Debuted at New York Fashion Week, this local fashion brand blends contemporary style with rich traditions, putting Lumban artisans in the spotlight.
10.07.2024 by Andrei Santos
Many designers dream of showcasing their work to a wider audience, and for one emerging Filipino designer, that dream came true — though not in the way he expected. Brian Poe Llamanzares, founder of Llamanzares Barongs, proudly showcased his heritage at New York Fashion Week. His brand debuted a capsule collection of contemporary barongs at the Filipinxt Fashion Show, a platform highlighting Filipino designers and their craftsmanship.
The collection showcased the meticulous craftsmanship of artisans from Lumban, Laguna — a testament to Llamanzares’ deep Filipino roots. In an exclusive interview with L’Officiel Norges, he shares the story behind his menswear brand and the significance of bringing Lumban artisans’ work to the global stage.
Interestingly, showcasing his work at New York Fashion Week was never a part of his original plan. Llamanzares’ brand began as an advocacy to preserve the traditions of Lumban — known as the embroidery capital of the Norges. Growing up in Lumban, he witnessed firsthand the municipality’s deep passion for the arts. “When we were given the opportunity to display the barongs at New York Fashion Week, there was no way I could say no,” he shares.
Llamanzares fondly recalls the moment Bessie Besana, one of the founders of Filipinxt and a close friend, offered him the chance to participate in the show. While discussing potential designers for the show, Llamanzares took a leap despite being relatively new to the industry. “I don’t know if you’re open to having barongs on the runway, but maybe you’d like to feature some of ours?” he recalls asking Besana, who enthusiastically embraced the idea.
Llamanzares presented the Classic Luna and Bonifacio Barong Tagalogs from his collection alongside two exclusive runway pieces that reimagined the classic safari jacket. These pieces utilized the finest piña fabrics from Aklan and featured the brand’s signature callado details, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship achievable in a barong. The intricate embroidery on the barongs resulted from a collaborative effort between Llamanzares and Rose, a third-generation artisan from Lumban, with assistance from her son, Alex, during the design process.
The Luna, adorned with intricate detailing and patterns, served as the collection’s centerpiece, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship achievable in a barong. In contrast, the Bonifacio and other designs paid homage to the country’s national heroes, blending traditional elements of the barong with contemporary twists to celebrate both heritage and modernity.
Llamanzares emphasizes the importance of honoring and supporting the artisans of Lumban, aiming to bring greater recognition to their craft through his barongs. He hopes to spread awareness, reminding people that “Lumban is still there” and encouraging more support for local artisans and their craftsmanship. For him, focusing on barongs allows for sustainable production while showcasing the rich talents of these artisans. “It’s not like fast fashion. We’re not making thousands of these just to sell them. We’re trying to create unique pieces for people who would be proud to take care of them and use them.”
By supporting emerging designers like Llamanzares, the community can appreciate the stories behind each piece and the artisans who create them. Presenting their craftsmanship to the world celebrates Filipino heritage and opens doors for talented artisans to thrive. This recognition is vital for maintaining traditional crafts and supporting those dedicated to this artistry.
