ArteFino has been building a bridge between consumers who love local, and the communities who bring us these quality-made products, supporting their craft and their livelihood since 2017. Over 100 brands have participated at the fair this August, and most of them released new products and collections exclusively at the fair for the modern Filipino.
As an annual fair-goer, this years winning product would hands-down be hand bags.
Woven, handmade, stitched, and even beaded, handbags took over Artefino this year, as different brands showcased various types and creative designs.
And despite the challenge in choosing some of the best handbags at the fair, we’ve managed to narrow them down for you.
Island Girl Mindy handbag
I don’t know about you, but I almost always love all things beaded. Which is why when I set my eyes on this Mindy handbag, I feel like I died and ascended. It’s made of colorful bamboo tubes and wooden beads all patterned and strung together, and also comes with a removable canvas lining. The handbag also has a tote version! Available online.
Beatriz Accessories Clutch
Beatriz is a hand-crafted and modern brand with a fun, creative aesthetic that uses interesting materials in creative variations. It is known for its colorful and modern accessories with graphic prints, inspired by the colorful weaves of Philippine fabric, like this circle clutch. Fine colorful threads are stitched so close together to for the beautiful patterns seen on this purse. Available online.
C&C Celya bag
The Celya Bag is C&C’s celebration of the beauty of the sky. This modern take on the typical basket bag emulates the delicate shape of clouds softened by the fabric knot enclosure. It is a statement bag that can take you from day to night. Definitely one of our favorites. Available on Instagram.
Zarah Juan Ang Baur
Ang Baur is a wooden clutch with delicate white tribal patterns and a beaded sling. It is one of Zarah Juan’s most popular bags, handmade from the artists of Tugaya Lanao Del Sur, and embodies deep culture from the Southern part of the Philippines. Available on Instragram.
Lara Samar Banig camera bag
What began as an effort of Governor Sharee Ann Tan of Samar to uplift the plight of her people has now evolved into an inspiring sustainable livelihood project, with innovative pieces and shapes in the form of bags, shoes, and accessories soon emerged. This banig camera bag with Shield Bug embroidery is all sorts of fun and can match any outfit. Available online.
Farah Abu Coral Reef clutch
This Farah Abu clutch looks like it was born from the ocean itself. Packed with beads, gemstones, and small shells, this clutch is an ocean lover’s dream as it embodies the colorful sea of corals that keep our marine life alive, and exhibits the beauty of our oceans. Available on Instagram.
Art by Tricia Guevara
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