Going Tribal

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!