One of the beautiful things about finding a group of artists so dedicated to celebrating and exploring their Black heritage and identities is being inspired to get curious about my own Filipino background, especially in relation to traditional crafts and making. In my googling I came across VINTA Gallery - based in Toronto and Manila, the fashion line takes cues from traditional Filipino formal wear to create classic bespoke modern Filipania, each piece handmade in the motherland under the direction of master couturier Lita Lagman.
Recently I let myself get a little carried away (in typical Filipina fashion) with a sale on their handmade earrings, and when they arrived I couldn't help but do an impromptu photoshoot with my new treasures. The use of denim and lace makes me think of a creativity and resourcefulness that's very much a part of who I am - maybe it's something inherently Filipino.