Five fashionable bags for every OOTD

By Aly Dela Peña

 

The bag you carry can make or break your overall look, so it’s best to put your best tote forward by bringing one that leaves a lasting impression. Complete your OOTD with the following bags proudly made in the Philippines. From dressy clutch bags to beach-ready carryalls, we rounded-up bags from FAME+ brands to fit any occasion.

 

1. BRUNCH DATE

Luningning Bag by Calli

 

This hand-carved bag from Calli is made of solid Acacia wood. Its hand-painted tropical design pops out against the natural rattan topped off with plain white handles. Solihiya, a rattan weaving technique common in Philippine furniture, is featured in its body. Style it with a flowy midi dress and wear it to your next brunch date with friends.

 

Calli makes unique handcrafted bags for women that come in an array of shapes, colors, and designs—all of which are hand carved, hand beaded, and handpainted. They use traditional techniques to preserve Philippine artistry.

 

The brand also uses natural raffia, calf and vegan leather, natural rattan fiber, sinamay fiber (straw lining from abaca), faux suede lining, denim fabric, and banig fiber. Championing Filipino heritage allowed Calli to provide livelihood opportunities to their communities of carvers, weavers, bead makers, and craftsmen.

 

2. WORK

 

Cracking two-way light shoulder bag by Ikot

 

This cracking shoulder bag from Ikot features a foil leather body, grain leather interior, and snap lock. It has an adjustable and detachable sling that lets you transform it to a tote or body bag. The stylish carryall lets you organize your laptop, notebooks, and other office essentials conveniently. Its neutral colorway lets you wear it with any office attire.

 

Ikot creates durable and stylish bags which they export primarily to Japan. Utilizing natural fibers such as abaca, raffia, and rattan combined with genuine top grain leather resonate with the Japanese market’s taste for nature, art, and simplicity.

 

The company collaborates with Filipino and Japanese designers to explore diverse weaving patterns. Presently, their bags are sold in different specialty shops within high-end malls across Japan.

 

3. BEACH TRIP

Straw Bag by Yvette’s Bags and Beads

 

This straw bag from Yvette’s Bags and Beads instantly evokes summer for its vibrant colors. Its body is made of durable straw material, partnered with a cloth lining interior. It can easily hold your essentials and other travel must-haves. Pair it with a tank top, shorts, flip-flops, and bring it with you on your next beach trip.

 

Yvette's Bags and Beads employs current and former women inmates of the Davao City Jail to bring hope to persons deprived of liberty. It enables women to provide for the needs of their families, even from behind bars. Their founder, Yvette Marie Punzalan is dedicated to giving inmates a second chance through her social enterprise, which has gained popularity among overseas clients.

 

4. SOIREE

 

Yellow Coral Bag by Kitsilver Jewellery

 

The Coral bag, which comes in yellow and white, features a brass clasp that captures the forms and hues of sea corals while its body is wrapped in sea snake skin. Bring it as a minaudiere or wear it as a body bag using its detachable metal sling. Its versatile colors let you pair it with multiple evening gowns and formal wear, while still looking stylish and chic.

 

Kitsilver Jewellery specializes in finely detailed accessories and clutch bags made of gold, brass, and silver. They consciously pay respect to the traditional art and craftsmanship of jewelry-making, incorporating local materials into their collections. Their most notable designs feature precious gemstones, delicate metalwork, and handcrafted embellishments that showcase the brand’s keen eye for artful detail and promote its proud Filipino heritage.

 

5. GROCERY RUN

 

Tessa Bag by LARA

 

The Tessa bag is part of LARA SAMAR’s Heritage Collection, which revisits age-old tradition and culture through future-forward creations. This line presents a fusion between two types of weaving: banig and woven textiles. Together, they showcase modern tapestries on everyday bags that honor the Filipino culture. Throw in your everyday essentials and pair it with a comfortable tee, pants, and comfy sneakers on your next grocery run or errand.

 

LARA honors their hero material banig as a means to rebuild communities in Samar after Typhoon Yolanda in 2013. They create innovative bags, shoes, accessories and home decor by transforming indigenous materials into contemporary fashion and lifestyle creations.