The collaboration showcases classic, elegant, and contemporary silhouettes—perfect for every day wear— while modernizing the use of traditional Filipino textiles.
Innovation is a driving force in fashion, enabling designers to create clothing that reflects the current zeitgeist. For Happy Andrada and Tesoros, innovation means integrating Filipino textiles into modern, everyday casual wear.
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The collaboration between the multi-awarded Filipino designer and Tesoros aims to promote Filipino culture and heritage through modern yet timeless designs. “This collection is all about honoring our traditional craftsmanship while making it relevant and wearable today,” Andrada shares.
Stitching In Modernity
Happy Andrada’s latest collection showcases authentic Filipino fabrics like piña, inabel, piña silk, cocoon, Inaul and t’nalak. Traditionally reserved for special occasions, these fabrics are now being reimagined by Andrada to create modern, everyday wear. “Filipiniana should not be confined to special occasions. It should be part of our everyday expression, something we proudly wear anywhere in the world,” she adds.
Andrada’s expertise has led her to showcase her designs in fashion capitals such as London, Paris, Milan, and Tokyo. With 18 years of experience under her belt, she undoubtedly has the creative bandwidth to merge modern designs with Filipino textiles.
The collection features cropped tops with various sleeve styles, blazers, jackets with detachable hoods, and traditional Filipino silhouettes reimagined in an oversized style. Each piece is crafted from traditional Filipino fabrics, emphasizing the importance of honoring local craftsmanship.
A highlight of the show was Happy Andrada’s “Happy Dolls”, which was presented alongside the main collection. The miniature couture dolls blends high fashion with collectible artistry.
Happy Dolls / Photos by Darrel Pobre courtesy of Happy Andrada
Honoring Artisans
Tesoros, a long-standing custodian of Filipino heritage, sees this collaboration as a way to spotlight the creative prowess of our local artisans. “Our artisans pour generations of skill into their work, and through collaborations like this, we ensure that these traditions evolve while staying rooted in their authentic origins,” shared Tesoros CEO Maria Isabel “Beng” Tesoro.
This partnership goes beyond a simple fashion presentation by showcasing the evolving landscape of Filipino design, where tradition is preserved while being actively reimagined for the contemporary market. “We see this as part of a movement—where young designers take inspiration from the past and bring it into the future,” Tesoro adds.
Select designs from the collection will be available online and at Tesoros 1016, Makati.
Photos by Francis Lumahan courtesy of Happy Andrada.
