A textile patch can carry the pride of Filipino heritage and culture.
But beyond the design, there is also a story behind the art.
Japanese clothing brand Uniqlo launched its Re.Uniqlo Artisan Patch Collection, where the craftsmanship of some indigenous communities was in the spotlight in late July, coinciding the 70th Anniversary of Philippines–Japan Friendship.
READ: Uniqlo showcases indigenous crafts, education efforts in PH-Japan friendship celebration
The collection provided opportunities for the Itneg artisans from Abra, Panay Bukidnon artisans from Iloilo and Capiz, and T’boli artisans from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, to showcase their creations.
To better understand the artistry behind the collection, Wilson Limon, a creative director who worked on Uniqlo’s artisan patch collection, said he immersed himself in the communities and met with their members.
“That’s how I connect with them. That’s how I can properly incorporate their craftsmanship. Because, you know, it’s not just extracting a certain pattern and then putting it anywhere,” Limon said.
“You have to know what’s the meaning of it,” he added.
Limon said the patterns on the handcrafted patches were inspired by the communities’ daily lives and surroundings.
The Abra patch collection features frog patterns, which symbolize abundance and fertility, and Kukko patterns that reflect their hard work, productivity and a connection to agriculture.
Panubok, a traditional embroidery art, serves the motif for the patches created by Panay Bukidnon weavers. The designs feature symbols drawn from nature, oral traditions and ancestral beliefs.
Meanhile, patches made by T’boli artisans reflect their daily lives and spiritual beliefs, with themes inspired by nature, mountains and wildlife.
According to Limon, the communities have great potential, and “we should give them the platform to be seen.”
The creative director said the collaboration between the clothing brand and the artisan communities “translates heritage into wearable art.”
“It makes Filipino craftsmanship accessible without losing authenticity,” he added.
All proceeds from the Re.Uniqlo initiative will benefit the Schools of Living Traditions (SLT) of the Itneg, Panay Bukidnon and T’boli, as part of the brand’s support for the preservation of Filipino crafts, culture and heritage.
Under the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, SLT is a community-based program in which elders pass on indigenous knowledge and practices to the younger generation.
The clothing brand also partnered with ABS-CBN Foundation for the initiative.
The patches are available at Uniqlo’s global flagship store in Makati City and branches in SM Mall of Asia, BGC High Street, Ayala Center Cebu, Davao Roadside Store, SM North EDSA, SM Megamall, SM Seaside City Cebu, Greenhills, Nuvali Roadside Store, SM Davao and SM Lanang Premier.
