“Pro-Philippines, pro-poor and pro-environment,” is the slogan of natural cosmetics company Human Nature—but it could represent any of the social entrepreneurs and organizers involved with Artisan Made Philippines, an event kicking off Filipino-American Heritage Month with a celebration of contemporary Filipino craftsmanship and cuisine.
Kristine Surla, founder of the Los Angeles chapter of Young Women Social Entrepreneurs, wanted to do something to celebrate the artisan, handmade goods being produced in her native Philippines. Specifically, the work being done by social enterprises which found ways to give back to their local communities and often integrating traditional crafts, such as tribal weaving and embroidery, into contemporary designs.
An eco-friendly fashion show will highlight garments from Filip+Inna, Rags2Riches and ANTHILL. The designers work with craftspeople in the Philippines to create sustainable systems from weaving the fabrics to sewing and finishing the garments. Models wearing the clothing and Human Nature makeup on the runway will be influential Filipino-Americans from the L.A. area, including Ivan Altamirano, the mayor of the City of Commerce.
“To me, these are some of the best in the social enterprise space,” Surla told the Asian Journal. “Hopefully, this is just the beginning of sharing what can be created in the Philippines.”
The day will close out with a special Kamayan-style dinner prepared by Chef Yana Gilbuena, who was recently profiled in the New York Times for her two-year nomadic dinner series, the SALO Project, which helped cement Filipino fare as the trendiest cuisine du jour. Each of the five courses sent out—all served on banana leaves—will be inspired by a different tribe or indigenous region of the Philippines
It’s sure to be a valuable reminder of how we can spend our money in ways that make a positive global impact for L.A.’s vibrant Filipino-American community and beyond.
Artisan Made Philippines takes place on October 1 from 12:30 to 9:30pm at a private loft (address supplied to ticket buyers). Tickets are available online for $25 to $150.
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