Mayor Joy Belmonte Tells Us Her Favorite Local Brands

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(SPOT.ph) Joy Belmonte knows a thing or two about fashion. The Quezon City mayor is often spotted in plain bright polos and button downs, but when she needs to make an appearance, she knows exactly how to hit the mark in a modern Filipiniana—think up-to-date silhouettes or classic cuts made with traditional weaves and fabrics. We recently got to chat with the mayor, and amid updates on local government and all things administrative, she also took the time to let us in on where she gets the 'fits.

For the everyday, the Mayor is strictly team Apple, she tells us. We're sure the ecosystem helps her run things smoothly, especially if you've got a city to take care of. She also falls back on her On running shoes to get through the day. Now when she's got something a little more special going on, that's when she breaks out the pieces from her collection of local brands. Filipiniana has taken on new shape and style in recent years, and Belmonte's wardrobe is a clear example of how you can bring the traditional into the now, all while proudly repping local craftmanship. Check out her fave brands and how to get them below.

Also read: Strut Your Stuff With a Pair From These 10 Local Shoe Brands

Mayor Joy Belmonte lets us in on her favorite local brands for modern Filipiniana: 

Ann Casas Designs

Ann Casas is a model turned fashion designer who focuses on modern ternos. Her creations are typically made to order, especially if we're talking Filipinianas for special occassions; we also spotted gowns and even a pina cloth bomber jacket on her feed. One type of piece we haven't seen elsewhere are her gorgeous bolero tops with terno sleeves, and a zipper for a truly modern touch.

Jor-El Espina

You've likely seen Jor-El Espina's works in ArteFino, or perhaps at his Greenbelt boutique. The Iloilo designer's creations have been making a mark on the local fashion scene for a while now—an effect we can perhaps chalk up to the mission behind them. Espina's works highlight our own fabrics and weaves, with detailed embroidery acting as a cherry on top of truly one-of-a-kind pieces.

Kaayo

This brand encapsulates the story of more than just one. Started in 2016 by mother-daughter led team Mary Ann "Baby" Montemayor and Margarita Nograles, Kaayo is a Mindanao collective that brings to the forefront pieces made by and with the age-old customs of our peoples. You can shop for all sorts of apparel and even accessories, bags, and shoes, that carry weaves from the T'boli, B'laan, Mandaya, Bagobo Tagabawa, Tagakaolo, and Ata Manobo.

Nina Inabel

From the weaves of the south to, with this brand, the weaves of Ilocos Norte. You might be familiar with inabel, the cloth and weaving technique the region is known for. Nina Inabel takes the age-old fabric and gives it new life by using it for modern silhouettes. You can spot them at pop-ups or check out their Facebook page to see the pieces available.

Coco & Tres

Coco & Tres began with manufacturing pouches and bags on a small scale in the late 2000's. They started out creating their pieces only for Christmas season, and have since expanded to apparel, too, all designed with a uniquely Filipino sense. You can still buy their lightweight bags now, alongside their skirts, tops, and more at pop ups or online—each one made in the Philippines and with local material.

Ilaya Couture

If you're in need of a gorgeous Filipiniana for a special outfit, Ilaya Couture is the way to go. You can check out their Facebook page for their pieces, from all-out Filipinianas to formal dresses with a Filipiniana touch, or even everyday elevated pieces, this brand has them all—note that most of them are made to order! And yes, that also means you can have them customized.

Bayongciaga

Who needs a Balenciaga bag when you can have a Bayongciaga? This cheeky brand carries pieces that are proudly made by artisan bag makers from Laguna. We know you're familiar with the bayongs of your lola, well, their bags are exactly that, but with a modern touch—and definitely the sort you can take from the palengke to the runway. They've got a wide variety of types and colors, all made using synthetic material that's easier to clean and will make sure your bag lasts for a good long while.

Also read: This Retaso-Inspired Bag Will Fit Right in Your Viva Magenta Aesthetic

Rags 2 Riches

For gifts to guests and VIPs, the Mayor likes to tap Rags 2 Riches. This brand—better known as R2R—has made one heck of a name for itself on the global stage. Co-founded by Reese Fernandez-Ruiz, R2R is a slow-fashion brand that creates their one-of-a-kind pieces using indigenous fabrics or upcycled cloth, together with artisans from across the nation. You'll find gorgeous and clean creations in their collection, including bags that are shaped like Cebu's pusô, and apparel to match. They've also expanded to home items! We say the bags will definitely make for a gift anyone would appreciate, including, hey, yourself. 

Bag’Ito

Another brand she likes to rely on for little remember-me-bys is Bag'ito. This straightforward brand specializes in three different types of bags—totes, origami, and knot bags—that either carry distinctive weaves or are made with upcycled fabrics, or both. This means that practically each bag is different, so you get to give a rather literal one-of-a-kind piece. You can check them out at pop-ups or bazaars, or visit their Facebook page. 

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