Kaayo founder Marga Nograles talks to Tatler about creating a unique swimwear line that features hand-beaded suits and versatile pieces that you'll love even when summer's over
Bursts of colour populated Pearl Farm Beach Resort at Samal Island, Davao City last March as Kaayo founder and Asia's Most Influential 2021 honouree Marga Nograles, along with her muses, donned the new Kaayo Resort while basking under the sun, breathing in the sea breeze, and feeling the sand.
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While enjoying their time, one can spot them carrying a chic beach bag or wearing cover-ups in happy colours, romantic silk and lace robes, dresses, kaftans, and flirty skirts that bear different Mindanao weaves and intricate hand beading.
There is nothing quite like Nograles' swimwear line, which is what encouraged the designer to dedicate a full two years to designing, crafting, and testing hand-beaded swimwear pieces—a unique concept—for the empowered Filipina.
She has always advocated for local talent and promoted artisan women in Mindanao, inspiring her to bring Mindanao-made creations into our wardrobe through Kaayo. "Who else will promote Filipino but ourselves—it has to start with us," says the Kaayo founder. "We should be proud of who we are, the talents that we showcase, and what we do.
