Filip + Inna: A story of faith and healing

Only one word comes to mind when you see her clothes hanging in a shop window: “Happy.” Made of natural fabrics from linen to silk, embellished with a signature indigenous design in perfectly handmade stitches, it would be difficult to miss the Filip + Inna collection. As a foreign client commented during a recent trunk show in Greenwich, Connecticut, “ I just had to come in because the clothes looked so happy!” It is undeniably the same spirit that Len Cabili, founder of Filip + Inna, has created for herself and for her team.

Born out of a combination of her childhood days in Iligan, Mindanao and her years of dance with the famous Bayanihan Dance company, this entrepreneur was constantly exposed to different indigenous groups at a very young age. This special experience could not leave her unchanged. As such, coupled with her degree in BS Clothing Technology (UP Diliman) and a pattern-making class under the supportive tutelage of none other than notable designer Jojie Lloren, Len decided to create something that could proudly be called “Filipino” — or perhaps in this case, Filip + Inna. Hence the name and the flavor of her work.

Being aware and appreciative of the traditional skills of weaving, embroidery, and the beadwork of our local craftsmen, it was simply a natural progression to make this the theme of her business. Clothes travel to wherever these indigenous groups are located. Each tribe is given guidance as to the pattern and colors and the rest is left up to their inherent talent. Every piece is unique and handmade. It can never be rushed or sold in bulk. All limited. All special. Though not an easy process, once you see the result, it is worth the wait.

The result? A collection of well-cut dresses, tunics, skirts, blouses, and pants all made of natural materials and indigenous designs hand-stitched to perfection. Each of her products features a wonderful balance of neutrals and vibrant colors. She has also found a magic combination of beading and sequins that complement her clothing … all very wearable and equally affordable. No wonder the energy behind every piece is happy! 

However, despite the apparent joy and lightness sewn into every fabric, the beginning of this endeavor came from a much darker place. Diagnosed with papillary carcinoma (thyroid cancer) a few years back, Len knew she had to do something that had both purpose and fulfillment. She realized that part of her healing meant being busy doing what she enjoyed. So taking advice that a friend had given her — “Every cancer has a silver lining,” she decided that this business endeavor was to be her silver lining. Not only did she resolve to bring beautiful things to life, she also chose to help others improve theirs. Her business would result in providing a source of livelihood for artisans all over the country. Every piece that comes out of the Filip + Inna workshop is truly the result of a collaboration of genuine Filipino talent.

The pattern of joy, however, does not ingrain itself only in the designer or the artisans, but rather, it resonates with every proud owner of each piece. It is hard not to imagine the work that goes into every stitch and the hope that threads every knot. Did these weavers realize how far away their work would be appreciated and by whom? Did they realize that by just being true to who they were at their core that they would make us Filipinos all very proud? When you first see a Filip + Inna dress you will notice the intricate patterns but the simplicity of its message. You will know immediately that it is special. Both old world and new, inherently Filipino and potentially global, the Filip + Inna line has only begun to share the beauty of our culture with the world.

When asked what her plans were for the future, Len replies, “ There are a lot of things in the pipeline, but as I have learned the past two years, I just need to focus on taking care of the artisans and making good quality garments and accessories — then the story of Filip + Inna will naturally unfold in ways that are almost unimaginable. Till this day, I am in awe as to how our small operation has found its way to even New York!”d

Yet as amazing as this story is, so also is the person behind it. Not all people can transform personal healing into a personal mission to help others. When asked about how she sees her life at this point, she replies, “ My faith plays the most important part and has given me direction on how to live a well-balanced life. I fail at times, yet I learn from it and forge on.”

It must be this hard-earned faith that brings the “happy” in Filip + Inna and the true healing in Len Cabili’s life.  

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Filip + Inna is available at Itsie-Bitsie Boutique, Rockwell Center. E-mail Len Cabili at info@filipinna.com; visit www.filipinna.com.

E-mail: tcbautista@arkeology.org.