Filipino brand Tapis and Baag shines bright in New York Fashion Week
FILIPINOS continue to shine on the international stage and this time with the intent of “weaving a brighter future, one thread at a time.”
The brand Tapis and Baag is a visionary brand that is dedicated to merging tradition with fashion. Founder Ginalyn Brown Tayag is on a mission to “empower local Filipino weavers by amplifying their artistry to a global audience. The brand strives to preserve and celebrate cultural heritage through each exquisite piece in their collection.”
Just in time for International Women’s Month, Filipino-American Gina Tayag is the perfect subject because not only does she use her talent, skill, and resources to uplift others through multiple entrepreneurial endeavors but also provides opportunities to Filipinas everywhere to shine. Her latest endeavor, Tapis and Baag highlights Cordilleran inabel fabrics and its unique traditional handwoven textile by skilled artisans of the Cordillera.
Gina says on her website, “It is a shining example of cultural heritage and craftmanship. I believe it is our responsibility to introduce and embrace the beauty and significance of inabel to a wider audience around the world.” And this is what she has successfully done in the recently concluded New York Fashion Week. This week, The Thought Junkie sits down with Gina to discuss everything from how she does it all and what’s next for Tapis and Baag.
Thought Junkie: “Gina, this is your second venture in five years, first was the success of Barelily (Skin care and make up brand) and now Tapis and Baag, how do you do all of it and what inspires you?”
Ginalyn Brown Tayag: I just have to be able to manage and put balance with time and set priorities in my life. What inspires me? I think it’s never too late to set new goals and pursue them with determination especially when there is an advocacy behind it.
Tell us how you discovered Tapis and Baag? What is the heart of it?
The inspiration behind Tapis and Baag comes from a profound admiration of our Cordilleran inabel fabrics. These fabrics embody resilience, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage worth advocating for the preservation of this tradition for future generations. To begin with, my roots are from the Cordilleras in the Philippines. So inabel has a deeper meaning close to my heart.
There was a time not too long ago when I discovered that there were printed fabrics copying inabel designs out in the market locally and internationally. This discovery inspired me to try to do what I can in my ability to advocate our inabel heritage. To try to boost and bring real inabel products to a bigger wider audience internationally. I believe it is our responsibility to introduce and embrace the beauty and significance of inabel to a wider audience around the globe.”
What is your vision for Tapis and Baag?
To advocate for inabel means to create opportunities for local weavers and their communities. It means promoting fair trade practices that uplift these artisans economically. By expanding the market for inabel products, we can improve the livelihoods of the weavers, enabling them to provide for their families, invest in their communities, and continue their invaluable cultural legacy.
How can we help support the cause?
I aim to urge many to become advocates for Inabel. Spread the word, and support the weavers and their communities. To Purchase Inabel products, not only for their aesthetic appeal but for the deeper meaning and positive impact they carry. I dream that Inabel weaves its way into the hearts and homes of people across the globe.
What’s next?
Tapis and Baag will continue to carry out its advocacy, mission and vision. To keep this heritage alive for many years to come and for many more generations ahead. To know more visit https://tapisandbaag.com/