Getting inspiration from the Imelda Collection, we opted to incorporate tribal pattern to each strand, which then was braided and stitched together. The pattern for this necklace was inspired by the handwoven fabrics of Philippine Indigenous groups, the Ifugao and Itneg. The necklace is dominated by the colors of red, orange, blue. One strand measuring 16 inches in length took eight hours of hand stitching seed beads on black felt cloth. We had to stitch the seed beads on a 1 inched width of felt cloth. Creating a pattern within a limited area proved to be a test of patience!
Anna Thema
Up close
Strands braided together
Braiding highlights the patterns
Tribal and ethnic trends never really go out of style
In the age of the cyberspace, shopping has been taken to the next level through the ability to purchase products with just a few clicks from a button. Which is why we have partnered with several credited online shops to carry our products. Some of our pieces are carried and sold by online shop WALL TO WALL.
WALL TO WALL is an online shop that showcases a wide selection of new and vintage clothing, one
of a kind fashion accessories, furniture, and other preloved finds, carefully selected for everyone to choose from.
Here are some of the pieces from Palamuti that they are currently displaying, which you can purchase on their website.
We are a country blessed with perpetually long summers. Summer inspired outfits will never go out of style. Here are some style tips from Bloomingdale's Fashion Directors, Stephanie Solomon and Brooke Jaffe.
Spring & Summer Fashion 2012 Trends: Printed Jeans & Tribal Prints
Style Tips:
Trend # 1: The New Printed Jeans
1) Look for artistic and abstract prints
2) Color block your bag or shirt
3) Go nude or light-hued when it comes to shoes
Trend # 2 : The New Printed Look
1) Pair prints with subtle extras
2) Keep it current by adding white- not black
3) Take your wardrobe cues from the bag hues
Trend # 3 : The New Tribal Print
1) Chandelier earrings and gold jewelry take you from beach to black tie
2) Pair with organic materials- a crochet top or woven sandals
3) Accent with neon. Underpinning! A bold clutch!
Women's Spring & Summer 2012 Fashion Trends (1920s/1950s Inspired)
Style Tips:
Trend # 1: The New 20s
1) Get deco with drop earrings
2) Think sequins
3) Fit is key! Keep it feminine and flirty
Trend # 2 : The New 50s
1) Add a neon pop with a cardi
2) Sunglasses are a must! Cat's-eye or classic Ray Bans
3) Make it modern with a leather jacket and white pumps
Spring & Summer Fashion 2012 Trends: Tips for Color Blocking Outfits
Style Tips:
Trend # 1: Color Blocking
1) Balance brights with neutrals, warm with cool
2) Slash it with a bold bag
3) Add a pop of neon with your shoes
Trend # 2 : The New Color-blocked Bag
1) Update your basic black bag with a lady-like color-blocked purse
2) Take your wardrobe cues from the bag's hues
3) Contrasting neutrals are an easy way to try the trend
Spring & Summer 2012 Fashion Trends: How to Wear Neon Colors
Style Tips:
Trend # 1: Neon
1) Balance brights with neutrals, warm with cool
2) Slash it with a bold bag
3) Add a pop of neon with your shoes
Trend # 2 : The New Neon Scarf
1) Neon + Print = the new everyday essentials
2) Make it adorable! Turn your scarf into a top
3) Take it from the boardroom (around your neck) to the beach (as a cover-up)!
The vinta is a traditional boat found in Mindanao. To the locals, it is also known as lepa-lepa or sakayan. These boats are made by the Badjaos and Moros living in the Sulu Archipelago. A typical vinta is characterized by its sail, the design of which comprises of assorted vertical colors which represent the colorful culture and history of the Muslim community who makes and uses them. These boats are used for inter-island transport of people and goods and can be found easiest in Zamboanga City.
The vinta is also the inspiration behind the latest wearable art piece from local artisan PJ Valenciano. While browsing through the internet, she came across a photo of a dark man inside a boat, with corals and huge conch shells on the floor of the craft surrounding him. It was, however the colorful geometric patterns on the sail of the boat, a vinta, that she found most striking. What sets this piece apart from other bib necklaces that have saturated the market today is the craftsmanship behind it and, most importantly, the distinctly Filipino look and feel that it exudes. One glance and you can definitely see the resemblance to the Muslim vinta!
