When three women put their heads together to do something visionary, purposeful, meaningful — we have modern-day heroes creating the path and life in service for others.  Last week, we had 18-year-old Amara selling recycled rags made beautiful; today we have Penny, Mel and Yuki, passionately driven with upcycling projects to promote environmental responsibility and fund a center for abused women and girls.

Mel Mora Asuncion and Penny Lopez Katigbak founded The Little Vintage Shop as a project of the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs, which aims to reduce textile waste by finding new homes for preloved garments. 

They focus on upcycling preloved gowns and barongs, transforming them into contemporary wear, fusing old and new ideas to create conscious and responsible fashion. 

Yuki Higson, on the other hand, owns the Sewing Room, an advocacy she set up to manufacture 100-percent locally made to give livelihood to displaced sewers during pandemic.

Destiny brought them together during TLVS’ first pop-up in Makati Garden Club last year when Yuki saw the potential for a collaboration. Penny says, “It’s just so nice to share how this movement has spurred many interests to recreate beautiful pieces from vintage.” 

Even pieces some may think are useless may be made useful. Yuki adds, “Because TLVS had a lot of stained gowns or discolored barongs that would’ve been poteontially for throwing out, so instead of filling the landfill, we thought of upcycling because we didn’t want anything go to waste.”

Good intentions lead to success. The modern kimona made from tablecloth from their first collection was a hit that they saw as a sign that there’s a strong market demand for “Filipiniana with a twist.”

Tagpi collection

Recently, they launched online their second collection called Tagpi (which means patch). The idea is to create classic silhouettes that you can practically dress up or down.  

These pieces are styling-friendly that you can create a variety of looks and update your wardrobe. But beyond the variety of fashion, it’s also understanding why they were made. There is gold in what other may think is trash. 

Yuki says, “It’s called the Tagpi collection because we wanted to show that there’s something beautiful we could create out of textile waste. Maganda siya kahit tagpi-tagpi (They are beautiful even if they are patched up).”

The reinvention and repurposing of textiles help reduce waste, conserve resources (puts a new spin on existing garments) and minimize the environmental impact of clothing production.

“There’s still mountains of textile waste and discarded garments — I feel like we’re just getting started,” says Mel. But the goal is really to allow creativity to flourish — to give a chance to unheard and smaller voices that they may have the opportunity to showcase their creativity.  After all, the movement in the design and style landscapes is to love and promote local.

 “There is so much talent in our Filipino community — our skilled mananahis (seamstresses), the artisans behind the intricate embroideries and hand beading of these gowns and barongs. Let’s all champion locally-made and support the livelihood of our artisans!” Yuki adds.

Current times call for immediate action. And, optimistically, different sectors are making their contributions, big or small. For these women, profits are used to fund the psychological care of ZCME’s center for abused women and girls. 

“I love how TLVS maximizes the lifespan of products by creating opportunities for the rediscovery of their value. This value is then spread in many different directions and enjoyed by our donors, volunteers, supporters and most especially our beneficiaries!” Mel says.

A whole will never be complete without its parts.  We have to look at the bigger picture and realize that everything is really connected.  The more hands together, the bigger movement for sustainability. 

Penny ends, “Each piece has an endearing story behind it and we continue its provenance as we share with others. The talent, artistry and creativity behind these items are further appreciated. TLVS engages everyone to be part of a bigger sustainable circle.” 

For more information and if you’re like to donate unwanted garments, please visit
@thelittle_vintageshop and @thesewingroom.ph on Instagram.