Leaving the house without the Big Five (phone, wallet, keys, air pods, and lip balm, obviously) would be unlawful, right? To save you from this fate, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite independent Filipino bag labels to make sure you never leave the house without these essentials.
Whether you’re looking for a bedazzled handwoven carry-on, a tote made out of recycled textile, or an investment-worthy vegan leather carry-all, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to local bag labels.
As we know, our impact on the planet extends far beyond the tops and pants we choose to purchase – we can make a difference by mindfully selecting our accessories, too.
With this in mind, this list features some labels that are not just pleasing to look at but are locally and sustainably made. Now go forth and choose your next arm candy.
Don’t forget to stay cutesy and demure.
Calli Bags
Founded in 2013 by Filipino entrepreneur Tessa Nepomuceno, Calli bags are primarily made of carved woods all locally made by the genuine artisans of carvers, weavers, and bead makers of Paete, Laguna Philippines providing livelihood opportunities. The brand is proudly specialized in the use of the langkit, a traditional Maranao weave that’s marked by intricate geometric patterns using the kelim technique.
HGC Handicrafts
Who would have thought that you could turn an annoying weed into a stylish handbag your besties could envy. HGQ Handicrafts, established by Nabua-based entrepreneur Hunny Quiano and her team of local women artisans and crocheters, utilizes Bangkuan, a locally sourced aquatic weed, to craft artistic handbags that support the livelihood of the local community.
Earl Gariando
Earl Gariando, a Filipino designer specializing in repoussé metalworks, innovatively applies this age-old technique to create a sophisticated collection of accessories and designs. His collection features brass, copper, pearls, and various precious semiprecious stones and metals, all sourced locally from the Philippines.
MCV Designs
Founded by the Filipino entrepreneur Mia C. Villanueva, the fashion label creates handbags and accessories using locally sourced materials and weaving techniques.
Touch of Craft
Considered one of the heritage brands in the Philippines since 1986, this sustainable fashion label has been crafting stylish wearable pieces and home accessories using repurposed materials such as old textiles, sourced all over the country, and from many markets and estate sales across Europe and Asia.
Ninobasilio Bags
Transitioning from being a bag enthusiast to a bag entrepreneur, the local visionary Basil Nino Yap-Cabaral founded the label in June 2014. The brand specializes in producing native bags with a contemporary twist, utilizing locally sourced materials like pandan leaves, mahogany wood handles, tikog predominantly grown in Dumaguete, and raffia materials woven in Bohol.
Capricho
Owning a huge collection of bags is not just a whim, but a capricious lifestyle hence, adding a Capricho bag would be a great idea. Available in different shapes and sizes, Capricho bags are traditional looking with their unique solihiya weaving pattern, a type of weaving pattern typically made of rattan, popularized in the 19th century. The materials used Viro, a polyethylene-based fiber known for its high flexibility, tensile strength, and UV and weather resistance.
Yvette Bags
What started as a hobby for founder Yvette Punzalan, based in Davao, has blossomed into a social enterprise. This venture produces striking crochet bags crafted by local women inmates and former inmates, offering them a second chance through livelihood opportunities.
Larone Artisans
If you are looking for a heritage Filipino handbag label, Larone Artisans has been taking pride in producing handwoven bags using sustainable natural plant fibers and preserving traditional Filipino weaving techniques for more than 30 years since 1984.
Handcrafted by Harl's
Founded in 2014, this social enterprise excels in producing handcrafted leather goods from sustainable local leather, repurposed denim, upcycled seatbelts, and other recycled materials. Filipino entrepreneur Harley Beltran and his team of adept artisans employ leathercrafting techniques that offer sustainable, fair employment to people with disabilities, fostering holistic and inclusive opportunities for everyone.
GUSTOKO
GUSTOKO, founded by Filipino entrepreneur Paula Figueras in Lisbon, is a modern handbag brand that boasts design from Portugal and skilled craftsmanship by women artisans in the Philippines. The brand is committed to using premium natural materials, including locally sourced fibers like buntal, abaca, raffia, jute, and leathers, complemented with wooden and shell accents.
Alixia Marie
Alixia Marie's creations are intricately linked to the abundance of Filipino culture and heritage, reflecting a tapestry of diverse regional influences and narrating their distinct patterns. The brand honors Filipino artisanship by integrating traditional elements such as solihiya and indigenous weaves like Pinilian, T’nalak, and Binakol, showcasing the nation's artisanal legacy.
Caddat Handcrafted Leather
Lucban-based leather goods brand Caddat is proudly known for its exquisite plant-based leather goods. All products are handmade by the local artisans of Lucban Quezon which also helps to provide livelihood to the community.
Project Nova
RETASO
Uswag Artesano
Founder Anna Veloso-Tuazon explains, “USWAG is the Karay-a term for improvement and advancement. In intangible heritage parlance, it means enrichment.” Local artisans, utilizing indigenous natural materials such as bamboo, rattan, abaca, romblon, sig-id, and batang-batang, have crafted fishing baskets, mats, market totes, and other everyday items. These creations are reimagined and reinterpreted by the brand to serve as symbols of the district's heritage, history, and crafting culture.
O'EL Designs
O’EL Designs, managed by the mother-daughter team of Tellie Llave and Noelle Llave, is a contemporary fashion handbag brand known for its playful linear and graphic designs. They utilize unique materials and methods, with all items locally handcrafted by skilled leather artisans from Marikina, Paranaque, and Cavite in the Philippines.
Rags 2 Riches
Transforming fabric scraps into a vibrant collection of hand-woven handbags, the pioneering social enterprise Rags 2 Riches skillfully uncovers the hidden beauty in what might have been mere rags. By gathering unused fabric from large companies, they infuse a unique flair, crafting a distinctive checkered weave that becomes the hallmark pattern for many of their creations.
Our editorial decisions are made with our readers (you!) in mind, and we hope you enjoy the products that we wholeheartedly recommend.
If you know a local independent Filipino brand, and you want it to be included in our list, kindly email us at forurbanwomen@gmail.com
For more information on finding independent Filipino fashion and lifestyle brands, head here
Ohhh very Pretty Bags and Love These
ReplyDelete