The Artefino holiday pop-up bazaar ongoing at Rockwell is a good source of new artisanal finds and emerging design brands. So it’s no surprise that start-up style entrepreneurs are making a killing.
The lowly bayong becomes a fashion item with pearls by Jude is Jude. Fabric remnants turn into cushioned buttons for vests and stools by Good Luck, Humans.
Artefino has also transformed into a showcase for a designer collection.
Italy-trained Rhett Eala has produced a “Pinoy Chinoiserie” collection of floral hand-painted gazar skirts, shifts and blouses in printed brocade.
On Dec. 18, creative director Luis Espiritu is launching his footwear collection in collaboration with a community in Liliw, Laguna. The shoes are made of abaca from Samar and Bulacan, with goat hide and fur.
Ilonggo designer Jor-el Espina adds fun designs to local hablon T-shirts, and creates barong patterns on bomber jackets.
Techie Hagedorn launches a jusi barong collection of long vests and easy embroidered tops from Lumban, Laguna. These separates can be worn over shorts and jeans
The accessories are no less exciting. Self-taught artist Adante Leyesa’s punk minaudières draw attention with colorful cartoons and grommet trims.
Mele +Marie, a Cebu-based company, specializes in minaudieres and sells them wholesale overseas. In Paris, the popular Cage minaudiere fetches a wholesale price of $400.
The jewelry range includes fine pieces such as architect Raisa Vargas’ minimalist line, Sanxi, Mickey Olaguer’s Emblem, and bold neckpieces by Carlo Evaristo’s Otsirave.
There are familiar brands from Murio, Domicillo and its signature mirror frames, Domesticity and Hacienda Crafts, both from Negros.
Bea Crisostomo’s Ritual has laid out its famous hand soaps, organic native delicacies and consignors such as the artisan chocolate Tigre y Oliva. —MARGE C. ENRIQUEZ, CONTRIBUTED
