The gift of weaving
In the Philippines, the art of weaving is deeply rooted in history, culture and tradition. Furthermore, it has transcended and been globally popularized as handcrafted souvenirs, gifts and other related ideas. To some extent, weaving has become a dying art form.
Through the decades, the number of weavers has diminished due to age (most of them are old), lack of interest from the new generation, lack of demand from both local and international markets, dated concept or ideology and support for sustainable livelihood. Efforts to save this cultural dilemma is on the rise as independent groups and brands are reinventing the concept of the art, creating progressive designs, providing stable jobs to communities and elevating this homegrown pride global. One notable name that helps preserve the art of weaving is Zacarias 1925.
One of the game changers in the industry, Zacarias 1925 is a contemporary bag line that champions the design profusion of art in fashion. The bag line weaves the old and new through its distinctly outstanding pieces that showcase modern and universal designs, brilliant woven artisanal works, ingenious and innovative sculptural exposition of indigenous materials and most importantly an inspiring image of the new global Filipino brand.
A leader of the fresh pack of design individuals, Zacarias 1925 creative director Rita Nazareno is going the great distance for the wicker and chair cane. An advocate of contemporary design, Nazareno fashions with pride and ingenuity the essence of each style piece relevant to the “newness” culture. Nazareno, whose family owns the almost century-old SC Vizcarra, a pillar in Philippine bag industry, moves forward as she slowly creates more than a lasting impression with every collection.
Referencing contemporary art, architecture, cinema and design, the brand’s handcrafted excellence and astounding beauty of uniqueness have captivated the world. After landing on the pages of globally renowned glossies such as Vogue Nippon, Paper, etc., the brand has remained a constant presence in top prestigious international fashion trade shows such as Premiere Classe and Maison et Objet in Paris, Pitti W Firenze, Super Milan and The Gallery Düsseldorf.
Zacarias 1925 is one of the new independent torchbearers in taking local design forward. Through modern handwoven bags of excellent form and function, the brand’s visionary direction is bridging the gap from the distant past as it instigates the rebuilding of global design consciousness.
More importantly, the brand espouses the noble effort of weaving dreams, tradition and culture with relevance to the times. There is hope as Zacarias 1925 and other local future brands band together through their individual triumphs to bring Philippine weaving to the world.
(For inquiries, visit www.zacarias1925.com or e-mail rita@zacarias1925.com and marjorie@zacarias1925.com.) Photography by Jo Ann Bitagcol • Fashion styling by Luis Espiritu Jr. • Model: Jasmine Maierhofer (Mercator)
