Made in the Philippines: 5 handbag brands to add to your style radar
Filipino craftsmanship has long stood out in the fashion world for its unique fusion of tradition and innovation.
Rooted in the country's cultural heritage, many of our local brands highlight indigenous weaving techniques and locally sourced materials such as rattan and abaca, native to tropical countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
In light of the 127th Philippine Independence Day on June 12, wear your Filipino pride and support local artisans by exploring these proudly local handbag brands.
1. CALLI
Founded in 2013 by Theresa Nepomuceno, the mother of Khalil Ramos, CALLI is a Filipino luxury handbag brand that aims to keep traditional artistry alive while offering stylish, modern pieces.
Using sustainable materials like abaca, raffia, and locally woven textiles, paired with traditional techniques such as Maranao langkit weaving, solihiya rattan, and hand-carved acacia woodwork, CALLI creates bags that are not only beautiful but also rich in culture and meaning.
CALLI bags range from P2,950 to P22,000. You can shop via https://callibags.com/.
2. Katre
Initially launched as Katre Fashion House in 2009 by stylist and makeup artist Kat Erro, the brand has evolved from making ready-to-wear clothes and fashion accessories to focusing on leather handbags from 2011 and beyond.
Katre is well-known for its round Boite handbags, which were introduced in 2012. The brand also allows clients a hint of personalization by stamping their initials or names on the leather goods.
Katre bags range from P1,750 to P9,999. You can shop via https://www.katremnl.com/.
3. Aranaz
Aranaz is a fashion accessories label by mother-daughter trio Becky, Amina, and Rosanna Aranaz that captures the art of leisure living through its carefully crafted collection.
A brand rooted in appreciation for handmade artistry, Aranaz has perfected the signature blend of polished and artisanal, a balance that has earned it a devoted following among Manila's stylish and discerning crowd.
Aranaz bags range from P2,080 to P20,000. You can shop via https://aranaz.ph/.
4. Zarah Juan
Zarah Juan's artistic handbag brand is a vibrant tribute to Filipino life, capturing its colors, rhythms, and everyday stories.
Her collections spark a sense of nostalgia and cultural pride with playful designs inspired by icons of local life: think pineapples, vintage boomboxes, mixtapes, and old-school televisions.
Zarah Juan bags range from P3,950 to P12,500. You can shop via https://www.zarahjuan.com/.
5. Marricola
Founded in 2023 by Marriel Colaljo, Marricola is a brand birthed from her academic roots in Fine Arts and Product Design at the University of the Philippines Cebu to her hands-on experience under the mentorship of world-renowned designer Kenneth Cobonpue.
Through her bag collections, Marricola explores how environmental consciousness can coexist with craftsmanship, utility, and quiet elegance.
Marricola bags range from P11,970 to P14,970. You can shop via https://marricola.com/.
—CDC, GMA Integrated News
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