Cover Len Cabili weaves fashion, tradition, and advocacy in various ways (Photo: Courtesy of Smart Infinity)

In the second episode of Smart Infinity’s docuseries, Infinite Legacies, Len Cabili bares the heart and soul of her celebrated label, Filip + Inna, what drives her to hold a torch for T’boli artisans, and how she helps them build a sustainable, regenerative ecosystem

“Success is a tricky thing, as it can go both ways. It can be empty or fulfilling. It’s empty if it’s only for yourself, but if it’s success that includes five people, or three people, [if] you’re able to create an impact or even a legacy and somehow they’ve learned something from you and you learned something from them, I would think that’s a successful life,” shared Len Cabili, the founder, compelling force, and creative soul behind the fashion label, Filip + Inna.

A living testament to a truly successful life ruled by passion and impact, Cabili was aptly honoured in the second episode of Infinite Legacies, the new TV documentary series from Smart Communications Inc’s luxury postpaid brand, Smart Infinity. In just a little over a decade, Cabili has brought Filipino tradition and indigenous artisans to the forefront of the fashion world through Filip + Inna’s massive acclaim spanning the country and beyond—recognized not just for Cabili's intricate designs but also for her equitable inclusion of indigenous Filipino artisans in her every step.

See more: Liwayway, La Herminia, Filip + Inna, and More: Local Brands That Champion Filipino Weaving Heritage

Tatler Asia
Above Len Cabili (third from left) with (from left) Ruth Coloma, AVP & Center Head for Smart Infinity Go-To-Market; Richard Mathew Dimagiba, VP and Department Head for Smart Postpaid; and Sofie Borromeo-Alvarez, AVP and Brand Head for Smart Infinity (Photo: Courtesy of Smart Infinity)

“When I started Filip + Inna, one thing was clear to me—the brand was going to point back to the Philippines and celebrate our culture through the craftsmanship of traditional and indigenous Filipino artisans,” Cabili said. Today, Filip + Inna is a growing treasure trove of beautifully-handmade pieces borne of traditional custom weaving, embroidery, and beadwork from different indigenous groups across the Philippines.

See more: Weaving Patterns in the Philippines: Heritage, Design, and Their Meanings

Having grown up in Iligan, Mindanao, Cabili had always cultivated a deeply rooted kinship and love for the rich culture of the Maranaos: the vibrant colours and designs of their malongs, their warm sense of community, and the joyous attention they lend to their craft. Since she began Filip + Inna, Cabili would go above and beyond, personally visiting the T’boli groups, whose natural talent and willingness to share their culture urged her to pursue a mission of impact that reaches beyond the fashion industry.

Recounting what exactly had led her to where she is now, Cabili shares her story of strength in the face of her abrupt, personal tragedy. She was just 28 years old when she was diagnosed with cancer, revealing, “In a way, this keeps me grounded to this day and aware that life can end at any moment.” During this lowest point in her life, she was thankful to have friends who kept her positive and resilient, eventually pushing her to create a true passion project like Filip + Inna. Having been more recently diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy, Cabili adds health to her list of passions, now more conscious about what she eats and how she could live a more sustainable lifestyle.

See also: How Can You Save The Environment With Your Eating Habits?

This paved the way for her to champion sustainability and regenerative livelihood through collaborating with Green Releaf, an initiative that mostly supports recovering communities ravaged by disasters in the country. Together, through her advocacy “Yuta” (a Visayan word for “land”), they work with local artisans and their families to couple their existing traditions in farming with the principles of permaculture, ultimately so that they are able to develop their own regenerative and self-sufficient ecosystem.

See more: Why is Championing a Circular Economy Important? We Hear From Bea Valdes and Smart Infinity

With the support of Smart Infinity, the ongoing partnership has worked directly with ten artisan leaders, sharing important dialogue on traditional ecological knowledge and permaculture to enhance their food production. “Smart Infinity has helped me achieve this legacy that I hope to pass on to the artisans that I work with. It’s something close to my heart,” Cabili added.

Both Yuta and Filip + Inna are helping the next generation of artisans by providing them with more opportunities for their livelihood but also by celebrating and enriching the beauty of their culture in a concrete way. Cabili shared, “It would be my dream for them to continue this even when I’m gone. Who knows, maybe the next Creative Director of Filip + Inna would be someone from the artisans. That would just be amazing.”


The next episode of Infinite Legacies airs on June 5 featuring Stephanie Kienle Gonzalez. Catch it live on Cignal TV’s OneNews channel at 7 pm or on-demand via the GigaPlay app.

For more information on Smart Infinity’s offers and updates on the next Infinite Legacies episode, visit the Smart Infinity website, and follow them on Instagram.

 

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