LAKAT collaborates with renowned Filipino creatives, turning everyday sneakers into wearable masterpieces. Hear what Doktor Karayom, Garapata, and Liliana Manahan have to say about their work.

by Mika Reyes
Photos courtesy of Jennefer Sneddon
February 15, 2024

A groundbreaking collaboration is set to redefine the narrative of wearable Filipino art. LAKAT, the trailblazing Filipino sustainable brand championing slow fashion, inclusivity, and self-expression, has joined forces with three influential contemporary artists—Doktor Karayom, Garapata, and Liliana Manahan. This unprecedented collaboration, curated by LAKAT's Consulting Creative Director, Luis Espiritu, is a revolutionary step towards democratizing contemporary, wearable art.

Luis Espiritu sheds light on the inspiration behind this creative collaboration, emphasizing the need to challenge the conventional perceptions of fashion as an art form. "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," says Espiritu. The LAK+Art Series seeks to bridge this gap by creating a collection of sneakers that embody accessible, functional, and creatively fun art for everyday wear.

The collaboration, a first in Philippine fashion, aspires to achieve multiple objectives. It aims to democratize contemporary, wearable art, making it more accessible to a broader audience. Additionally, the project seeks to showcase the talent of Philippine contemporary artists, promoting local, eco-friendly, and sustainable textiles. The collaboration further strives to create strong bonds between Philippine art and sustainable fashion, fostering a harmonious relationship between the two creative realms.

The LAK+Art Series will debut its limited edition pieces at ART FAIR 2024, unveiling unique designs crafted by each artist.

Meet the artists

Let's delve into the creative minds fueling this revolutionary collaboration. These artists, each a luminary in their own right, breathe life into the LAK+Art Series with their distinctive perspectives and artistic brilliance.

Garapata

Dex Fernandez, known as Garapata, brings his interdisciplinary prowess, strongly influenced by street art and found footage, to create a collection themed around the infestation of varied species. In his words, "Garapata represents us as complicated human beings, reminding us that wherever we go, we have companions—parasites feeding from our feet, in a cute or charming way." Fernandez shares his excitement about collaborating with LAKAT, expressing support for their values of sustainability and local artisan support.

Liliana Manahan

Liliana Manahan, a rising star in the design world, draws inspiration from her bird character, Clarence, in her collection titled "Clarence's Afternoon Stroll." Her designs reflect the atmosphere of lockdown, translating sculpted paper aesthetics into unique sneaker designs. She envisions the shoes as a canvas for self-expression, inviting users to continue the story and have fun walking around in them.

Doktor Karayom

Doktor Karayom, the artistic persona of Russell Trinidad, explores the concept of "Naengkanto" in his collection. The designs reflect his childhood memories of playful encounters with mythical creatures and convey a message of growth and self-discovery. Doktor Karayom appreciates LAKAT's dedication to sustainability and their commitment to showcasing the beauty of Philippine materials.

In an exclusive statement, Doktor Karayom shares his thoughts about the collaboration, "Natuwa ako sa LAKAT na nagtiwala na magawa itong project na ito. Bihira ito. Nakakaexcite sya kasi hindi ito yung pangkaraniwan lang na sapatos." He expresses gratitude for the challenging but rewarding journey of bringing his unique designs to life through LAKAT.

This fusion of sustainable fashion and contemporary art not only pushes the boundaries of creativity but also reinforces LAKAT's commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and self-expression. The LAK+Art Series is a testament to the brand's ongoing dedication to weaving strong bonds with the creative community, one step at a time.