'Green' designs dominate latest fashion accessories from the Philippines

Suppliers are offering stylish handbags and jewelry made of recycled or sustainable materials.

Philippine makers of fashion accessories are releasing more handcrafted, environment-friendly models as the "slow fashion" movement gains strength in the global market.

The latest bags and jewelry come in abaca, buntal and other fibers that are considered sustainable. Several companies are also recycling paper, tin, plastic and other industrial materials to create eye-catching pieces.

Besides opting for eco-friendly inputs, manufacturers are adopting fabrics produced using traditional weaving or dyeing techniques in their designs. T'nalak, an abaca-based cloth handwoven by the women of the T'boli tribe in South Cotabato province, is just one of the many traditionally woven textiles being featured in bags, wallets and other fashion accessories.

Among the factors enabling suppliers to offer stylish, "green" products is the rising number of designers using fashion as a medium to promote environmental protection, cultural preservation and community empowerment. These talents often mix elements inspired by the local landscape and culture with trends seen in international trade shows and fashion weeks. Skilled weavers, sewers, carvers and other artisans turn designers' creations into reality.

Buntal fiber bag with satin lining

Model BAA-09D from Buntal Classic Enterprises is made of buntal fiber, which is extracted from the buri palm. It has satin lining and comes in various colors.

Statement necklace made of patented material

This statement necklace from CVD Ventures Inc. (Floreia) is made of NuCast, a patented material produced from recycled newspaper. It comes in metallic colors.

Earrings with recycled paper beads

Lumago Designs Handcrafted Products offer earrings featuring beads made from recycled newspaper. Various colors are offered.

Abaca bag with corduroy straps

Tinabuan Arts and Crafts' Honoraria handbag is made of densely woven abaca fabric and fitted with corduroy straps. The bag's exterior features a crocheted floral pattern.

This article and its contents are provided by the Hinrich Foundation, a partner of Global Sources in promoting trade across Asia. The products and the suppliers featured in this article are export assistance program beneficiaries of the Hinrich Foundation.