THE PLATFORM THAT IS ARTEFINO
“ArteFino is not just a fashion brand nor an event—it is a movement,” Cedie Lopez-Vargas, one of the founders of the brand, points out. “We are constantly on the lookout for brands because there is such an interesting, exciting, and dynamic landscape.”
Every movement has a “Why?” and ArteFino finds many reasons to continue their advocacy.
“We are artisans in our soul,” says Vargas. “Our works are always going to be different with our souls and cultures injected into them. Small and micro-industries make up the backbone of our economy. Because of this, we work with the local governments and even with DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) to support these communities.”
ArteFino wants to highlight the identity of each community—the power of the hands in making these products.
The first step that they take into getting things moving is through their ArteFino Festival. Filipino creatives in fashion, crafts, jewelry, design, and lifestyle gather as a community to share the stories of their products to the attendees. This year, the ArteFino Festival will be held from August 26 to September 26, at the Power Plant Mall.
“The process of choosing the exhibitors is a painful and difficult process, just like a thesis,” Lopez-Vargas emphasizes with a laugh. “We make sure that each region is represented, from north to south. As of now, we are able to represent 33 provinces. We really need to know their story—who their community is, where they are from, and what materials they use. They should also have principle and commitment, especially to the environment.”
The co-founder also shares how the pandemic affected their exhibit: “We now talk to the designers through Zoom. Their challenge is to come up with something new. Because of the pandemic, the lack of materials pushes them to collaborate with one another. To look around you and see what you can use.”
The ArteFino Makers Lab 2022 this September encourages designers to upcycle denim, among other fabrics and textiles, due to its universality and the history of the fabric. The designs must carry craftsmanship, creativity, accountability, and of course, a story.
The second step of the movement is the ArteFino Foundation, where, every two years, they look into one community through a designer and give them a platform. The first recipient of the grant was Zarah Juan, a designer helping the Bagobo tribes from Davao.
“A platform has to be strong to bring everyone up that’s on it.”