Fashion, art and culture collide at Kultura’s Filipino Design Studio 2024

KULTURA’S Filipino Design Studio returns this March, bringing forth an immersive experience celebrating the richness of local artistry. Launched on March 1 at the third level of SM Aura, the event’s primary goal is to spotlight the diverse talents within the local community while providing a platform for established names and emerging brands to showcase their latest collections.

By curating a diverse array of guest brands and social enterprises alongside Kultura’s own house labels, the Filipino Design Studio amplifies each participant’s narrative to resonate with an appreciative audience.

Dedicated to embracing the modern Filipino lifestyle while championing social entrepreneurship, this edition carefully selected brands that prioritize employing vulnerable populations, supporting underserved communities, and implementing sustainable practices.

Lifestyle label Dwellbeing, for instance, employs members of the deaf community and utilizes upcycled packaging, exemplifying its commitment to social impact.

This year’s Design Studio lineup includes exciting new labels partnering with Kultura for the very first time.

Zooming in on fashion, the parquantities; ticipating brands include Bagoyan, which makes modern, handwoven apparel inspired by Kalinga heritage and tradition; The Brave Story — a lifestyle brand that embraces slow fashion, creating apparel from repurposed local textiles in limited Jhaz Footwear’s variety of handmade slip-on shoes crafted from indigenous materials like abaca and jute; Seek The Uniq, a vibrant, resort-ready clothing line featuring tropical prints and unique silhouettes; and Pinas-Sadya — oneof-a-kind clothing featuring traditional weaves such as Binakol and Inabel, made to start conversations about Filipino heritage.

For summer-ready accessories, featured are Anmari’s high-quality bags, handcrafted from natural materials such as sabutan, buntal, raffia, and rattan; Ash & Muff’s handcrafted pouches and bags for gifting; Boho Manila’s vibrant, bohemian-style statement jewelry handcrafted by Filipina mothers; the Philippines’ oldest fan makers, Casa Mercedes and its handmade abanicos with original designs by local artists; Piesa’s handcrafted statement necklaces, earrings, and stackable cuffs; Sombrero Manila’s locally-crafted hats made using natural, eco-friendly materials including buri and raffia; Strozzi Jewelry’s handmade statement pieces featuring Filipino-themed designs and styles; and Woven’s handmade accessories by local artisanal communities.

Besides the fashion and accessories inspired by heritage and the beauty of the Philippine islands, also featured in this “embrace local” endeavor are naturebased personal care and wellness brands, as well as various items for the home, such as colorful handwoven blankets and towels by skilled Bicolano artisans from Our Little Ideas and Casa Juan’s genius collaboration with Filipino artists in showcasing culture and heritage in home accessories and dinnerware, among many others.

Kultura’s Filipino Design Studio is ongoing at SM Aura Premiere and will run until March 17.

Pinas-Sadya, a play on the Filipino word for custom-made, prides itself in making one-of-a-kind clothing featuring traditional weaves such as Binakol and Inabel that are made to start conversations about Filipino heritage.

Liwayway’s trendy apparel finds influence in the island’s diverse culture and traditions.

Bagoyan designs modern, handwoven apparel inspired by Kalinga heritage and tradition.

Seek The Uniq is a line of vibrant, resort-ready clothing featuring unique silhouettes.

Piesa’s handcrafted stackable cuffs