Crafting Change and Empowering Artisans: The Filipino Design Studio

It’s back – Kultura’s Filipino Design Studio returns this March! Experience the richness of local artistry with us at our fourth Filipino Design Studio, popping up on 3/L SM Aura from March 1 to 17 this year.

Imagined as a hub of inspiration and community, the event aims to spotlight unique local talent and empower community artisans, offering both established names and emerging brands a platform to showcase their new collections. Our Filipino Design Studio brings together a diverse group of guest brands and social enterprises alongside Kultura’s own house labels, amplifying each one’s narrative and allowing their message to resonate with an appreciative audience. From handmade apparel and accessories to home decor and natural remedies, explore products with purpose, all within one proudly local space.

Opening just in time for summer, this season’s Filipino Design Studio is all about embracing the modern Filipino lifestyle while supporting social entrepreneurship. Many brands were selected based on their dedication to employing vulnerable populations, supporting underserved communities and implementing sustainable practices. Check out social enterprise and personal care brand Dwellbeing which employs members of the deaf community and uses upcycled packaging; discover slow, sustainable fashion by The Brave Story; find handmade laptop sleeves by Woven and help support artisans in neglected areas who utilize traditional Filipino weaving techniques.

Our line-up also includes exciting new labels partnering with Kultura for the very first time-  statement jewelry from Strozzi and Piesa; resort wear and modern Filipiniana from Seek The Uniq, Pina-Sadya, and Bagoyan; nature-based personal care from Pure Culture and Dwellbeing; and stylish slip-ons from Jhaz Footwear. We’ll also be featuring handmade accessories and apparel from Woven and Brave Story.

Browse through our list of brands below. Save the date and embrace local!

Fashion Inspired by Our Heritage and Islands

Bagoyan – modern, handwoven apparel inspired by Kalinga heritage and tradition

The Brave Story – lifestyle brand that embraces slow fashion, creating apparel from repurposed local textiles in limited quantities

Jhaz Footwear – variety of handmade slip-on shoes crafted from indigenous materials like abaca and jute

Seek The Uniq – vibrant, resort-ready clothing featuring tropical prints and unique silhouettes

Pinas-Sadya – one-of-a-kind clothing featuring traditional weaves such as Binakol and Inabel, made to start conversations about Filipino heritage

Summer-ready Accessories

Anmari – high-quality bags handcrafted from natural materials such as sabutan, buntal, raffia, and rattan

Ash & Muff – handcrafted pouches and bags made for gifting

Boho Manila – vibrant, bohemian-style statement jewelry handcrafted by Filipina mothers

Casa Mercedes – handmade abanicos with original designs by local artists from the Philippines’ oldest fan maker

Piesa – homegrown brand of handcrafted accessories, including statement necklaces, earrings, and stackable cuffs

Strozzi Jewelry – handmade statement jewelry, featuring Pinoy-themed designs and styles

Woven – handmade accessories and home items for the modern Filipino lifestyle, by local artisanal communities

Wellness Routine Essentials

Dwellbeing – natural, small-batch personal care brand that gives back to a hunger relief program

Pure Culture – biocompatible skincare crafted from responsibly-sourced, biotech ingredients

Shepard – sustainably-packaged personal care products made using botanicals indigenous to the Philippines

Soapsuds and Buds – gentle yet effective personal wellness products, using only skin and environmentally-friendly ingredients

Yoga Love – mindfully-made personal care and wellness essentials that use naturally derived ingredients

Tropical Tahanan

Beyond Borders – handwoven throw blankets and wraps highlighting the beauty and craftsmanship behind Abel weaving

Casa Juan – collaborates with Filipino artists to showcase our unique culture through home accessories and dinnerware

Liwayway – trendy apparel and homeware influenced by the diverse culture and traditions of the Philippines

Malingkat Weaves – handwoven home items and accessories, with a special focus on Mindanao tradition

Millie Monday – everyday items from r the home with original artwork inspired by our tropical islands

Our Little Ideas – colorful handwoven blankets and towels by skilled Bicolano artisans

Red Slab Pottery – mobilizing community members of Victoria, Tarlac, through contemporary, ethnic-inspired pottery

Wix Cozy Homes – homegrown, hand-poured candle brand promoting self-care through aromatherapy

11th Earth – eco-friendly home decor and accessories, including hand-loomed beach towels and upcycled bags

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Visit Kultura’s Filipino Design Studio from March 1 to 17, 2024, located on 3/L, SM Aura Premier, 26th Street Corner McKinley Parkway, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.