Filipino craft Bucket Bag makes it to Tory Burch

Proudly Pinoy: This handcrafted abaca bag is now available at Tory Burch

Andrea Posadas
When In Manila
01 October 2026

Local enterprise LIKHÂ is taking Filipino talent and craftsmanship to a world-class degree this year. The brand’s new Ella Hand-crocheted Bucket Bag is now officially a design under high-profile lifestyle brand Tory Burch, set to make a statement and a lasting impression on artisans and fashion connoisseurs worldwide.

LIKHÂ’s Ella Bucket Bag turns abaca straw into simple but stylish pieces that thoroughly capture the Philippines’ history and culture. The brand’s artisan partners have added a variety of details to the bag that highlight its intricate hand-knotted patterns, bringing a unique touch to its globally recognized story.

“For us, seeing the finished bag at Tory Burch is also about seeing the people behind it represented on a global stage,” the LIKHÂ team wrote on Instagram.

The Ella takes on a distinct form and rich color thanks to its twisted fibers, making it an ideal choice for casual city strolls and beach getaways. The bag’s success is a major step in the right direction, especially in fulfilling LIKHÂ’s long-term goals of preserving heritage craft, supporting sustainable designs and livelihoods, and bringing locally made goods to the global market.

It took LIKHÂ two and a half years to hone their craft as a team and create a bag that seamlessly blends style, convenience, and unapologetically Filipino elements. That’s why its international presence means everything to them and the brand’s founder, Natalie Llorente-Lim, who’s also a Tory Burch Foundation Fellow.

“Behind [the Ella’s] seemingly simple form are years of sampling, refining, problem-solving, and learning what matters most: the hand of the artisan,” LIKHÂ explained. “We’re proud to see the work of our artisan partners represented on this stage.”

The Ella Hand-crocheted Bucket Bag by LIKHÂ is now available in the U.S. at Tory Burch.

Pinoy designer’s creation wins best national costume in Haiti

Proud Pinoy: Filipino designer’s creation wins best national costume at Miss Universe Haiti 2026

Story by David
When In Manila
22 September 2026

Pinoy talent shines bright once more on the international stage after Filipino fashion designer Kennedy Gasper’s breathtaking pearl-inspired creation won the coveted Best National Costume award at the 2026 Miss Universe Haiti pageant.

Named “The Pearl of the Antilles,” Gasper’s masterpiece was worn by 26-year-old pageant veteran Sklouchere Pierre during the Miss Universe Haiti competition held on August 23, 2026, where she ultimately finished as second runner-up.

​“’Pearl of the Antilles’ is my tribute to Haiti—the beauty that captivates, the resilience that endures, and the spirit that cannot be dimmed. Inspired by Haiti’s identity as the jewel of the Caribbean, this costume represents a nation whose greatest treasure has always been its people. I wear it proudly as Haiti’s beauty, strength, and story take center stage,” Sklouchere shared in a post.

Gasper’s creation seamlessly combines oceanic and celestial elements through intricate beadwork and luminous textures. The showstopping ensemble features a clear corset adorned with vertical rows of white pearls and sparkling jewels, while the bust area showcases a dramatic, coral-like sculpture centered around an oversized pearl.

The costume creates a striking contrast between its upper and lower halves. Its royal blue skirt, crafted from a metallic, light-reflecting fabric that mimics the ocean’s motion, adds a vibrant pop of color.

​To complete the ethereal look, the 25-year-old Isabela native styled the piece with a stunning, glow-in-the-dark moon headpiece paired with cascading white beads framing the face. The ensemble was finished off with a grand backpiece and matching arm accessories shaped like natural seashells.

This victory marks yet another major milestone in Gasper’s portfolio. Prior to his recent creation for Sklouchere, the fashion designer from San Mateo, Isabela, crafted the iconic lion-inspired costume for Miss Universe Cameroon 2020 Angèle Kossinda.

​Back in 2021, Gasper also made headlines worldwide when his creation for Miss Universe Nigeria Maristella Okpala took home the Best National Costume award at the 70th Miss Universe pageant—proving time and time again that Filipino design and craftsmanship are truly world-class.

​Back in 2021, Gasper also made headlines worldwide when his creation for Miss Universe Nigeria Maristella Okpala took home the Best National Costume award at the 70th Miss Universe pageant—proving time and time again that Filipino design and craftsmanship are truly world-class.

Pinay animator Meryl Chan wins big in Taiwan for her sustainability animation

 Pinay animator Meryl Chan wins big in Taiwan for her sustainability animation

GMA Lifestyle
07 January 2026

There is a specific kind of heartbreak in seeing the ocean's "rainforests" stripped bare for profit. For 24-year-old animator Meryl Chan, that heartbreak became the catalyst for a global win.

