Filipino Indigenous Fashion Reaches Hong Kong Through Community Support and Purposeful Design
- Mira Sangalang
- Oct 12, 2025
- 2 min read
Filipino Indigenous fashion found meaningful representation in Hong Kong during the Cordillera Tapestry Fashion Show – Season 4, part of The Indigenous People & Festival Hong Kong 2025, held on October 12, 2025, at Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong. The event stood as a collective celebration of heritage, identity, and living tradition—made possible through the unity of Indigenous creatives and the strong support of the Cordilleran community abroad.
Among the designs presented were pieces by Maila Alog, founder and head designer of M.A. Woven Designs, a Filipino Indigenous fashion house recognized for its authentic use of Cordilleran handwoven textiles, particularly Inabel fabric. Her work reflects a philosophy where style is not dictated by trends, but shaped by voice, lived experience, cultural grounding, and purpose.
The Cordillera Tapestry Fashion Show Season 4 was organized by Inang Ivy Gambican Bulagay, with the invaluable participation and support of the Cordilleran community in Hong Kong, whose collective efforts created a meaningful platform for Indigenous expression. Their presence and collaboration underscored the vital role of diaspora communities in sustaining culture beyond the homeland.
It is with humility that due credit is given to Juanita Langpawen, whose genuine support for M.A. Woven Designs made this international appearance possible. At the time the pieces were purchased, there was no prior knowledge or expectation that they would be showcased in Hong Kong. The decision to present the designs on an international runway was entirely her own initiative—an act of trust and belief in the brand that is deeply appreciated.
Her choice to have the designs presented by three young child models quietly symbolized cultural continuity and the importance of passing heritage to the next generation. This moment reflected the strength of organic community support—support that grows naturally through shared values, respect, and collective pride.
This experience affirms that Indigenous fashion often travels not through formal invitations or planned showcases, but through communities that believe in the work and choose to carry it forward. As Filipino Indigenous designs continue to find space on global platforms, it is community solidarity, cultural respect, and shared purpose that remain at the heart of the journey.
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