These 10 Local Accessories Artisans Deserve Your #IndependenceDay2018 Pride!

Perhaps we don’t say it enough, but there is an incredible array of talent in Philippine fashion. Like many cultures, Philippine fashion is rooted in its past, but a new wave of artisans are also looking ahead into the global marketplace. Either way, both styles do well to uplift Philippine talent. Every year, we monitor the evolution of the Filipiniana dress; while also closely checking tabs on local designers every season. But today, we want to give a special shout-out to our local talents—the champions of Philippine fashion. 

If you haven’t read our updated modern Filipiniana dress feature, I highly recommend you indulge so. Now, if you’re looking more into accessories, to either amp up your Filipiniana dress or opt for more subtle pride style, these are the top shoes, jewelry and handbags designers who made a big impression on Metro.Style this year:

 

READ: 9 Local Brands That Put Filipino Ethnic Materials Back On The Map

 

Ken Samudio

Earlier this year, Ken Samudio made local fashion headlines when Drew Barrymore couldn’t resist eyeing his earrings from local reporters. His seahorse earrings in particular are now a cult classic!

 

A post shared by K E N S A M U D I O (@kensamudio) on Feb 21, 2018 at 9:02pm PST

 

 

Marquina

Leather lovers will swoon over this local luxury! Formerly menswear shoe brand Marquina launched its first ladies’ shoes this year, and we can’t get enough! Classic, elegant and made with pride!

 

A post shared by Marquina Shoemaker (@marquinashoemaker) on Nov 15, 2017 at 5:40am PST

 

 

Rafe Totengco

New York-Based Filipino artisan Rafe is keeping the classy spirit of minaudieres alive, while also keeping an ode to his heritage. Using local craftsmen and materials, he’s bringing Filipino fashion to the New York elites.

 

A post shared by Rafe New York (@rafenewyork) on May 17, 2018 at 4:07pm PDT

 

 

Avec Moi by KC Concepcion

If you’re one of the lucky few, you could get one of KC Concepcion’s Paris-inspired jewelry line, with its signature rose insignia. Be sure to act fast, because these sell-out in a blink!

 

A post shared by Avec Moi by Kristina (@alwaysavecmoi) on Mar 20, 2018 at 7:11am PDT

 

 

Zarah Juan

We marked the beginning of 2018 with the hottest shoes on trend, and without question the mules, or slides, were the top pick. In Philippines, the fashionable mules—with a touch of ethnic pizzazz—is partially thanks to Zarah Juan’s uniquely local take on the trend.

 

A post shared by Z A R A H J U A N (@zarahjuan) on Apr 13, 2018 at 3:36am PDT

 

 

ARANAZ

Speaking of 2018 trends, another big accessory trend forecasted was the basket bags. And who better to champion the basket bags fever than ARANAZ? But more than dominating the trend, ARANAZ takes it a step further with more embellishment, stitching and woven patterns to add more exotic flare.

 

A post shared by ARANAZ (@aranaz_ph) on May 15, 2018 at 5:11am PDT

 

READ: Show Some Independence Day Love By Shopping These Pinoy Pride Picks

 

Tessera Jewelry

Almost immediately after Catriona Gray’s victory in Bb. Pilipinas 2018, fans were on the hunt for her Philippine flag-inspired ear cuff. In an exclusive interview with Metro.Style, it was revealed that the ear cuff was conceptualized by Catriona and her stylist, Ton Lao; from which, Tessera Jewelry collaborated and made the iconic piece. After such a high demand, the ear cuff is now exclusively available for purchase at Tessera Jewelry.

 

A post shared by TESSERA JEWELRY (@tesserajewelry) on May 5, 2018 at 1:30am PDT

 

 

Mark Bumgarner Shoes

After creating a name for himself as a designer for the stars, and a notable Metrowear talent, Mark Bumgarner has expanded his production to shoes. Romantic, stylish and fashion forward, the Bumgarner Studio offers nothing but that covet-worthy Bumgarner style.

 

A post shared by Mark Bumgarner Studio (@bumgarnerstudio) on Apr 12, 2018 at 8:12pm PDT

 

 

Mele + Marie

Calling all bag collectors, if you want a real, luxurious, quality-made handbag, then Mele + Marie is the newest accessory brand to take the local fashion scene by storm. This homegrown brand has adapted the stringent European standards of fashion quality, which they offer in turn to the local market.

 

A post shared by Mele + Marie (@meleandmarie) on Apr 11, 2018 at 1:04am PDT

 

Jewelmer

Our local champion brand for Philippine pearls, Jewelmer introduced the beautiful Golden South Sea Pearl to an eager, fashionable market; and they have grown their reputation since. But more than jewels, Jewelmer is also raising awareness for the environmental preservation of the seas, as featured in their recent documentary Power Of Pearl: The Farm Beneath The Sea.

 

A post shared by Jewelmer (@jewelmer) on Apr 6, 2018 at 3:42am PDT

 

 

Lead photos via @tesserajewelry, @aranaz_ph and @marquinashoemaker