At the 2025 Taiwan International Student Design Competition (TISDC)—often dubbed the world's largest stage for student creatives—Chan stood out as the lone Filipino awardee. Out of a staggering 16,000 entries from over 1,000 schools worldwide, her thesis film, Dive and Trek, took home the Environmental Sustainability Special Award (Animation).

A Story of Survival

The film doesn't just preach; it probes the gray areas of survival. Dive and Trek follows Alon, a fisherman caught between the desperate need to provide for his daughter, Pearl, and the preservation of the sea that sustains them. When Alon succumbs to the temptation of the illegal coral trade—pushed by the demands of tourism—the consequences are both systemic and deeply personal.

"This film was made to shed light on the dangers of coral harvesting and the systemic pressures faced by coastal communities," Chan shared on her Instagram. "It was such a meaningful experience to be among so many talented creatives... and spend time in Taiwan."

What makes the film resonate locally is its "All-Star" Filipino soul. The project features a score by the legendary Louie Ocampo, with voice performances by Raki Diga, and Sean, Serj, and Talisa Arezza.

A Manila native, Chan honed her craft at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York City, graduating with honors in 2D Animation. Even before her TISDC win, Dive and Trek was already making waves: it ranked #1 in storytelling during the SVA BFA Animation Thesis Grants; was featured in the ASIFA-Hollywood Animation Educators Forum; and was a finalist at the My Hero International Film Festival.

But Chan isn't a one-hit-wonder. Her other work, Miss Illusion, secured a Silver Award at the Collision Awards in the Film (Student) category, proving that her creative direction is as versatile as it is socially conscious.

L-R_ Haorui Tian, Meryl Chan, TPCA Environment Foundation Sponsor, Chin-Yen Cheng, Zih-Hong Jiang

Putting the Philippines on the Design Map

The 2025 TISDC theme was "Diversity," aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. With a win rate of only 0.5%, the competition is notoriously difficult to penetrate. By securing a spot among the 76 winners, Chan has effectively placed the Philippines on the map of global sustainability-led storytelling.

As the only Filipino recognized this year, her achievement is a reminder that the most "local" stories—those of our fishermen, our reefs, and our struggles—are often the ones the world needs to hear the most.

For Meryl Chan, this global recognition is more than a personal milestone—it's a love letter to the Philippine seas and a wake-up call for her generation. By bridging the gap between world-class animation and local advocacy, she proves that Filipino creativity doesn't just belong on the global stage; it has the power to protect the world it depicts, one frame at a time.

Filipino design makes a bold entrance at NY Fashion Week

Filipino design makes a bold entrance at NY Fashion Week

Pauline Miranda 

Inquirer|Lifestyle

26 October 2025

Gone are the days when Philippine textiles and weaves were solely reserved for formal occasions and cultural celebrations. Filipino designers today have constantly been pushing the envelope, reimagining the myriad ways and situations in which we can proudly wear our culture.

Pinas Sadya, a homegrown Filipino brand, recently debuted at New York Fashion Week, showcasing not just our local patterns and textiles but also bringing to the international runway the creative energy that runs through the Philippine fashion industry today.

With bold patterns in blocked colors and flowing layers, Pinas Sadya’s presentation highlights the “radiant, confident, and playful” essence of the Filipina today. The campaign called “Kabogera with a Purpose” featured Maymay Entrata’s “Amakabogera” as its anthem on the runway.

“You are born to shine, to stand out, and to achieve your best,” says Pinas Sadya founder Skeeter Labastilla-Turgut. “This collection is meant to accompany you at different parts of your journey, as you discover, fulfill, and share your purpose.”

“There’s a growing global appetite for Philippine-made, thoughtfully designed products. The response we received confirmed that Filipino creativity resonates internationally while staying true to its roots,” notes Valerie Fischer, co-founder and general manager of Pinas Sadya.

“You are born to shine, to stand out, and to achieve your best,” says Pinas Sadya founder Skeeter Labastilla-Turgut. “This collection is meant to accompany you at different parts of your journey, as you discover, fulfill, and share your purpose”

Fischer adds, “It has been very exciting to see our audience engage with the collection and connect with the stories behind the pieces. The enthusiasm and feedback reinforced the potential for Filipino brands on a global scale.”

The New York Fashion Week presentation also featured work by partner designers and creatives. Accessories by Filipino artist and designer Farah Abu accompanied the Pinas Sadya pieces, adding depth, cohesion, and personality to the looks.

Following their fashion week appearance, Pinas Sadya will join other Filipino brands in a special cultural expo also happening in New York: Yaman 2025, which is set to take place from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 at Marriot Marquis, Times Square, New York.