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‘Tis the Season: Holiday Fashion Finds from 5 Filipina Designers
Celebrate Christmas on a festive note with holiday fashion finds from these 5 female designers. You’re sure to make a statement with these!
The holidays are here and people are definitely in a (more) jovial mood. If anything, the bustling weekend malls are all but proof that we are getting ready for the most wonderful time of the year. Excitement is in the air and we just want to celebrate!
With that being said, 5 female designers have come up with holiday fashion collections that will surely get you ready for that much-anticipated get-together with family and friends. From bold and bright earrings to gorgeous tops, fabulous clothing, and custom-made shoes, these stylish labels will make holiday dressing so much easier and most enjoyable, too!
WENYA by Eica Co (IG: @wenya.ph)
Wenya is derived from the word “DabaWENYA,” which refers to someone from Davao City. From producing a single-style woven bag in 2017, the label has become a small enterprise that marries fashion and passion for all things local. “We use locally sourced materials that are lovingly crafted by our partner communities, the champions behind our brand,” says founder Eica Co.
As the country slowly opens up and restrictions are being lifted, people are getting ready to reconnect and reunite. Thus, this year, the designer’s holiday collection is aptly called “Rendezvous.” Here, women can choose from tops made from a variety of Inabel (by Pinilian weavers) and Habol Negrense (by Negrense 9 weavers) fabrics with lace accents.
“I design to empower women of all ages and that includes both my customers and the artisans. This collection, in particular, aims to make women feel and look their best in their next gathering,” Eica adds.
Find the brand on Instagram @wenya.ph or order directly from www.wenya.ph.
TISH.PH by Tish Sevilla (IG: @tish.ph)
Shoe and bag designer Tish Sevilla got her big break when then-Senator Loren Legarda wore her shoes at the SONA (State Of the Nation Address) in 2015. “I was quietly producing bags for some years prior. Then just like that, my client base grew and I have been blessed to meet and make shoes for so many dynamic women since then,” narrates Tish.
But what differentiates this footwear brand from others is that all pieces are proudly custom-made. “I believe in collaborating with my clients. I show my portfolio, bring sample materials, and we start from there. Some like existing designs so I render those in the color and heel height of their preference. Every pair I make, though, has to embody my aesthetic—comfortable, stylish, and classic.”
Tish is very proud that her designs have captured the hearts of strong women who are leaders in their respective fields. You may find her brand on Instagram @tish.ph.
KAAYO by Margarita Nograles (IG: @kaayo.ph)
Kaayo started as an advocacy for the recognition of Mindanao’s indigenous culture. Today, it has evolved into a lifestyle brand and small retail force—focused on sustaining the livelihood of Philippine artisans.
At the helm of the business is Margarita “Marga” Nograles who describes her “Inspiration” holiday collection as “a mix of men’s, women’s and children’s apparel like scarves, cover-ups, tops, pants and skirts that are all handwoven and hand-beaded with love, alongside an athleisure subline.”
“I incorporate my life into my design and the weavers incorporate their aspirations in every piece that we jointly create,” she adds. “The work we do in Kaayo is a true collaboration between designers and craftspeople to promote a Modern Mindanao. Therefore, before 2021 ends, we strive to remind ourselves of Kaayo’s true meaning which is ‘an act of gracious kindness.’”
This year, Marga just opened a pop-up store on the ground floor of SM Aura, which will run until January. The store is stocked with proudly handmade products. These showcase the country’s rich heritage and diverse cultures—represented by bold prints and patterns, as well as age-old techniques passed on through many generations. You may also find the brand online on Instagram @kaayo.ph.
FLORENCE FLING by Tessa Villalon (IG: @florencefling)
If there’s anyone who can work magic with prints, it has got to be Tessa Villalon. This international muse-turned-fashion designer is never afraid to use bold colors and vibrant patterns in designing her line. “Florence Fling has always been known for feminine silhouettes done in the most gorgeous of fabrics. This holiday season, my collection is a happy mix of polka dot prints and clothes done in the most delicious colors,” says Tessa.
The label is in a celebratory mood as can be gleaned from her flowy dresses with peek-a-boo details in the back, fitted numbers that hug the female form, and separates that can be mixed and matched with existing pieces in your wardrobe. For more lovely finds, visit the brand on Instagram @florencefling.
FARAH ABU by Farah Abu (IG: @farah_abu)
A would-be architect found her creative calling in making beaded earrings, ditched the boards, fought for years to make it in the world of fashion, and transformed herself into one of the most celebrated accessory designers in the country. This is Farah Abu’s life story in a sentence.
“At first, my parents were so disappointed in me, but I truly felt I had made the right choice. By no means was I an overnight sensation. The years of struggle helped me hone my craft and now, I continue to enjoy the creative process to the hilt,” shares Farah.
Known for her mostly tropical-themed pieces, Farah’s 2021 holiday collection evokes a more glamorous and sparkly look. “I design for the bold, the fabulous, and the strong women who are not afraid to make a statement,” she shares. In fact, her clients include beauty queens, celebrities from local Tinseltown, and models.
Using gold, silver, and other metallic hues, the designer has created ear danglers that are all at once eye-catching, imaginative and impressive. If you’re looking to turn heads, then these earpieces are a must-have in your fashion arsenal! Visit @farah_abu on Instagram to peruse more pretty baubles.
As we cautiously make our way back to the outside world, let’s remember to keep our gains. Seeing family members and friends is on everyone’s mind, but let us still keep safety as a priority. That being said, supporting local businesses—even online—is a great way to celebrate the holidays. Happy shopping everyone!
