In December 2023, this space became filled with a series of what’s new now, next in 2024.

We devoted our time collating fresh ideas, having been part of a sort of renaissance of local design these past few years.

With homegrown design festivals filling our calendars in the realm of fashion, arts and crafts, no wonder the local scene is exploding with interesting things, perspectives and alternative points of view.

It was, indeed, a year filled with amazing creations from Filipino designers. This month, we will showcase bag designs and exquisite jewelry from both established and up-and-coming Filipino designers.

Carissa Cruz Evangelista of Beatriz

Dotty Clutch Bag

Introducing our latest addition to the thread collection! Dotty is a meticulously handcrafted clutch available in three colorways — Red Velvet, Raspberry Fizz and Cookie Delight. Crafted individually by skilled artisans, this unique piece features intricate patterns created through a special gluing technique. It is made from a recycled PVC base with hand-laid cotton thread detailing, and it includes a leather strap, brass strap clips and a magnetic closure.

The brand seeks to uplift feelings and emotions with design that marries play and function, and thoughtful handiwork that sustains the livelihood of our partner artisan enterprises. It celebrates all colors and shapes of life through products that highlight the boundless artistry, spirit and craftsmanship of Filipino talents. We aim to showcase the global potential of Filipinos’ creativity and thoughtful craftsmanship. Each handcrafted piece reflects the brand’s joyful outlook on life and youthful design DNA, empowering each woman with a sense of individuality through artful patterns.

Beatriz IG: beatriz_accessories  • Facebook: Beatriz Accessories • Website: beatrizworld.com

Rose Ann Bautista of Fino Leatherware

Peddle Bulge Handbag

A hard structured classic piece, this bag is made to resemble some of the old classic handbags, sleek in form but generous in size and inside compartment. This one, however, is done with a modern twist detail, which we call the side bulge. We created this style back in 2016-17 (with the guidance and) in collaboration with @LuisEspiritu. 

In light of trying to recreate some of our old classic pieces, without reinventing the style and function elements we used, the Peddle Bulge handbag came about.

Embossing design is inspired by the Reticulated Python, also known to be found in the Philippines.

Maco Custodio Merlin Backpack

It’s an all leather 14 x 11.5 x 4.5-inch backpack. Hand-punched, hand stitched, it’s an updated all-leather version from the previous foil and leather #MerlinBackpack.

It’s always been a challenge for me to craft something bigger than an old design called #evebag — a bag that features more skills and craftsmanship that’s handmade and created by myself.

Pre-order via @macocustodio IG page.  Collection release is 24 February 2024.

CHRISTIAN CERA

The Pumpkin

This is a unique bag shaped like the fruit (yes, it’s a fruit!) it is named after. It’s made out of hand-sewn panels of genuine suede with vegetable-tanned leather sides and strap. The mini version has a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap for crossbody use.

The origin of its creation is actually the desire to use my mounting suede leftovers and off-cuts but still in a design drive way and not just slapping scraps together. Thus, the narrow panels hand-sewn together that form the front and back of the bag and give the whole piece texture and dimension. To give it structure, the stiff nature of vegetable-tanned leather made it the easy choice for the rest of the bag.

Carla Zhang

LE NGOK Oneness Zipper Bag

It is a bag made from Deadstock YKK zippers that’s available in multiple colors: pink, blue, green, purple, black, etc. The bag can be adjusted from tote to baguette or any size in between, according to your needs!

I made the bag because I wanted to create one bag for all occasions and still stay chic!

IG: @le_ngok• Website: www.lengok.com