I’m proud of Philippine culture and products! When I heard about Vesti – Mindanao Handwoven Indigenous Fabric Bags, I get so excited and check it out. The product is proudly made by Yakan and Tinalak tribe members from Mindanao. They take turns in weaving the fabrics then turn it into transformed into functional, stylish and lifestyle bags.

What is Vesti?

“‘Vesti’ in Russian means ‘messages”. It is about sending out messages, telling people that each bag comes from different tribes and weavers in Mindanao. The weavers have been doing this all their lives. How come they don’t get the orders, the international recognition, the national recognition that, okay, this is what they’ve been doing?” shares Martha Rodriguez, owner and designer of Vesti bags.

The Story of Vesti

The idea of VESTI started from a circular-shaped sling made of abaca that founder and designer Martha Rodriguez designed back in December 2010. That style was a best-seller, the hero, and the inspiration of VESTI from her previous collection, “Cocktails ” – a capsule of cocktail handbags and slings made from mix-and-match fabrics (cihffon, taffeta, canvas, cotton and other modern fabrics.

Using the particular abaca bag, people would come up to Martha and ask where she got her bag. She was surprised but happy that her design and fabric used were liked and appreciated. She suddenly thought about creating another brand of bags that would showcase indigenous fabrics from Mindanao and combine it with modern designs and embellishments.

“Being a Mindanaonon myself, born and raised in Cagayan de Oro City, I had one goal in mind for VESTI: build Mindanao Pride through indigenous fabrics woven by different tribes in Mindanao (Tinalak, Yakan, Hinabol, Abaca, Mindanao Silk, Jute, etc.) into modern, functional and lifestyle bags,” shares designer and founder, Martha Rodriguez.

VESTI is ‘clothing’ ethnicity with modernity. It incorporates Mindanao weaves as key designs, assisting its small-scale industrics and livelihood programs and promoting Mindanao-materials combined with modern embellishments.

So what are you waiting for? Upgrade your look and get ready for these urban-sexy bombshell bags!

Check out Vesti’s website:
www.vesti.ph
www.themall.ph/vesti

Showroom
#15 CRM Imelda Street, BF Almanza, Las Pinas (for appointment only)

Stores
Moana Boutique, G/F Powerplant Mall, Rockwell, Metro Manila
Anthill Fabric Gallery, Pedro Calamarde Street co. Acacia St. Gorordo Ave, Lahug, Cebu City
Mai Crafts Store, Velez-Chavez, Cagayan de Oro