7 Brands You Shouldn't Miss At This Year's ArteFino Fair

A collaboration between Creative Definitions and the Negros 9 community weavers from Kabankalan, Negros Occidental, the hand-crafted home accents take into account two ideas in mind: “going back into the natural” with the use of natural fibers such as cotton, and “continuous innovation” with regards to product development. Since 2016, when the Negros 9 weavers partnered with Creative Definitions to enhance its marketing, the collaboration have resulted not only in the use 100% cotton fibers, instead of synthetic polyester, in their products, but also new color palettes and weave patterns were introduced. In the near future, the partnership will further adopt innovations such as natural dyeing and multi- shaft weaving to broaden its market reach.

A collaboration between renowned Filipino designer Tony Gonzales, Creative Definitions owners Mike and Banj Claparols, Negros 9 Human Development Foundation and Marsse Tropical Timber. The Verdure Collection was developed with “environmental sustainability”, and long- term employment in mind. The hand-woven fabrics utilized on the lampshades were all crafted by the Negros 9 weavers based in Kabankalan, Negros Occidental and are all made of 100% cotton, while the Mahagony barks were all sourced from the timber farms in Pangasinan.

HaloHalo started out by creating unique and casual bags at an affordable price point. All our items have a unique “banig” component which is made out of recycled plastic. With each collection, we try to use different materials that would complement these weaves to be able to make different bags that would suit our market. We have also explored and worked on our “Pambahay” pieces which are items for home decor. We still incorporated the “banig” component in all our products to give it a Filipino flavour as well as highlighting our products’ sustainability since it is all made out of recycled plastic, machine weaved and patterned from the “banig” design we all grew up with.

Since one of Little Luli’s philosophy is to celebrate childhood, they will launch a collection that brings back memories of Filipino street games and hobbies that children from that generation has loved and grew up with. Playing ‘tumbang preso’ on the streets, answering slam books and doing fortune teller origami were some well-loved activities during those time when the street and the neighborhood kids were enough to spend the day. Imagination combined with ‘jolen’ (marbles), ‘santan’ flowers, and paper boats and airplanes can fill up one’s day. Reminiscing the joys of childhood during those days through these images which will be handpainted in water color by local artist, Ina Melgazo, which will be printed on cotton fabrics. Dresses will loose cuts and refreshingly simple but chic designs as well as comfortable tshirts and pants will be the art works’ canvas.

SANXI is Anna, Isa, and Sylvia, three sisters, strikingly different, but the same. Design is headed by Isa, an architect by profession, but with an obsession with everything design. Anna, ex- nance professional, keeps track of the business and operations and Mica, retail merchandiser by nature, is in charge of marketing and development. Growing up with the family business of retail, coupled with extensive travel experience, the girls have firm ground to establish their brand. In 2017, SANXI launched their first collection in Lanai, Manila, following participation in a couple of trunk shows such as Weekenders and the Arte no Holiday pop-up. Their first collection of jewelry is an expression of their renegade-chic personality merged with futuristic sensibilities. Clean lines, basic geometries and sculptural shapes adorn the collection.

Art of Gold is a company engaged in the creation of world-class hand painted interior accents. It was initially established to manufacture original art on hand painted throw pillows and bedspreads. With emphasis on consistent quality and tasteful designs, the company continues to grow and gain many long-time clients. Backed up by many years of experience in painting on fabric, it has since diversified into painting on wood and metal (tole) articles, enabling the creation of complete interior accent ensembles that can accessorize any home. Textile items have been hand-painted by well-trained and highly skilled Filipino artists, and are guaranteed colorfast and free from manufacturing defects. These are all machine- or hand-washable in cool to lukewarm water, using regular detergents.

Anthill (Alternative Nest and Trading/Training Hub for Indigenous/Ingenious Little Livelihood Seekers) Fabric Gallery preserves and promotes Philippine hand woven fabrics among younger generations through contemporary design applications to provide sustainable livelihood among community enterprises. Anthill support business development, product design and market access to market. In this hub, fabrics are more than just and ingredient to fashion, it is a way of life, it is where culture meets style.

Anthill works in 3 direct communities representing the major islands and different sectors in society. These are; the Abra Weaving Community in Luzon, the HOME Community in Visayas, and the Daraghuyan – Bukidnon Tribe in Mindanao.

To know more about the fair, you may visit: artefinoph.com.