Philippines, Filip + Inna, Weaving & Embroidery

It is her exposure and deep appreciation for the culture of the Philippines coupled with her deep interest in fashion that led Lenora Luisa Cabili to create the brand Filip + Inna in 2009. She is tireless in seeking out the storytellers of the Philippine archipelago’s cultural knowledge and the craftsmanship of the artisans. 

Growing up in Mindanao, Len became enamored by the vibrant traditional garments of the Maranao, Yakan, and Higaonon. Early on, she was aware of the wonderful diversity of Filipino culture. She joined the Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company where, through dance, she was introduced to the diversity of the culture of the country and exposed to the varying traditions in weaving, embroidery, and beadwork. 

Filip + Inna is inspired by tradition and intertwined with the contemporary. The tradition is the warp; the contemporary is the weft. Filip + Inna brings ancient techniques of weaving, embroidery and beadwork from different indigenous groups of the Philippines into each garment. The human hand is seen and felt in each creation and the artisan breathes life into it. 

Filip + Inna’s mission is to create while also reviving–even preserving–traditions of the Philippines that are in danger of becoming lost and being forgotten. They work with many groups of talented artisans across the archipelago, giving them an opportunity to continue practicing their traditional craft while improving their livelihood. 

To further follow the story of Filip + Inna, find them on social media here.