(Artwork by Ariana Maralit)
There is no denying that quality leather products are a good investment, but they also come with a price, especially the ones coming from international brands.
But did you know that we have a lot of local crafters that offer the same quality for a much affordable budget?
Here are four of them that you should follow on Instagram.
- Rory & Sloan
For the ladies looking for stylish yet functional bags, Rory & Sloan is the one for you.
Tagged as the “work-to-life bag,” their croft bags are made with Naga leather that is also wrapped in soft gloss laminate that makes it more water-resistant and even easier to clean ,and maintain. This is the ultimate bag to keep most of your essentials from phones to pocket size alcohol and wipes.
- Eve & Adam
For the environmentally conscious, Eve & Adam is for you. This shop sells stylish bags made from vegetable leather. And you’ll never run out of color choices too from brown, green to maroon, and a lot more! Our top pick? Their Eve handbag that is designed with local wood on the side. This is surely a stunner wherever you go.
“We want you to treasure the things you buy from us for a long time. We are committed to creating pieces you can be proud of wearing because they are made cruelty-free by Filipino artisans in small batches, so you can be assured that quality is not compromised,” the brand says. “We aim to offer something out of the ordinary – that’s why we have bags that can be worn multiple ways, tote that can be reversed so you can instantly have two bags in one, and we also do not limit our designs to neutral colors.”
- By.kinfolk
Owned by three young entreps, this shop made high quality shoes. “From the name itself, our shoes are crafted in Marikina by locally-based craftsmen and women,” the brand tells MB Life. “They are also included in the design process of the shoes. As for the shoes themselves, we use a variety of locally procured materials such as calfskin and saffiano leather, memory foam, heavy-duty rubber sole, and kid suede, among other things in order to create a pair that balances comfort, style, and durability all together.”
- Juanita Studio
If you love retro designs in shoes, this shop is the one for you. Juanita Studio offers various classic designs of footwear for women from flats to heels. Put up by 28-year-old Rachell Crisostomo, she says that when it comes to designs, she takes inspiration from the things she sees. And then from that she works various with craftsmen to turn those designs to reality.
Enjoy shopping!