Woven Together:
ALAB UPIS x VILQUIN
written by Anna Mercado Clark
header photo by JJ Aquino
ALAB UPIS is proud to introduce
a limited edition capsule collection of contemporary Filipino streetwear, offered in collaboration with esteemed fashion designer, architect, and UPIS alumnus
(Class of 2000),
JJ Villanueva Aquino.
Weavers Devinogracias Amado, Brigilda Belisario and Rowena Pantil
All items incorporate a bespoke fabric that was especially designed for this collection and meticulously handwoven by artisans in the Bulbulala weaving village of Peñarrubia, Abra, including one of the few remaining master weave pattern makers, Devinogracias M. Amado, Rowena Pantil (weaver/pattern setter on loom), Marivic Pantil (weave pattern maker apprentice), and Brigilda A. Belisario (team leader/weaver).
Watch clips of the weaving process here
Proceeds from the made-to-order collection featuring three exclusive designs, Ningning women’s blouse, Siklab men’s polo and Sinag women’s terno top, will fund ALAB UPIS’s homecoming projects. Among these projects are the ambitious and much-needed Legacy Project, which aims to provide financial and career mentoring support to select underserved students for six years; the Parangal sa mga Guro at Kawani which gives back to the school’s faculty and staff; and the 2022 Grand Alumni Homecoming.
“Vilquin’s mission is to bring to the forefront the artistry and beauty of Philippine textiles from various ethnic groups and communities,” says Aquino. “Through the ALAB UPIS x Vilquin collection, we continue to support the artisans and the craft of local handwoven textiles.”
Aquino spent his formative years at UPIS, having attended the school from Kindergarten through High School, and received his B.S. Architecture degree from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. He subsequently completed an intensive course in Fashion Design at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines-Ortigas (2019).
“I always like to explore the intersection of architecture and fashion,” says Aquino. “My focus is on creating modern, streamlined silhouettes by using local textiles and indigenous crafts, always through sustainable practices and fair trade.”
He is the recipient of many accolades, including the Best in Fashion Illustration and Designer of the Year Awards in 2019 from the Fashion Institute of the Philippines for his work, “Boloto Ko Bel,” a Maranao phrase meaning “Bahaghari sa Usok.” The collection earned rave reviews not only for its artistry but also because it honored warrior weavers of Marawi and supported Sinagtala PH, a not-for-profit organization that provides assistance to Internally Displaced Persons, especially women and children.
JJ Aquino
UPIS has a proud tradition of attracting and cultivating gifted students who are passionate about Philippine culture and egalitarian ideals, particularly with regard to education. Chief among them is Aquino.
ALAB UPIS is honored to collaborate with Vilquin on this collection, which offers a fresh take on traditional Filipino fashion while celebrating and supporting an indigenous art form and skilled weavers, as well as the UPIS legacy of accessible quality education for all.
Please support this collaboration by placing your orders while limited pieces remain. Consider further supporting the ALAB UPIS Legacy Project by donating here.
To view more of Aquino’s impressive body of work, please visit the following accounts on Instagram: @vilquin_manila and @vilquin_nene (fashion) and @jfradesign_enterprises (for architecture).
About ALAB UPIS:
A project of UP Integrated School Batch ‘97, ALAB UPIS is raising funds to help underserved UPIS scholars, give back to faculty and staff, and host the school’s 2022 homecoming. Shop UP and UPIS inspired merch or donate here. Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram and tag #ALABUPIS!