Vinta-inspired necklace for any occasion
This work of art was made with the features of the Filipina in mind. Rich and opulent without overpowering, the Vinta-inspired necklace re-interpets our local heritage and translates it into the new millennium. The play of colors, from citrusy lemon, mandarin, lime, and apricot, to cooler greens and purples is balanced enough that you can wear it regardless of time of day or season or even the wearer's skin tone. And the piece itself, though more eye-catching and hefty than the usual chain necklace, is versatile enough to be worn with a white shirt on a simple lunch out with friends, or with a white gown on your special wedding day.
The Vinta-inspired necklace from Palamuti is truly a must-have this season, and for the years to come. After all, showing off your heritage is never passe. Given the intricate details of the piece (which took three days to make) and the artisan's philosophy on creating only one piece per design, I'd get my hands on one as soon as I could if I were you ;) Contact PJ Valenciano for customized versions of this featured piece or to visit her showroom.
Also, watch out for more wearable art pieces inspired by the colorful and lively patterns unique in Philippine cultural artifacts!
A few days ago, we talked a little bit about the Tribal trend that is sweeping THE WORLD! I don't want to oversaturate you with all this gushing, but the ethnic/tribal trend is really one of my favorites. In the last few years, it has been getting stronger and stronger, particularly during the warmer seasons, and it looks like it has no plan of stopping!
Another great thing about this trend, apart from the beautiful colors and bold and intricate patterns, and the boost it gives to tribal communities, is that it is so easy to incorporate them into ANY wardrobe. seriously!
There are so many versions out there to suit your needs. If you're a simple gal, you can go with a big statement piece, or something with subtler tribal hints to dress up your minimalist wardrobe. In fact, this makes the look stronger and really helps the ethnicity of the piece shine through!
You can also go the "traditional" tribal route, which means layering the prints and colors. For the longest time, we've always been hesitant to use more than one print in an outfit. But whenever you see the Ifugaos up in the mountains, or even the Badjaos who are playing on the streets in modern clothes styled according to their taste, the explosion of color is always a pleasant surprise.
Girly? Rocker? Serious, no-frills type? There's a tribal girl in you, roaring to be unleashed. Roaring, get it? eh, oh well! The joke may be the lame, but the trend is far from it. Enjoy! And watch out for the upcoming Gameng ni Maria collection for summer! it's gonna be H-O-T!!!!
The very first piece from Palamuti's Summer 2011 Collection
It's official. Tribal is IN again! Hmm, was it ever even out? Unlike gladiator shoes and colored skinny jeans, we can never have too much of the ethnic. Why is that? Well, perhaps it's because going tribal is simply like returning to our roots. In other countries, their national costumes are worn everyday. they have slightly more practical versions of it, yes, but it's still unique to their culture. Tribal is such a good thing that the Western countries are even adopting this and incorporating it into their dress.
Here in the Philippines, there is an abundant and very diverse selection of fabrics and traditional clothing from all over the provinces. Our way of dressing is very Western because of the influence of the nations which have colonized us, but as the clamor for a truly Filipino culture grows louder and stronger, so does that for authentic Filipino wares.
What does it mean, to be Filipino? and what does it take for something to receive this kind of label? That might take more blog posts than can be read. I urge you to consider these questions because these are significant to our cultural recovery.
Going back, of course, just because something is on trend doesn't mean you have to jump on the bandwagon--it only means you have more options!! See, although the above necklaces were manufactured by big fashion houses, even practical Filipinas can proudly wear their own.
Palamuti Gameng ni Maria
Palamuti's PJ Valenciano has come up with yet another collection of delightful statement neckpieces--this time made all the more wonderful by the use of Abel Iloko, a fabric we can proudly call our own. By going tribal, we are able to not just look good and help support a cherished but endangered industry, we also come closer to developing our sense of Filipino-ness.
So go ahead and unleash the true Filipina in you! You'll love her!
