For emerging clothing designer Paloma Urquijo Zobel, what began as an idea and a conversation has now hatched into a full-fledged convergence of art and enterprise, a seamless meeting of alternative and traditional.
Fashionistas, turn your heads to PIOPIO — a free-spirited clothing and accessory brand whose heart beats to the rhythm of traditional Filipino artistry and heritage, and whose soul is moved by finding inspiration in travel and independent-minded men and women.
Heavily influenced by her mother’s love of local craftsmanship, Paloma’s vision for PIOPIO was to give traditional Filipino crafts — specifically, fabrics — a fashion upgrade, taking advantage of what she observes as an “amazing surge in local, and Filipino pride from my age group.”
(PIOPIO — a new clothing and accessory line definitely worth checking out this Christmas)
Fledgling ideas
About a year ago when the PIOPIO brand was first put on the drawing board, it was envisioned to be much more than a fashionable young girl’s dream brought to life.
Initially, Paloma shared her ideas with designer Tony Gonzales about “getting a group together to build a vibrant, fun artistic community.” The artisan village that is now named “Kalye Artisano” would be designed by Filipino artists and architects and would offer an immersive experience with postcard-worthy Palawan as its backdrop.
The Imperial College Business School of London graduate singled out Lio, El Nido, Palawan for her project that constitutes of a Filipino retail area, artist workshops, a strip of bed and breakfasts and even a juice and salad bar.
The development would of course also include a clothing and accessory store, and as of this time, is the first component of the development whose wheels have started to turn.
As for PIOPIO’s name, Paloma explains that her name, Paloma, is actually the Spanish word for dove, and that “piopio” is the Spanish onomatopoeia for the sound a bird makes, while El Nido means nest in Spanish. Everything comes together!
(Traditional Filipino crafts get a stylish makeover)
Spreading its wings
One look at her creations will tell you that Paloma is filled with the creative vigor of youth.
Cheerful colors and carefree silhouettes dominate the mix with textures and fabrics that tell the world that summer never ends serves as a perfect partner to them. Tribal Filipino patterns, embroidered details as well as fringe and patchwork detailing find a place in the modern fashionista’s closet.
“By introducing these beautiful fabrics on every day clothing, such as vintage denim, we wanted to make these fabrics more approachable and affordable. We create small collections or individual pieces. Each piece is meant to be an individual unique Filipino addition to complement your own personal style,” Paloma explains.
Tunics, halter tops, shorts, coordinates, maxi and mini dresses, woven bags and tassel earrings are only some of the awesome PIOPIO finds waiting to be discovered.
(Deviating from the mainstream, PIOPIO designs appeals to the independent and free-spirited men and women)
Taking flight
Along the way, the 24-year-old also partnered up with Therese Tiosejo and Ina Estacio, creating PIOPIO’s all girl team.
Today, you’ll most likely find the well-dressed trio in their first pop up store at Greenbelt 5’s The Gallery. This holiday season, PIOPIO was made part of the Designers Holiday Bazaar which will run until Dec. 15. 15 percent of the bazaar’s overall proceeds will be given to help fund the education of disadvantaged children.
PIOPIO’s main store located in Kalye Artisano is set to officially launch in May of next year.
To see PIOPIO’s designs, visit them at their pop up booth in Greenbelt 5’s The Gallery and follow them on Instagram @piopio_ph.
(Photos by ISABELLA OLIVARES)
(The PIOPIO trio from L-R: Therese Tiosejo, Paloma Urquijo Zobel and Ina Estacio)
(Be summer-ready with these awesome espadrilles and woven creations)
(Whether you’re covered up or showing a bit shoulder and leg, you’re sure to turn heads with PIOPIO)
(Statement earrings and chokers)
(Patchwork and a tastefully arranged combination of colors make this piece one of a kind)
(Visit PIOPIO’s pop up shop in Greenbelt 5’s The Gallery)
