KALINGA weave is going mainstream.
Local designer, Joon Teckney Ascaño, has championed the Kalinga weave in his one of kind designs which have found their way to local and international beauty pageants.
Ascaño said his use of traditional weave traces back to the 90’s and has gone full force in 2010 when he finished at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines and showcased the Kalinga weave in his collection.
He said “It has been hard during the first years because no one wanted to wear the weaves, only those living abroad wanted to have local weaves; it was mainly used in traditional clothing and uniforms for the local government.”
When the Ascaño creations hit the runways and international beauty pageants in 2010, the journey to the mainstream of the Kalinga “laga” began.
The original creations using Kalinga weaves were worn by Athena Imperial, who was crowned Ms. Philippines-Earth in 2011, Gelnnifer Perido 2014, Mutya ng Pilipinas – Tourism International, Emmerie Cunanan - Ms Philippines Eco Tourism, Angela Fernando – Ms Philippines Water, Rene Mchugh – Ms Philippines Air, Kris Psyche Orozco Resus – Ms Philippines Earth and Gwendolyn Ruais MS World Philippines 2011 and MS World Philippines 1st runner up in 2011.
Ascaño said orders came after the beauty queens wore the Kalinga laga proudly and slowly, the fashionistas of the province and the region took notice of local weaves to incorporate in their dresses for formal and everyday wear.
He added that among the weaves in the province, the Kalinga Laga is the most intricate with an assortment of colors to choose from as well as designs which will go with formal, casual and office ensembles.
The local designer maintains a shop in Tabuk City, Joon Atelier, which is now frequented by locals who want to have local weave in their collection of clothes made by the homegrown talent.
Ascaño advised young designers in the province to follow their hearts, continue to design clothes and never give up.
He now dreams of having a big fashion show which features designers from all over the Cordillera with an assortment of weaves from the region.
The Ascaño designs will be featured in the celebration of the 31st Cordillera day this month.