Cover Doktor Karayom, Lilianna Manahan, and Garapata join forces with Lakat Shoes (Photo: Jove Moya)
Doktor Karayom, Lilianna Manahan, and Garapata join forces with Lakat Shoes (Photo: Jove Moya)
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In its goal to make art more accessible, Lakat Shoes combines the artistic sensibilities of three contemporary artists in the Philippines
If you’ve been anywhere around the metro these past few years, the names Garapata, Doktor Karayom, and Lilianna Manahan will surely ring a bell. Each with their distinctive style and artistic vision, these visionaries are arguably among the most sought-after figures in the Philippine contemporary art scene.
Their impact goes beyond traditional art, and now, they have pooled their creativity for a unique venture with Lakat Shoes, a sustainable footwear brand which utilises Filipino-produced tropical fabrics.
A first in Philippine fashion, the coming together of local contemporary artists to create sneakers for homegrown, sustainable brand endeavours to:
- Democratise contemporary, wearable art and make it more accessible.
- Showcase Philippine contemporary artists to promote local, eco-friendly and sustainable textiles.
- Create strong bonds between Philippine art and sustainable fashion.
In case you missed it: Dex Fernandez: Continuing the Great Infestation of 'Garapata'
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The brand’s Consulting Creative Director, Luis Espiritu, shares: “The idea really came about issues surrounding fashion today. Seldom do we hear it as being perceived as art. And when we are presented with wearable art, it is often made such that it is expensive, elusive, and something that we cannot easily access or enjoy. This is why I was inspired to assemble a collection of sneakers embodying art we can wear daily. It is accessible, functional, practical yet creatively fun.”
Garapata [Dex Fernandez]
Above Dex Fernandez (Garapata)
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Dex Fernandez is an interdisciplinary artist whose work is firmly moved by street art and found footage. He firmly believes in making art more accessible to the masses.
“When he presented the proposal, I immediately said yes because I liked the lineup. Secondly, I appreciate Lakat’s mission and vision. It’s a bonus when a brand supports sustainability,” he tells Tatler.
“I like the idea of making art accessible, especially now that our local talents are already appreciated in the Philippines. That’s a big thing for me, and I believe it extends to visual arts and other industries like fashion, music, and more,” he adds.
Fernandez explains that his shoe design continues his art series called Infestation, where he puts his signature Garapata art in public spaces. “The idea is that the shoes are ‘infested’. I don’t need to go deep or profound in design. My target market is the masses, and capturing their attention is enough.”
More from Tatler: Turning Trash to Treasures: Mars Bugaoan’s Art Speaks of Life's Pains and Growth
Doktor Karayom [Russell Trinidad]
Above Russell Trinidad (Doktor Karayom)
Russell Trinidad (Doktor Karayom)
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Fondly called ‘Doktor Karayom,’ Russel Trinidad is inclined towards exploring the human
body–hence, the moniker. In an interview with Tatler, the artist explains why he said yes to the project with Lakat.
“I am grateful because I get to be with two other artists in this project; the fact that you have your shoe design is also super exciting, not just for me, but also for them,” he discloses.
Trinidad explains that his shoe design is called “Na Engkanto” or “Enchanted”. “When you wear these shoes, you go to different places and feel enchanted,” he says.
“The designs may look gory, but it’s actually about the journey you take and places you go to that help you become who you are today.”
More from Tatler: 10 Filipino Artists Showcased Masterpieces in Paris at Palais de Tokyo’s Summer Exhibition
Lilianna Manahan
Above Lilianna Manahan
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Lilianna Manahan’s work has been described as alternately whimsical or industrial, depending on the objects she designs. The study of process to highlight a craft and craftsman runs central in her work. In the past, her work had a range of materials, but now is focusing on metal, stone and ceramic, sometimes doing the finishes herself.
The designer has always been interested in trying and developing new things. “I agreed to work with Lakat because they let us explore new techniques; it is encouraging [as an artist] that they would just say yes to most of our ideas. Of course, there were limitations, but most of the time, they’d agree,” she shares with Tatler.
Manahan adds that Lakat took them to a factory where they got an immersive experience of shoemaking's intricacies. “As a designer, that is nice because that kind of partnership is give and take.”
For her shoe, Manahan played with sculpted paper and explored how to incorporate art into the fabric. “I would love for everyone to have some art, and I think it’s beyond painting that you hang on the wall. I don't want to limit it to just a ‘standing thing’. That's why I also didn't hesitate to work on sneakers,” she concludes.
Limited edition pieces from LAK+Art Series will be showcased and premiered at ART FAIR 2024. Below are some designs you can choose from:
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Credits
Images: Lakat Shoes
Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
