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Bayong Pop Art-Themed Bags Put Local Culture in the Spotlight

What’s a girl to cherish more than her adorning diamonds and pearls, her platform shoes and beauty products? Well of course, it’s something that’s not only of great use but also an excellent way to make a bold fashion statement—bags!

What’s a girl to cherish more than her adorning diamonds and pearls, her platform shoes and beauty products? Well of course, it’s something that’s not only of great use but also an excellent way to make a bold fashion statement—bags!

Bags have long been filling up the market with different styles and types almost every season. In Cebu’s local scene, a marriage of pop art and the local bayong gave life to a fresh creative art form of bag design by a local artist who goes by the moniker Bisai.

“I wanted to use my BAG ART creations as a pathway for me and my fellow artists to support the makers of our locally made bayongs,” shares Bisai. At present, these bayong bags are very much familiar to parents and grandparents, but may be left to the memory of these millennials’ ancestors if not highlighted in today’s modern time.

Locally made from Bohol and Negros where there is an abundance of the raw materials pandan and buri leaves, these bayongs were once revered as the “pop bags” in the past, Bisai muses.

As women helping women is an advocacy that the artist personally supports, when she read an article on bayong bags back in the year 2010, and learned how women from the mountainside would gather to create banig (straw floor mats) and discards were made into little bags, the inspiration for the pop art bayong bags came to life.

“Bag Art started in January 2016 when I started to paint the first few bags with the intention to sell some to friends to get feedback about my art for bags,” further shares Bisai. She got queries for overseas orders like in the USA, Japan and Finland when she finally showed her product to the world.

Success just kept coming for the bag artist and in May 2016, she first exhibited her bag art collection in one of Cebu’s biggest malls and luckily sold a few pieces. Moreover, she started taking the once quaint hobby seriously and created more bags with various pop art themed designs which made its way to the buyers’ hearts.

Connections from government sectors allowed her support in suggesting to put tourism as a theme in her bags, which then paved way for her to conduct workshop sessions to assist women for their livelihood seminars and programs. The sharing of the art’s creative process helped in earning a livelihood for most women in both rural and urban areas.

As the pop art-themed bayong tote bags were a personal favorite, it brought twice the pride to Bisai when foreign customers applauded the rich culture reflected in the bags. Famous icons became the subject of the bayong bags including Monalisa, singers like Madonna, Adele, John Lennon, Michael Jackson, actress Marilyn Monroe, reggae star Bob Marley and even Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. As a treat for young BAG ART fans, the artist also included a handful of anime-themed designs in the bayong bags.

When it comes to winning the hearts of customers in the local bag market scene, an artist can only do so much to court the attention and ensure the loyalty of one’s customers. Other than being updated with the latest trends and talks-of-the-town, developing styles that are easy to appreciate because of famous subjects would surely go a long way.

“The designs of Bag Art are the inspiring kind. I painted them on purpose because these personalities led inspiring lives as well,” shares Bisai. BAG ART is inexpensive, but when creative minds and hands come together to produce a design like no other, they can easily stand out for the crowd.

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Fashion

The Qipao As Interpreted by Innovative Filipino Designers: PHILIP RODRIGUEZ

The Qipao, an iconic symbol of Chinese fashion, takes center stage as we celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Wood Dragon. This singular closely-fitted garment crafted from the most opulent silks originated in 1920’s Shanghai. ZEE fashion editor Oj Hofer, has sought the creative insights of some of the Philippines’ most innovative designers for their interpretation of the elegant Qipao, also known as Cheongsam.

