featuring the MARIPOSA(butterfly) totes. Made with genuine calf leather and adorned with delicately hand-beaded details by artisans from Marikina and Kalayaan community in Parañaque. The new sized tote has a dimension of L- 11.5” H- 9” D- 4.5”of and comes in white, black, tan and nude

NEW.NOW.NEXT presents a lineup of some of the latest, freshest, coveted bags for 2026 – fashioned after their designers’ signature and unmistakable, unparalleled best.  (To be continued)

ARANAZ Spring Summer 2026 consists of The Kubo Clutch series: Saba, Orkidia, Dahon clutches. They are all hand embroidered raffia on tinalak showcasing illustrated “sketches” in organic silhouettes. Available in three variants. Approximately 8 x 5 inches in size it can be worn handheld or over the shoulder with a detachable leather strap.
AMELIE Bag by Celestina Manila is the wonders and beauty found underneath the earth and its waters celebrating its uniqueness because no two will ever be alike. Each shaped by nature, each marked by time — never repeated, never the same. made from siamensis(belly side), hand clutch in burgundy wine is highlighted by a green agate wrapped in kamagong wood
KARIMA abaca bag by AudreyAlbason is from the collection called ‘tala’ which is the Filipino word for “star”. The starfish reimagined into various shapes and interpreted in combinations of shells, wooden beads, tweed, and tartan in vibrant colors on intricate macrame squares. This is rendered in vibrant pink and embellished with starfishes with dimensions 7’X 10.10’ with bamboo handle.