Renewed Life
At one point in time, we all had a bag—the bag—that helped us feel complete, whether it was a delicate clutch, a trusty leather tote, or a durable outdoor backpack. Charming Baldemor bags are one-ofa-kind, and were created to have their own story to tell, to allow their narrative to be part of yours. These bags go beyond being a mere accessory. Perhaps it is best to describe them as a vessel—one that not only carries the valuables you hold dear, but also conveys a message of hope for the future of the environment, the new generation of carvers of Paete, and the empowerment of women. Every bag in the collection supports these advocacies that are near and dear to the designer. “If a piece of wood can be given [a chance at] new life,” Charming states, “what more in the case of these women? They’re human. They have so much potential!” Much like her designs, the strength of her conviction and passion for social change are reflected in her passion vessels.
The star of each Charming Baldemor bag is the wood used to create it. These pieces of wood are locally sourced, upcycled, rescued, and restored from various states of damage or decay, and selected for their robust and enduring character. All wood used undergo proper conditioning and treatment to ensure that the material can withstand the crafting process. After which, they are given a durable finish so they can endure constant use in the years to come.
Through the various social projects of Zonta Club of Makati and Environs, a non-profit group focused on issues surrounding women, Charming Baldemor continues to give new meaning to women’s lives, with the resolve of empowering every woman she meets. She believes that being broken does not define one’s identity, and that with the proper support channels, every woman can be her best independent self—most especially those who have gone through hardships, such as the beneficiaries of Zonta. Any well-made designer bag can provide a woman an additional air of confidence, but Charming Baldemor’s bags do more than just that: each one is a unique art piece that also gives support and empowerment to women who need them the most.
charming.baldemor@gmail.com