8 Filipino-Owned High-End Brands That Have The Next 'It' Bag!

If you are planning to buy a new bag this year, make it one of these. There are so many Filipino-owned fashion labels that have been churning out well-made bags for over years or decades and we simply cannot let you miss out on any of this anymore! The next 'It' bag is made by your fellow Filipino. From Aranaz's soft structure bead bag, Carl Jan Cruz's new rib bags, to Filip + Inna and Rafè's hand-embroidered minaudières and more, it's only a matter of time until you discover how warming it feels like to own pieces that are made out of ideas and materials that are homegrown. Nothing can beat a piece that is heavily inspired by our way of living or even the simplest things such as jeepneys, our classic pambahays, or the gorgeous landscapes of the Sierra Madre and that's a fact. After all, what's more satisfying than celebrating Philippine Independence Day with your new Filipino-made bag?

Read up and get to know the 8 Filipino-owned high-end bag designers in the line-up down below. Click the embedded post so we can directly take you to their respective Instagram accounts!

Aranaz

Sold across Neiman Marcus, Farfetch, and Selfridges, Aranaz has taken the international fashion scene by storm and we refuse to miss out on anything that they have to offer. Owned by the formidable mother-daughter trio Amina, Becky, and Rosanna Aranaz, their namesake label continues to push forward well-crafted fashion accessories from bags, accessories, to home essentials. Raw Start, their newest spring and summer collection is a selection of minimalistic and organic toned pieces. There’s definitely no better way to go back to basics than doing it the Aranaz way.

Bea Valdes

Born in a family of jewelers, it would be an understatement to say that Bea Valdes has lived and breathed fine jewelry all her life. Bea’s way of storytelling comes in the form of various textures, fabric manipulations, and intricate beading. Apart from her distinctive embroidered handbags, Bea is also well-known for her dynamic fine jewelry pieces and hand-painted denim ensembles.

Carl Jan Cruz

As the youngest brood in this designer line-up, Carl Jan Cruz is proof that you can make it big in the local and international fashion industry by being different. Sold across the stores of 100% Silk Shop in Canada and Maryam Nassir Zadeh and Waya Waya in the U.S, CJC's pieces are already making waves worldwide! His sought-after pique T-shirts and deconstructed denim pants are love letters to our undying love for pambahays. His latest selection of soft and sturdy rib bags sold out the minute they were released to the public. CJC's rib bags are definitely made for every lakwatsera out there! 

Celestina

Manila and New York-based accessory label Celestina is a brand best known for their craftsmanship and locally sourced exotic materials. Founded by Celestina Ocampo, this brand has been churning out coveted statement pieces since 2006. Their minaudières, totes, and handbags are a testament to their unique design identity. We think it's safe to say that no one does crocodile leather manipulation as good as Celestina!

Filip + Inna

Rooted in Len Cabili's profound love for our culture, Filip + Inna is Len's way of celebrating and honoring weavers, embroiderers, and beadworkers in the Philippines. Filip + Inna's beaded clutch bags and hand-embroidered leather handbags are just some of the brand's world-renowned pieces. Inspired by tradition and intertwined with the contemporary, trust that you will be getting the best of best in this one-stop shop for all things Filipino-made. 

Joanique

Philippine-based accessory label Joanique is Malou Romero's fashion lovechild. Founded in 2011, Joanique has been well-recognized for their Maskara and BSP collection. Both collections feature hand-embellished and hand-carved wooden minaudières in striking and muted colorways. Worn by the likes of Heart Evangelista, Ces Drilon, Salome Uy, and Kelly Misa Fernandez, Joanique takes pride in statement pieces that are made to last forever!

Rafè

Fine in detail and masterful in workmanship, Rafè Totengco’s minaudières and clutches are considered as collectibles by the majority of his clientele. From lacquered designs, patchwork denim pieces, wicker bags, to meticulously formed shell bags, Rafe has seemingly done it all! Loved by the likes of Olivia Palermo, Kate Bosworth, and Elizabeth Hurley, Rafe has definitely reached another level of success in the international fashion industry. 

Zarah Juan

A handbag is considered a status symbol for many but for designer Zarah Juan, a bag is a symbol of cultural continuity. It’s important for Zarah to give value and support to her inspiring team of artisans. Each handbag is made with care and thought, no bag or shoe is the same since Zarah has make it a point to ensure that each handbag is made only from the best raw materials. For more than a decade, fashion enthusiasts  from all over the Philippines and the world have supported Zarah's design ingenuity and advocacy. It's only a matter of time before you join the club!