Dive into a curated selection of 6 fashion brands celebrating Filipino heritage with innovative design and exquisite artistry.
The MaArte Fair 2024 is an ode to Filipino artisans and designers. Aside from being one of the biggest local fairs in the country, shopping and visiting the fair helps preserve Filipino heritage. The event is handled by the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, Inc.—a non-profit membership and volunteer organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Filipino heritage and artistry.
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To cap off our Love Local month, Lifestyle Asia visited this year’s MaArte Fair and curated brands you should visit. These six fashion brands exemplify Filipino creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation. From modern Filipiñanas to exquisite jewelry, we have you covered.
Fine, Fresh, Feminine
Rica Rico is an eponymous brand that exudes fresh femininity. For their collection at this MaArte Fair 2024, Rica, the owner and designer, created pieces inspired by a classical Filipino painting. Furthermore, the brand is a fresh take and interpretation of Filipiñanas.
Rica Rico and her floral collection / Photo by the author
Playful Charm
The brand Ha.Mu will always deliver when it comes to maximalist Filipino designs. Having staple pieces readily available in their room at MaArte Fair 2024—they are also soft-launching their new collection. Moreover, the HaMu design codes are always distinct and unique—a perfect addition to your wardrobe.
Abraham of Ha.Mu (R) and their newest collection (L) / Photo by the author
Sustainable and Edgy
PamPinay is an edgy take on the traditional Filipiñana. Pam, the owner and designer of the brand, creates asymmetrical, modern, and flamboyant pieces. Moreover, they are also an uber-sustainable brand—they have pieces made of circular cutouts of indigenous Filipino weaves. This came to fruition when they wanted to fully utilize even the excess fabrics and indigenous weaves.
Pam and her edgy modern designs / Photo by the author
Innovative Manipulation
The eponymous brand, Viña Romero, reminds us of the power of Filipino creativity. They modernized barongs through the use of masterful fabric manipulation. Furthermore, each piece is truly a work of art—since they mainly utilize the fabric manipulation technique called pin-tucking, it takes a lot of time to create it.
Viña Romero and her pin-tucked modern barongs / Photo by the author
Quintessential Beaute
All That Glitters by Amanda LuYm and Cacay Moras is a brand that you should surely visit at this MaArte Fair 2024. They have a huge selection of pieces of fine jewelry. The precious gems and stones are creatively set into their hardware—making each facet of the design shine. Moreover, it is a perfect gift for yourself or someone dear to you.
Amanda LuYm the designer of All That Glitters / Photo by the author
Handcrafted Statement
TDLG Designs by Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez is your go-to for handcrafted statement pieces. The brand’s design code is all about fun, whimsical, but dainty pieces. Moreover, they have a wide range of accessories made from precious stones.
Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez and her Sardine Brooch in Citrine / Photo via Instagram @tdlgdesigns
Banner photo by the author.
