LAKAT: ART AND SOLE
It was three years ago, during the pandemic, when Lakat owners Mike and Banj Claparols invited me to join the shoe brand’s sustainability, artisanal, slow and conscious fashion journey. My whole being immediately aligned with excitement. During those days, when everything seemed to be in a haze, the opportunity came as clear as glass. Instinctively,
I sensed something magical, purposeful and food for the soul. In a heartbeat, I said yes.
I’ve known Mike and Banj through the artisanal trade shows when our brands (I also do creative stuff with other provincial brands) would join together. In one Habi event, Mike told me, “We will be working together in the future. I don’t know yet what it is, but for sure we will be working.” Those words struck like lightning in the blank slates in my head (think Ten Commandments) like words of manifestation, and here we are today, almost three years later.
On our first meeting, which lasted a good four to five hours, I think, we discussed about the brand origins, people involved, relevance and contribution to various communities, but most importantly, the style. At first, we only had the high tops, then classics, followed by the slip-ons. We discussed other style options like platforms, color blockings, textures, multicolored soles and artist collaboration. Art is always part of the equation. One of the biggest issues of fashion that has always been swept under the rug is it’s being art.
It’s my first collaboration with a shoe brand. And I believe in Lakat’s objectives and their sustainability.
Fashion as art has always been a matter of question and a neverending debate. Those that do exist are considered couture, too expensive, most are displayed in museums, and generally pieces you can barely wear. Lakat addresses this by handpicking
and collaborating with three young global Filipino artists, namely, Dex Fernandez as Garapata, Liliana Manahan and Ras Trinidad as Doktorkarayom.
Why them? Each artist has his or her own distinct, iconic character -- an expression of uniqueness, individuality and creative style -- that can be imprinted on the shoe which serves as their blank canvas. It is about adding some sense of realism, or giving life to something from the drawing board to the streets. It is breathing art into fashion as seen in everyday wear.
What makes this fusion of fashion and art special? Each artist has something to say.
Ras says, “Sobrang espesyal nito dahil ito ang pinakauna kong official na sapatos na likha eh kumbaga ito ang ‘the creation of man’ ko pagdating sa ganitong project… hindi lang kasi siya customized eh…as in pagtinanong ako pag naging sapatos ako...ganito itsura talaga na lalabas… simple na makulit at pangharabas
(This shoe is very special because it’s my very first official creation – something like my ‘creation of man’ when it comes to this project…it’s not just about a customized shoe… if I were asked what I would be as a hoe, this would be it – simple, full of energy and outdoorsy).”
Dex adds, “It’s my first collaboration with a shoe brand. And I believe in Lakat’s objectives and their sustainability.”
For Liliana, “This collab is definitely special because it is all crafted and ideated locally. The product is a clean, usable piece with a lot of research on material and thought in how to present it in a palatable way.”
Meeting everyone involved has made the project more special, the collective energy and synergy having an effect.
Ras ends, “Na makilala ko mismo may ari ng Lakat, yung gumagawa, yung namamahala (ikaw, sir Luis ) at syempre yung mga kasama kong artist. Hindi lang naman ako sabik na matapos gawa ko kundi sabik din akong makita yung finished product nung kapwa ko artist at tinititngnan ko din yung reaksyon. Yung sabay sabay tayong namangha sa kinalabasan ng sapatos. Para kang nakakita ng bata na ipinanganak sa pinyahan, ganun ang pakiramdam That I have personally met the people behind Lakat, and the artisans [and you, sir Luis], and of course my fellow artists. I’m not just excited to finish the work but also to see the finished products of my fellow artists and I also want to see their reactions. That together we would wonder at the actual shoes. It would be much like seeing kids born, that’s how it feels).”
To create a masterpiece is a journey through a process. Whether creative, artistic, psychological or even spiritual, transformation happens. Each artist approaches the conditions with their own respective practice and discipline. And through this we unravel learnings that we impart and share with others. These three brilliant artists have a mouthful to say.
According to Ras, “Pinaka-una talaga dito ay yung pag-sourcing ng materyales, na sa aking palagay ay nakatulong lalo na sa aking paglikha na nangangailangan ng iba’t-ibang klaseng materyales para makabuo ng isang obra. At yung proseso ng pag gawa mula sa disenyo papunta sa production ang dami kong natututunan, lalo na yung fieldtrip sa planta (The first step really is the sourcing of materials, which for me helped a lot in my creative process which makes use of different kinds of materials to create one product. And the process of making the show – from design to production — I learned so much, especially from that field trip to the plant).”
For Dex, the way to mastery is through experimentation. He says, “For this first attempt, I stick to my favorite medium which is the silkscreen print application; (it is) cost-effective and effortless. But I’ve learned that you can go wild in terms of sculpting form without affecting the comfort level of the shoes.”
Liliana hits it deep and says, “Having an open mind and being able to adjust to the limitations of the craftsmen are always a challenge (vice versa as well from the craftsmen to designer). These limitations only allow solutions that are out of the box. And when designer and craftsmen are able to adjust to each other, this pushes product and designer to a new level. I always carry this mindset in collabs — for the Lakat one and for future ones.”
First local handwoven sneaker line
Lakat’s union art + fashion is historically pioneering in local footwear. In Philippine fashion, it’s the first local handwoven sneakers (made of pineapple fiber and Philippine cotton) to have an all-Filipino artist (three to be exact) collaboration that’s ethically sourced and produced — we are 100 percent local. This collective and visionary effort celebrates the artisans, artists, shoemakers, creatives and everyone involved in the journey of art in fashion, fashion as art or whatever you may call it.
The three artists, together with the brand created a new character by combining all their logos specifically for ArtfairPh which is happening 16 to 18 February at The Link, Ayala Center, Makati City where they will have a booth (on the free admission area at the fourth floor).
This modest endeavor is making a fashion statement of wearable art and you can wear them every day. Dex says., “I’m so amazed at the outcome. Each artist has their own approach that you can’t really compare the designs. Every artist has their own narrative to tell.”
Personally, I want to own a pair of each design. It’s really blurring the line between art and fashion. Something that you can wear for special occasions, or just have it displayed in your house as one of your precious art collections. I love the idea that it’s really handmade, done in quality and the craftsmanship of our local artisans is something you’ll be proud of. I’m honored to be part of this first “LakArt” edition, and can’t wait who’s next to be featured!
“Lakat ta!” is what I would always hear from founder Mike — inspiring words for me that only means to move forward slowly (the brand is an advocate of slow fashion) to the future and take every handwoven step humbly with pride.
Liliana says, “What I admire about Lakat is their constant research, trial and error in improving their product. So all of this plus leaving room to grow and explore, I think, will always open new adventures for Philippine craft product and design. It can be a long, tedious road, but to continue on it will surely put our talent and products on the map/ inspire more people to pursue this kind of innovation.”
Three years from now, who knows where Lakat will be? It was just an idea, really, of bringing everyone together to make an impact, let our voices be heard, provide sustainable livelihood to communities and remain grounded by always having the bigger picture in mind. “Kahit gaano pa kaganda ang sapatos mong suot at dala, panatilihin itong laging nakatapak sa lupa (No matter how beautiful your shoes are, always keep them on the ground),” Raz ends.