Philippine Bags

Filipino has always been inclined in making many artistic products. Today, the Filipino bag designers have started emerging in the International scene. The interesting thing about this is that these designer handbags cost more than a thousand dollars which a middle-class Filipino can hardly afford. The bags are expensive because, as experts would point out, of their intricate detailing, embellishing and crafting. The common things among these designers are their use of local materials and other Filipino artistries.
Provided here now are the cited famous bag designers that have been feature in some of the magazines in US. Most bags are displayed too in upscale boutiques and shopping malls.

Bea Valdes
Bea Valdes is an amazing designer of beautifully crafted bags. You will definitely enjoy purchasing one of her collection since most of her bags are beaded with craftsmanship and uniqueness. No two bags are exactly the same. That is the beauty of buying a bag from Bea Valdes.

Her designs are carefully made of out of the inspiration that she can find in every piece of her own creations. Sometimes, you can find her staring at the pieces in her hand finding some kind of inspiration, and from there a new concept is born. Her bags are an eclectic blend of different materials like the old swatch antique fabrics and the more modern effect of glass, semi precious stones, crystals and leather.
If you visit her website you will be amazed by its good collection. It is simply stunning, exquisitely beautiful, and very artistic. In every design of her bag, you can see some bits and pieces of the Filipino spirit within. She is a very creative designer that is why her bags are well received around the world. The amount of time she spent and all the hard work are all worth her effort with her resulting masterpieces.
Related Websites:
http://www.beavaldes.com

Ramon Felix Totengco

Another world renowned designer that has grace the international scene is Ramon Felix Totengco. He was born in Bacolod City but went to New York to further his study in the Fashion Institute Technology. While studying, he supports himself by working as a design assistant in the city.

Before he went to New York, he had been designing a brand name “Schizo” under SARI-SARI store which became a hit with his local customers. He was only 18 years old at that time and no proper training in the fashion industry. All he has is his passion for designing which started at an early age.

In New York, his first creation was a skinny mod belts accessory for a SoHo boutique. After a year, he designed his own collection of handbags that were displayed in Bergdorf Goodman. It was a start of his designing career that garnered numerous awards for his designs. After a while, he finally openned his own boutique in America and Japan, offering various collections of handbags, shoes, small leather goods, men’s bag and accessories.

Today, he offers his collection at various boutiques and department stores around the world.

Related Websites: http://www.rafe.com

Tina Maristela-Ocampo

Tina Maristela-Ocampo is a former model turn entrepreneur which sells luxury evening bags called “Celestina Maynila”. The success of her bags in the United States and other parts of globe proved how a Filipino concept can really succeed in the global market.

miss tina herself

Some of her bags have a price as high as $8000. Her designs were featured in famous fashion magazines like Vogue and W, a high class magazine in America. Her bags are sold at high-end boutiques in United States, London, Russia, Hong Kong and probably opens next year in Germany. Another interesting fact is that her bags are displayed along side some famous brands like Marc Jacobs, Fendi, Balenciaga, Lanvin and Venetta.

they’re so gorgeous but sooooo mega expensive!!!! $$$$

The difference with Celestina bags with others is the use of local components and the artistry of local talent. She employs different designers in the country to make the different parts of her bags. This just goes to show the craftsmanship of Filipino talent. Her bags are materials came from different places in the

Philippines like:
Baguio’s silver, copper and brass
Bulacan’s filigree
Pampanga’s kamagong (ebony)
Zamboanga’s stingray shagreen (raw hide)
Palawan’s crocodile leather
Cebu shells and mother of pearl

Looking at all of her materials, as a Filipino, you can be proud of all the natural wonders that are found in different parts in the Philippines which made up the world class quality of Celestina bags.

Related Celestina’s Websites:
http://www.fashioninsanity.com/2007/08/celestina-bags-by-tina-maristela-ocampo/
http://www.nikkypals.com/2008/05/tina-maristela-ocampo-known-celestina.html

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