Visitors to Kultura’s Filipino Design Studio at the Kultura Store at The Podium got a glimpse of exciting emerging brands by young entrepreneurs, giving the public more reason to celebrate the creativity and artistry of the Filipinos.
As a space of inspiration and community showcasing a specially curated selection of over 50 premium guest brands and designers, the month-long event immersed customers in fine Filipino craftsmanship from across the regions, featuring a luxurious, beautifully curated collection of modern Filipiniana, statement jewelry, unique accessories, and stylish home décor highlighting the finest local brands and artisans.
Here, exquisite modern Filipiniana pieces from Rhett Eala, Ilaya Couture, Nuevo Ystilo, Raffaella, and En Barong Filipino were showcased alongside innovative guest brands that give Filipino design a new perspective.
Ken Samudio, whose have been featured in Vogue Italia, WWD, L’Officiel, Glamour, and Cosmopolitan USA, creates artworks from up-cycled beads made from water plastic bottles, recycled sea glass, and other sustainable indigenous materials. His accessories explore the natural and organic forms found in nature mimicking distinct textures by using indigenous and recycled materials.
Other emerging brands include JIM Weaver’s stylish silk scarves inspired by our people, culture and heritage, including the Jim Weaver x Francis Libiran Collection; Flutter Jewelry’s statement earrings using traditional beadwork techniques; Matthew and Melka accessories inspired by local flora and fauna; chic copper wire jewelry with precious stones by Mjoiran.
These emerging brands also work with communities and highlight sustainability. There are hand-loomed embroidered fabrics crafted by communities in Abra for Strong Mina; beautiful bags and accessories made from colorful upcycled single-use plastic grocery bags and other disposed plastics by Virtucio; eco-fashion statement bags made from ethically-sourced Carabao horns by Kara de Juan; and natural personal care products by Shepard.
The Filipino Design Studio also showcases items for the home. Haspe’s handcrafted furniture innovative design using wood and solihiya; Art of Gold’s hand-painted home accessories; Millie Monday’s home décor inspired by nature in the tropics; ATIN’s decorative plates and diffusers inspired by Filipino culture; Maison Grid Plus’s rattan and bamboo dinnerware and décor; and The Fine Life Market’s linens, kitchenware, and other home products.
Kultura’s Filipino Design Studio is open until September 30 at Kultura, 3rd Level of The Podium, Ortigas.