EVER since I found it difficult to find a ring, a bracelet, or an anklet that would really fit me because of how thin I am, statement earrings had become my go-to accessories. Wearing statement earrings is a fun fashion adventure without going too much. Some are just simply chic they can even be worn in work and in school.
Here in Davao City and other places in Mindanao, I found there could be various local social entrepreneurs helping indigenous peoples’ communities sell beautiful locally-crafted earrings.
This colorful intricately-designed bead earrings were given to me by a friend. She happened to be in Malaybalay, Bukidnon during the Kaamulan Festival. This pair was handmade by the Talaandig tribe.
This is one of my favorites. This was recently gifted to me by the same friend who visited Zamboanga City and bought a few pairs of earrings handmade by the indigenous communities there. This particular pair with weaving details was done by the Yakan tribe which originated from Basilan.
I bought this beaded cylindrical earrings from Sesotunawa. The Sesotunawa Project is by a group of volunteers based here in Davao City which aims to promote and bring to other parts of the world products of the T’boli tribe from South Cotabato. Aside from bead earrings, they also have brass-cast and woven accessories. They have a Facebook page where people can order their products.
En Route Handcrafted Accessories is also one of my most favorite local accessory brands in the city. Not only are they determined to help promote upcycling and environment protection through the recycled materials they use, they also promote fair labor by working with women of different communities to help them become artisan-entrepreneurs. They also have a Facebook page where their beautiful designs and advocacy are posted for everyone to see.
When advocates told us that anyone can be of help promoting sustainable fashion, they literally meant anyone. Even if you are an average young woman who is into accessories, you can show love to our local entrepreneurs and to our environment by supporting and actually purchasing their products.