As social distancing is now the norm, public gatherings have been put to a halt with some establishments such as our favorite local bars in Metro Manila even closing down for good. Fortunately, some local designers and communities that once sold their products in person are getting a chance to display their products online, thanks to the ArteFino community which holds an annual fair of fashionable products from clothes to accessories.
Formerly held as a 3-day annual event at Rockwell Center from 2017 to 2019, the ArteFino fair is now online this year. This means we can now shop items from various local brands – such as Linea Etnika, ANTHILL, Tan Gan, and Wear Your Culture – any time we fancy some online shopping.
No Beso Beso Big Fan and Mask
Image credit: Shop ArteFino
ArteFino’s website includes an array of products to choose from, from protective wear to dresses to tops to bags, and more. Currently, around 45 local brands are selling their products – and expect more items to come in the succeeding weeks and months.
You can start looking at their items from their protective wear designed with a cheeky take on social distancing measures. Casa Mercedes x Monchet y Compania’s No Beso Beso Big Fan, imprinted with the text “No Beso Beso” (no hugging), and mask are tropicana-themed items (P1,150, ~USD23.63) that are a perfect addition to your collection of tita accessories during COVID-19.
Wrap Around Dress
Image credit: Shop ArteFino
The Wrap Around Dress (P4,800, ~USD98.62) from Happy Andrada would make a perfect upgrade of your usual pambahay outfit while you work or study at home.
Image credit: Shop ArteFino
The comfy dress from the brand’s artisans of Lumban, Laguna is hand-embroidered with cute icons of street vendors we usually see in the streets before the pandemic. It also comes with a matching mask and headband to complete your at-home look.
T’boli Round Neck Shirt
Image credit: Shop ArteFino
Hand-embroidered by the women of the T’boli from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Niño Franco’s T’boli Round Neck Shirt (P4,500, ~USD92.46) is a good choice for gents who want to add a touch of local to their collection of casual plain t-shirts.
The stitches on the shirt are inspired by the Kegal Nesif of the T’boli tribe, characterized by geometrical designs derived from nature such as flowers, the sun, and leaves.
Marawi Euro Card Holder
Image credit: Shop ArteFino
You can support the craft makers of Marawi by purchasing the Marawi Euro Card Holder (P850, ~USD17.46) from GW by Great Women that comes in different color combinations and patterns. The card holder is made up of genuine leather adorned with handwoven cotton textile.
Banyan Zumi Bag
Image credit: Shop ArteFino
Surprise your mom with Allena’s Banyan Zumi Bag (P1,800, ~USD36.98) that can carry everyday essentials. It’s made up of 95% cotton and 5% polyester, knitted with the patterns of Intarsia and Jacquard knitting techniques.
As ArteFino’s partners are located all over the Philippines, delivery time may vary by brand. But you can expect your orders to arrive 3 to 5 working days after you confirm your payment. If you want to send items as Christmas gifts to a loved one abroad, you can do so as well as they also ship worldwide.
You can learn more about the latest line-up of products from ArteFino from their live virtual sale happening from 16th to 18th October 2020.
Image credit: Shop ArteFino
ArteFino is a community of Filipino artists and entrepreneurs who create local crafts and fashion products available for anyone looking to support our country’s own creators. Says co-founder Mel Francisco, “I would like for the world to take notice of what our country has to offer in terms of artisanal goods, and for Filipinos to take pride in these goods and use them in their everyday lives.”
ArteFino comes just in time for the Christmas gift-shopping season, when local, unique products will certainly stand out from regular mass-market gifts. Beyond getting what we pay for, supporting local artisans also helps our communities sustain their livelihood during these challenging times.
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Cover image adapted from: Shop ArteFino
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