In a recent collaboration that seamlessly marries tradition and sustainability, Bree Esplanada sheds light on the inspiration behind his partnership with Anthill and the creation of modern Filipiniana tops that are as stylish as they are eco-friendly.
The spark for this remarkable collaboration ignited when Bree joined Ternocon3. It was a planned endeavor and marked the beginning of a project that had long been on his wish list. Anthill, a brand known for its advocacy in supporting Filipino weavers, proved to be the perfect partner.
But what exactly motivated Bree to craft these contemporary Filipiniana tops and how do they incorporate the vital concept of zero-waste fabrics?
“I was one of the finalists of last year’s Ternocon3. It’s a fashion competition promoting and reviving the Filipiniana,” said Bree.
Anthill’s commitment to Filipino weavers made incorporating these designs a natural choice.
“The process for the collection was to showcase that the Filipiniana tops can be used as daily wear rather than just for formal events. I want the younger generations to see that,” said Bree.
Anthill provided Bree with the key ingredient: Zero-waste fabric, skillfully woven from discarded fabric scraps. However, navigating the challenges of zero-waste wasn’t a walk in the park. The fabric’s narrow width, unlike the sisal fabrics Bree was accustomed to, required precise measurements and a meticulous pattern-making process. But, as any creative mind knows, challenges only fuel the fire of innovation. Delving into the collection’s aesthetic, it’s a captivating fusion of classic and contemporary elements.
“It’s a mix of the classic and modern take on the Filipiniana and combining it with my dark aesthetic,” said Bree.
The core message of this collaboration is refreshingly simple according to the designer: Support local and harness the potential of locally made fabrics. Through these garments, Bree and Anthill aim to amplify the importance of sustainability within the Philippines’ fashion landscape.
When it comes to embracing these modern Filipiniana tops, the fashion community and sustainability enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to. The designs are not only visually striking but also tackle the power of conscious fashion choices.
Intriguingly, Bree highlights the Filipiniana sleeves as a key traditional element incorporated into their designs. These sleeves, an iconic aspect of Filipiniana attire, serve as a bridge between the past and the present in this collection.
In closing, Bree’s collaboration with Anthill projects a message of innovation, sustainability, and the celebration of Filipino heritage. It inspires consumers to embrace local craftsmanship, redefining everyday fashion, style and eco-conscious garments in the same breath.