IN A world of fast fashion, clothes made out of sustainable materials and cultural designs always stand out.
You may have noticed in one event or two, personalities and leaders have been donning corporate and formal wear that showcase traditional designs, patterns, and/or fabrics in big events or even just a typical boardroom meeting.
These two brands, among others, have launched various lines featuring dresses, polos, coats, blazers, Filipiniana, or Barong that incorporate Indigenous People’s (IP) fabrics and designs, elevating both fashion and culture.
“We have intentionally incorporated them in all of our apparel as our way of showcasing to the world the vibrant colors and artistry of our island,” Kaayo Modern Mindanao founder Mary Ann Montemayor shared, believing Mindanao is worthy of the world’s attention.
But using these patterns and designs comes with a process that they respectfully adhere to. They partner with IP communities and get them involved in the process, making them a huge part of the brands’ growth and progress.
“We work with different tribes according to their strengths and expertise. Like the Tboli tribe, to provide them livelihood, we regularly give them work by asking them to bead their traditional beading patterns on our KAAYO strips, which we incorporate in several of our corporate, formal, and activewear. Such has become our signature KAAYO identity,” she added.
Such is also the case for NIñOFRANCO. The renowned homegrown brand gives homage to the IP communities that they collaborate with. NIñOFRANCO founder and owner Wilson Limon detailed how he and his team operate as a brand and how they journey from “loom to the boardroom.”
“The first thing I do is to research the story behind their fabric/embellishment in order for me to properly incorporate the designs. I then immerse myself in the community to have a deeper understanding of their culture,” he said.
The Dabawenyo creative director also shared that creating a mood board and sketch ideas also keep him aligned with his design direction.
Public acceptance, patronage
The two brands introduced modern Mindanao designs to their collections in 2017.
For Montemayor, it was the year when Mindanao was highlighted because of its unique woven, beaded, and embroidered pieces by artisans.
“All of these pieces, I remember mostly corporate wears, were sought after in many of our trade shows,” she shared.
But what made people buy these pieces, especially in the corporate world?
Limon cited that it is when people realized the versatility of the patterns and fabrics of the ethnolinguistic groups as well as the sense of pride and identity when they wear one.
“It became acceptable in the corporate world when they saw the versatility of the patterns and fabrics of the ethno-linguistic groups. I can still remember it was during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte when we had a series of fashion shows and events that would highlight Mindanao's artisanal craftsmanship, the designers then made their own rendition of contemporary ethnic when they saw the potential of Mindanaon design in the corporate and tourism industry,” he said.
NIñOFRANCO’s line of contemporary ethnic barong is one of the most ordered pieces from their collection. This proves that cultural appreciation and awareness about IP communities have improved due to these brands' initiatives and advocacy - bringing IP’s culture to the limelight through fashion pieces that can be worn on a daily basis.
“Our clients appreciate the beautiful handcrafted Tboli stitching on silk cocoon or piña fabric. A modern and fresh take on the typical barong Tagalog as they say,” Limon said.
The number of individuals patronizing corporate and formal wear with cultural designs and patterns continues to grow as designers strengthen their collections with modern Mindanao designs. This has also developed cultural appreciation and awareness among Filipinos who were then oblivious to the rich culture and traditions of the country’s IP communities.
“The significance of the incorporation of ethnolinguistic fabrics and designs in corporate and formal wear is to bring awareness about the various craftsmanship of these groups. It also shows the endless possibilities on how to recreate traditional clothing into contemporary design,” Limod underscored.
With its intricate designs, sustainable fabrics, and colorful patterns, IP’s rich culture and traditions should continue to see the light even beyond fashion for the world to appreciate and be more aware of how rich Mindanao is, making it a true standout from the rest. ASP