Bring home fashion and pieces of art that carry the weight of heritage, innovation, and purpose from the 2024 MaArte Fair

Words Mika Reyes
Photos courtesy of Viña Romero
August 27, 2024

As the MaArte Fair celebrates its 15th year, it continues to be a beacon for Filipino artisanal craftsmanship, intertwining creativity, culture, and heritage. This year, the fair not only brings exquisite craftsmanship to the fore but also raises awareness about the conservation of the Philippines' endangered fauna. Here are seven fashion labels that stand out, each offering a unique blend of artistry, innovation, and purpose.

ḢA.MÜ

Founded by Abraham Guardian and Mamuro Oki, ḢA.MÜ is a testament to the power of repurposing and reimagining fashion. Their pieces, which challenge traditional gender norms, walk the line between wearable art and avant-garde. This label doesn’t just create clothing; it crafts narratives through fabric, making each piece a wearable conversation starter.

Basil Malicsi

Basil Malicsi brings a breath of fresh air to the Philippine fashion scene. With a background in Clothing and Textiles from California State University-Long Beach and experience dressing Hollywood's elite, Malicsi’s designs are a celebration of color, whimsy, and femininity. His use of light fabrics and couture-like techniques results in pieces that are as joyful as they are luxurious—a perfect match for those who see fashion as an expression of happiness.

Happy Andrada

Happy Andrada is no stranger to the spotlight, and her designs continue to captivate with their intricate details and innovative use of fabrics. A Central Saint Martins alumna, Andrada’s creations are nothing short of masterpieces. Her work seamlessly blends vision with wearability, earning her a loyal following of clients who turn to her for statement pieces that make them feel extraordinary.

Rica Rico

Rica Rico's designs are the epitome of understated elegance. What began as a high school passion project has evolved into a brand that champions clean lines and relaxed sophistication. Rico's pieces are versatile, effortlessly transitioning from day to night, making them a staple for those who appreciate minimalist yet impactful fashion.

Kandama Collective

More than just a fashion label, Kandama Collective is a movement. This social enterprise empowers indigenous women in Ifugao by preserving traditional weaving techniques and turning them into contemporary pieces. Each garment not only tells a story of cultural heritage but also supports sustainable practices and community development. Kandama is where tradition meets modernity with a purpose.

Viña Romero

Viña Romero's approach to fashion is both subtle and striking. By blending masculine and feminine elements, her designs challenge conventional boundaries, creating a new narrative in fashion. Her pieces are known for their meticulous attention to detail and the artful merging of different materials, resulting in looks that are both contemporary and timeless.

RIOtaso

RIOtaso is on a mission to redefine sustainable fashion. By turning fabric scraps into unique, one-of-a-kind pieces, this label champions zero-waste practices while offering stylish, environmentally-conscious designs. RIOtaso’s commitment to ethical fashion is evident in every stitch, making it a brand that not only looks good but does good.

MaArte Fair 2024 is going to be a celebration of Filipino ingenuity and a platform for advocating meaningful causes. From August 29 to September 1, these seven labels—and many more—will showcase their Fab Finds at The Peninsula Manila, inviting you to a cultural experience you don’t want to miss.