Philippine handbag, shoe, and jewelry designs are not only popular in our country, but all over the world. All over the world, our country has always been known for expert craftsmanship and innovative use of local materials. Cute beach totes woven out of abaca or rattan. tropical-inspired embroidered slippers and artisan jewelry are just some Filipino-inspired trends that continue to enthrall the fashion-savvy season after season.
For the entire month of July, Rustan’s invites customers to check out its exciting new collection of local fashion accessories at its Studio Artesan concept store. The line-up of 8 brands include some known favorites such as Ethnique and Viajecito, as well as newcomers to the store like jewelry brands Adornata and J Makitalo.
The right accessory completes a look, but it also tells a story about the wearer. Rustan’s Studio Artesan offers a treasure trove of sorts where one can browse through to add an extra hint of sparkle and shine to a wardrobe. Here are the lineup of shoes, bags, and fashion accessories brands that you would not want to miss at Studio Artesan:
Adornata: Designer and artist Chynna Gonzalez has a love for color, and this is reflected in the beautiful, jeweled settings she creates for Adornata. Fine and demi fine jewelry with a youthful spirit, they make wonderfully glamorous pieces to pair with your evening looks.
Ethnique: Fans of bohemian Filipino style have flocked to Ethnique for years for its must-have embroidered clutches and hand-loomed bags. This season, you can shop the household brand’s colorful and versatile samu jackets, made with handloom fabric that makes it easy to wear and wash.
J Makitalo: Drawing inspiration from symbolism and sacred signs, J Makitalo’s jewelry and sculptural objects are art pieces in their own right. Those who are familiar with Philippine visual arts will appreciate award-winning designer Joyce Makitalo’s expert eye and distinct point of view.
Kanya: More than serene, minimalist bags, Kanya is a social enterprise dedicated to the local development of Batangas sugarcane communities. Their vegan accessories and homeware are created through a conscious, low-environmental impact process that upcycles plant byproducts into high-end fabric.
Matthew and Melka: Matthew and Melka was founded when designer Ken Samudio noticed a gap in the local market for luxury headwear. The brand’s artfully-crafted headbands, whimsical bags, hats, and headscarves gained an international audience, selling in Moda Operandi, Bergdorf Goodman, Farfetch, and Harvey Nichols. Inspired by flora and fauna, the brand incorporates local elements such as using natural sea shells in its designs.
Misa: Misa creates simple, elegant jewelry that is wearable for everyday and special occasions. Each piece is carefully crafted by hand and produced in small quantities. A believer in supporting local, the jewelry line’s designs are inspired by the lives and stories of the Filipina women who wear the brand.
TPWN Shoes: It began with a search for the perfect nude wedge. Manila-based, Australian fashion editor and stylist Kimberly Fisher Horan used her expertise as an industry veteran to create a line of sophisticated yet comfortable shoes made from the softest, Italian napa leather. Manufactured in Marikina, the shoe-making district of the Philippines, TPWN is proudly local.
Viajecito: A beloved staple in every travel-loving Filipina’s closet, Viajecito’s trademark bags are not only color and fun but also lightweight, waterproof, and extremely durable. Modern, elegant, and versatile, it’s hard not to become addicted to collecting their bags in every hue, style and silhouette. You can mix-and-match straps and accessories and they come in the most beautiful, inventive colors.
Discover and shop Studio Artesan, our local designers showcase at the rustans.com website, Rustan’s Makati or through Personal Shopper On-Call at 0917-111-1952.