5 ways to incorporate traditional Filipino weaves into your modern #OOTDs

Traditional weaves and fabrics are no longer limited to indigenous tribes. A growing number of designers are incorporating these patterns and textiles into their creations, allowing city dwellers and urbanites to wear them as pants, skirts, shirts, and more.

Kultura, the cool Filipino store by SM, this week launched the AlterNATIVE collection, which features brands bringing together indigenous weaves, local fabrics, and traditional details from cultural communities with modern styling an contemporary silhouettes.

If you want to wear traditional textiles but are unsure how, below are a few fresh few ideas from the collection.

1. As a jacket

If you find prints intimidating because you’re a plain shirt kind of a gal, get a jacket that features such weaves. It can be the much-needed accent your otherwise basic outfit. Hand-beaded T’Boli jacket by Kaayo.

2. As a halter top

Designers are awesome at bringing the patterns into modern pieces. Check out this halter top by Linea Etnika. It’s subtle but the intricate Yakan woven patterns from Zamboanga are ever-so-present.

3. For your formal attire

Who would have thunk that jusi barong and indigenous textiles would make for modern formal or business attire? Check out this hand painted jusi barong from Raffaela, a brand that pays homage to time-honored Philippine traditions through intricate hand-painted and embroidered details that are worked on homegrown fabrics like abaca, piña, and silk cocoon; and on the left, an embroidered tunic from Violet Vine, a brand that prominently features embroidered tunics and dresses.

4. As shorts or skirt

The patterns make for a very cute pair of weekend shorts don’t they? They’d make a cool skirt for Monday meetings too. These cuties are from Violet Vine as well.

5. As a scarf

Like the jacket, scarves can give your #OOTD a nice pop of color; it can also be the accent piece to your wardrobe. This one is from Kaayo. — LA, GMA News

The AlterNATIVE collection is available in selection Kultura locations.