We highlight the stunning works of women weavers in Indang, Cavite, whose dedication to their craft and textile creations have touched many lives, including their own.
With International Women’s Day having just passed last March 8, 2024, and the celebration of National Women’s Month in the Philippines, it’s the perfect time to pay tribute to some of the country’s amazing women. One such group are the women weavers of Indang, Cavite, who’ve dedicated their lives to a significant traditional art form in the country. These artisans once worked for different companies, but have since come together to form their own group, collaborating with the slow fashion brand YNDAN (a name that takes inspiration from their home).
READ ALSO: Weaved Mission: 3 Brands Joining Forces With Filipino Artisans
These women have passionately woven stories through their textiles, yet the lines and creases of their own experienced hands also contain a treasure trove of narratives. Each of these women hold decades’ worth of wisdom and skills that generations before them have passed down to preserve the art of handloom weaving—a tradition of Indang that’s been around for decades.
Persevering and Preserving
Besides preserving a part of Philippine culture, these women have also improved their lives and the lives of others with their chosen craft. Weaving is not only a skill, after all, but also a way of life. Since these women were young, weaving has always been a source of income, helping them attain educational opportunities and care for their loved ones.
Bubuth and Anna are just two of the weavers who’ve worked tirelessly to pursue their dreams. As such, Anna was able to provide a fulfilling education for herself, while Bubuth has still managed to have a sustainable source of income for herself despite losing a hand in a car accident.
Despite all odds, these remarkable women have built a thriving community grounded in tradition, innovation, and collective strength—so it’s only apt that we honor and uplift their hard work and commitment.
Bridging Art and Fashion
Yndan has always championed Filipino creativity by working closely with the country’s weavers and artists. Besides promoting slow fashion, the brand places community empowerment at the forefront of its endeavors.
Take its latest collaboration with emerging artist Gino Abiño, which brings to life a collection of captivating wearable art pieces that fuse Abiño’s distinctive style with YNDAN’s ethos of preserving tradition and providing a platform for local artisans.
At just 23-years-old, the young artist has already made a mark in the art world, having graduated from the University of Santo Tomas College of Fine Arts and Design. His work—which often depicts surreal images and animal-headed abstract art—transcends boundaries, aiming to evoke profound questions about humanity and the world around us. They also encourage viewers to explore the boundaries between fantasy and reality, holding rich layers worth exploring.
Like the intricate textiles of Indang’s women weavers, Abiño’s art captures the spirit and cultural legacy of Cavite. Together, they elevate regional artists’ voices, showcasing the artist’s provocative pieces on YNDAN canvases, with art that promotes inclusivity yet challenges conventions by embracing individuality.
Available online, this collaboration invites art enthusiasts and fashion aficionados to experience the fusion of art and fashion like never before.
For more information and updates, email YNDAN at [email protected], or visit their official website, Instagram (@yndanph), and Facebook page.
Photos courtesy of YNDAN.