Cebu’s esteemed designer, Philip Rodriguez, pays homage to imperial attire with this stunning yellow silk brocade qipao. While adhering to the traditional cheongsam silhouette, Rodriguez infuses a touch of sensuality by incorporating see-through silk tulle panels along the waistline. Known for his timeless designs and culturally respectful creations, Rodriguez’s attention to detail is unparalleled. His embellishments are intricate and exquisite, showcasing impeccable taste and luxurious design without veering into ostentation. Take, for instance, his cheongsam for the Year of the Dragon. While it may seem daring compared to traditional sensibilities, Rodriguez maintains elegance by delicately veiling the wearer’s skin with sheer tulle on the cutout side panels. The front slit of the dress is cautiously calculated to strike the perfect balance between modesty and allure “I design for women who possess sophistication beyond their years, “ Philip emphasizes. “My clothes are crafted to evoke a sense of beauty and allure, leaving her feeling exquisite and confident.” As a seasoned designer, Rodriguez consistently achieves harmony in his designs. His qipao for 2024 seamlessly blends elements of royalty and sensuality, luxury and practicality, reflecting his mastery of the craft and his ability to create pieces that are truly elegant and well-balance.

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The Qipao As Interpreted by Innovative Filipino Designers: JC BUENDIA

The Qipao, an iconic symbol of Chinese fashion, takes center stage as we celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Wood Dragon. This singular closely-fitted garment crafted from the most opulent silks originated in 1920’s Shanghai. ZEE fashion editor Oj Hofer, has sought the creative insights of some of the Philippines’ most innovative designers for their interpretation of the elegant Qipao, also known as Cheongsam.

JC Buendia, celebrated for his ability to tell a million style stories through minimalist details, is a master of clean, chic lines in fashion. Eschewing frivolity and nonsensical embellishments, every element of his designs contributes to their overall elegance.

Inspired by cinematic portrayals of Chinoiserie, Buendia’s first fascination with the Qipao began with Gloria Romero’s iconic portrayal of a Chinese princess disguised as a ‘sampan’ girl in the 1957 film “Hong Kong Holiday.”

“This admiration for orientalalia only deepened as I watched films like “The Last Emperor” and “In The Mood For Love,” JC recalls.

Buendia’s latest creation is a testament to this cinematic influence. His interpretation of the Qipao for the Year of the Wood Dragon features a cropped top crafted from silk Dupioni, embellished with diamond brooches on the reverse closure for a touch of glamour. Paired with a tea-length bouffant skirt made from frothy layers of delicate tulle, the ensemble exudes sophistication and timeless elegance.

With meticulous attention to detail and a keen eye for design, JC Buendia’s Qipao captures the essence of cinematic glamour while offering a contemporary twist on a classic silhouette. It’s a tribute to the enduring allure of Chinoiserie and the timeless beauty of the Cheongsam.

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The Qipao As Interpreted by Innovative Filipino Designers: PROTACIO EMPACES

The Qipao, an iconic symbol of Chinese fashion, takes center stage as we celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Wood Dragon. This singular closely-fitted garment crafted from the most opulent silks originated in 1920’s Shanghai. ZEE fashion editor Oj Hofer, has sought the creative insights of some of the Philippines’ most innovative designers for their interpretation of the elegant Qipao, also known as Cheongsam.

Protacio Empaces is renowned for his talent in reinventing historical silhouettes into stylish statements perfect for modern women’s lifestyles. His reinterpretations present wearable, contemporary, and highly coveted fashion pieces. The distinct embroidery he incorporates adds an extra touch of charm to his creations. Take, for instance, his cheongsam adorned with delicately hand-embroidered macro daisies and trapunto leaves. “I imagined a vibrant qipao inspired by tropical aesthetics, tailored for chic city living in ASEAN mega-cities. I’m using cotton pique for its structure and infusing it with lively colours to retain a stylish, sensual silhouette,” explains Protacio. His knee-length qipao captures the timeless sophistication seen in Maggie Cheong’s iconic look in the classic film “In the Mood for Love.” Crafted for the Year of the Dragon, this design seamlessly complements the film’s aesthetic, presenting a potential addition to the character’s wardrobe. Seasoned designer Protacio’s creations speak to women aged 30 to 80. His intial Qipao offering for 2024 combines modern elegance with classic charm that resonates with these women’s sophisticated tastes and vibrant lifestyles.

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