Gelyka Dumaraos
Likhang Habi Textile Fair 2018
What could be more exciting than prepping for Christmas with early shopping?
Shopping for the holidays can also mean knowing more about local artistry and supporting traditional weavers in the country.
The 8th Likhang Habi Textile Fair 2018 (FB Page) happening at the Activity Area of the Glorietta Mall in Ayala Center, Makati City on October 12 to 14, 2018 may just give you more reasons to do so.
This year, traditional weavers from different local communities will take center stage as they showcase unique skills in weaving fabrics.
Dubbed “Woven Voyages: 8th Likhang Habi Textile Fair 2018,” the three-day fair is organized by HABI the Philippine Textile Council, which is designed to showcase the artistry of the country’s indigenous weavers.
Focusing on products made of natural fabrics and established brands which source fabrics from weavers, the fair will feature fashionable bags made by the Yakans of Basilan, hand-woven blankets, covers, and napkins from the Ilocos region as well as toys and novelty items made by local craftsmen.
Guests can roam around the fair’s vast pool of exhibitors including established brands and manufacturers such as Rurungan sa Tukod Foundation, Interweave, Yakang Yaka, Manila Collectible, Casa Mercedes, Filip+Inna, Gifts & Graces Foundation, Good Luck, Humans, La Herminia Piña, Liwayway Handicraft, Creative Definitions, Kalinga Weaving, Ayala Foundation, Inc., and items by noted Filipina artist and designer Ditta Sandico.
These brands showcase various products which can fit in your Christmas shopping list. From your husband and kids to your grandmother and your officemate, the fair encompasses products covering fashion, home and even food.
What HABI aims is to encourage the country’s indigenous weavers from places as diverse as Kalinga, Ifugao, Mindoro, and Basilan to use natural fabrics instead of synthetic ones. This shall improve quality of their works and make them realize the value of their craft. Aside from that, weavers are taught to use natural fabrics which lower their carbon footprint and enhance the community’s sustainability.
HABI emphasizes that the trade fair is not just about selling. It also calls as awareness for the public to consider using eco-friendly materials and contribute in sustainability, all while preserving traditions.
The fair also has a fashion show highlighting the woven fabrics by Patis Tesoro, Len Cabili of Filip+Inna, LARA Samar, Jor-el Espina, Boy Guino-o of Alfonso Davao, Twinkle Ferraren, Malaysian designer Edric Ong and Laura Fontan of Vietnam fashion house Chula promise to impress shoppers and mall goers.
An exhibit featuring the textile art of the Filipina-French artist Olivia d’Aboville, and the works of the winners of the Lourdes Montinola Weaving Competition will also be shown.
This year’s trade fair will showcase more than 80 exhibitors, including textile exhibitors from the ASEAN region, namely, the weaving communities of Brunei, Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
For more information, please call the HABI Philippine Textile Council at +63 927 852.6955 or send an e-mail to: [email protected]. You may also follow @HabiThePhilTextileCouncil on Facebook and @habifair on Instagram or visit their website: habitextilecouncil.ph
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