BY JOSE PAOLO DELA CRUZ
Local artistry and craftsmanship — along with a thousand inspiring stories from MSMEs and social enterprises — take centerstage at Kultura’s fourth Filipino Design Studio at SM Aura. And you have until March 17 to enjoy them all.
In a bid to put the spotlight on unique local talent, Kultura staged yet another edition of its highly anticipated Filipino Design Studio at SM Aura. The colorful pop-up serves as a venue for established names and emerging brands to showcase their new collections alongside Kultura’s own house labels. Together, they amplify each other’s narrative and enable their message to resonate with an appreciative audience.
From handmade apparel and accessories to home decor and natural remedies, customers may explore these “products with purpose,” all under one space until March 17.
When you visit, make sure to chat with the exhibitors, some of whom (if you’re lucky) are actual founders of the brands you are admiring.
One such inspiring story is that of Wix Cozy Homes, a business founded by Sara Almeyda during the pandemic. “I started selling candles to make extra income during the lockdowns. Then more people started buying since they use my products to relax at home,” says the entrepreneur. It was a full circle moment for Sara, who first started making candles as a form of creative exercise to help her cope with alopecia.
Social enterprise and personal care brand Dwellbeing, which employs members of the deaf community and uses upcycled packaging, is also worth a visit. “We partner with members from various communities who work with us to craft the products, and even work on stamping, wrapping and packaging them using recycled materials,” says Che Secillano, co-founder of Dwellbeing.
Equally captivating are the handmade jewelry of Strozzi, namesake of its designer Strozzi Rosende. From earrings to necklaces, rings and bracelets, all the way down to a smorgasbord of colorful brooches, Strozzi showcases Filipino culture with its exquisite use of inlaid polished shells and a variety of metals, such as sterling silver. “We strive to create colorful jewelry that evoke Filipino culture, through the use of elements such as bahay kubo, fiestas, jeepneys and more,” says Strozzi.
The line-up also includes exciting new labels partnering with Kultura for the very first time, including statement jewelry from Strozzi and Piesa; resort wear and modern Filipiniana from Seek The Uniq, Pina-Sadya and Bagoyan; nature-based personal care from Pure Culture ; and stylish slip-ons from Jhaz Footwear. Handmade accessories and apparel from Woven and Brave Story are also featured. Browse through the full list of brands below:
Visit Kultura’s Filipino Design Studio, ongoing until March 17, 2024, located on 3/L, SM Aura Premier, 26th Street Corner McKinley Parkway, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.
