Cover These homegrown bag brands are as eco-friendly as they are stylish (Photo: Instagram.com/@marricola_official, @ola.haus, @caprichobagssss; stylised with Canva)
These homegrown bag brands are as eco-friendly as they are stylish (Photo: Instagram.com/@marricola_official, @ola.haus, @caprichobagssss; stylised with Canva)
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From casual affairs to fancy gatherings, here are our favourite sustainable, local brands to shop for bags
In recent years, the demand for sustainable fashion has grown, with consumers becoming more conscious of their environmental impact. One key area gaining traction is the rise of locally made, eco-friendly bag brands. By supporting these local artisans and small businesses, us fashion enthusiasts are able to minimise our carbon footprint.
From durable tote bags made from biodegradable recycled waste to beaded purses crafted by and for the benefit of incarcerated women, we explore some of the best Filipino-made sustainable bag brands that prioritise ethical production and environmental responsibility.
More from Tatler: 9 sustainable, local brands to shop for womenswear
Marricola
These desirable bags are proof that some environmental problems can be solved through pure design ingenuity. Made of an unlikely combination of plastic cut off, heat, steel, wood, and velvet, each piece is made and hand-sewn. Founder Marriel Colaljo had actually honed her creative and technical skills under the mentorship of Kenneth Cobonpue, himself an advocate of applying sustainable practices to his products.
Le Ngok
The experimental brainchild of designer Carla Zhang, Le Ngok incorporates mixed media and a variation of techniques, including 3D printing, to produce eye-catching statement pieces. These include their Oneness Zipper bags, composed of deadstock zippers stitched together by hand.
Toqa
Toqa’s versatile sling totes may seem like they’re made exclusively for the outdoors, but they are easily an everyday classic. Pieced together from the brand’s never-ending collection of tropical-themed deadstock fabrics, it can be comfortably worn crossbody or the shoulder, with a main zipper opening on its side and a drawstring closure at the top.
Ola Haus
Behind Ola Haus’s obvious expertise in craftsmanship is a mission that simply revolves around fun and playfulness. Each bag from their La Mañana collection is unique, made from sturdy nylon rope and lined with a deadstock, or retazos, material.
See also: Step into the groove with these 9 sustainable, local footwear brands
Capricho
Capricho’s heritage-inspired, hand-woven bags are created by local Cebu artisans—an effort to preserve traditional technique and craftsmanship. Their products are made out of Viro, a synthetic fiber commonly used for outdoor furniture, creating a durable and everlasting statement piece.
PAMMÉ
Pammé turns plastic waste, such beverage bottle caps to detergent bottles, into highly-coveted beaded bags used for any occasion. At the same time, these are handcrafted by incarcerated women from Metro Manila jails. Each piece takes nearly three days to complete with the help of five individual artisans.
Retaso
Taking its name from the Filipino word for “scraps,” Retaso creates products using 98 to 100 percent plastic. They partner with local designers to lessen textile waste—refining and repurposing scraps into everyday bags and other products.
Rags 2 Riches
Rags 2 Riches is a popular brand at various art fairs and artisans gatherings throughout Metro Manila. They emerged with the mission of lifting Filipino artisans out of poverty and lessening waste generated by the fashion industry, transforming fabric waste into bags, clothes, and home accessories.
EDYA 1929
Japanese-Filipino designer Yumi Sakamoto founded her brand, EDYA 1929, for the prpose of breathing new life into old kimonos discarded in Japan. Each of these Chopstick bags, made into the likeness of a classic takeout lunch box, are one of a kind, each donning a different design.
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About
Julianna has been interested in leading a literary life since she first read Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess at eight. Before working with Tatler, she was an archive intern at The Center for Fiction in Brooklyn, New York. She is a textbook Pisces who devotes most of her spare time to her crochet projects, watching classic films, and going through her never-ending pile of unread books. She studied creative writing, global literature and art history at Sarah Lawrence College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2022. Toni Morrison, Nora Ephron, Clarice Lispector and Jia Tolentino are among her all-time favourite writers.
Work
Julianna writes about fashion, beauty, sustainability, and the arts. She is always keen on conducting interviews with talented women who are changing the game in their respective fields.
For event invites and story leads, hit her up at julianna.cabili@tatlerasia.com
