Explore a world of arts and crafts as local small businesses repurpose statement pieces in the name of fashion

by Marian Luisa Palo
Photos from Simple&Grand, Iskolar Pride, and Luwad PH
December 7, 2023

Time is indeed dynamic, showcasing the evolution of people’s fashion choices. Everyone is elevating their OOTD game with a more innovative range, from pieces featuring intricate handmade crafts to eye-catching graphic designs.

Take a look at the ways local small businesses are making a statement, witnessing every speck of imagination the world has to offer to creatives, designers, and fashionistas!

You’re saving shopping bags for a reason

We all know it’s a great idea to upcycle old clothes into bags instead of watching them pile up in landfills. But have you heard about upcycling shopping bags?

Imagine purchasing a classic Louis Vuitton handbag and getting two bags in one purchase. Simple&Grand, a Rizal-based business, finds pleasure in this genius fashion idea. They repurpose and craft bags according to your style—pochette bags, birkins, tote bags, saddle bags, and more!

If you happen to set aside branded paper bags that you wish could stand the test of time instead of accumulating dust in the corner of your room, Simple&Grand is always ready to turn them into fashionable bags, detailed with materials that sum up the perfect look of a classy, luxurious bag.

Art in pop culture

What better way to resonate with Filipinos than adapting famous artworks and incorporating our own culture to convey a message, whether in a classy or ‘meme-fied’ manner.

Iskolar Pride, a shop for people of diverse SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression) owned by students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Manila, recently trended on X (formerly Twitter) with their “May Bading Ditto” tote bag design, a humorous adaptation of K-Pop girl group NewJeans’ bunny logo.

The shop takes pride in its graphic designs that cater to Filipinos’ meme culture while uplifting the advocacies of the queer community. These designs can be seen not only on tote bags but also on t-shirts and stickers, plus other fashion items that carry meaning for people of diverse SOGIE.

Everyday things to miniature earrings

We love our golds and silvers when it comes to picking out our best outfit accents, but Luwad PH takes handicrafts to a new light as they mold things with a mark in Filipino culture into miniature clay accessories, from earrings to bag charms.

With their kiat-kiat earrings, Filipino street food earrings, lumpia keychains, and other adorable pieces to choose from, Luwad PH injects humor and creativity into their polymer clay accessories. Their handmade products will surely bring you to a happy mood and help you make a fun and quirky statement.

Fashion always has something new to celebrate as time goes by. Imagination is indeed limitless, and these local businesses are evident examples of Filipinos’ exceptional take on art and creativity.

Christmas is fast approaching, so if you are yet to look for gift ideas, visit their shops and find the best statement pieces to match the characters of your friends and loved ones!