Lulu Tan-Gan Tells ‘Shirt Stories’ And New Possibilities For Piña in November Pop-Up
Piña-cotton striped shirting, featuring Tan-Gan’s signature Lampara sleeves and cross-beadwork. Silk accents and cuffs complement the jacquard handwoven by Aklan artisans. Courtesy of Lulu Tan-Gan
Titled “Tailored Traditions,” the collection reimagines the time-honored fabric through contemporary designs at Power Plant Mall.
Long before sustainability became a buzzword in fashion, Lulu Tan-Gan was already at the forefront of the movement, knitting garments using a hand loom. But Tan-Gan’s only way forward is to keep evolving. Two decades after mastering the craft, which earned her the title “Queen of Knits,” she introduced the concept of PiñaWear as a ready-to-wear line and pursued her “farm-to-fashion” approach.
This November, Tan-Gan continues her exploration of the textile with a collection of piñaPiñaA luxurious, translucent fabric hand-woven from pineapple leaf fibers, most closely associated with Aklan in Panay. The painstaking process of extracting and knotting the fibers makes piña rare and costly,Go to Piña Glossary “shirt stories” that highlight the versatility and many forms of handwoven pineapple fabric. Titled “Tailored Traditions,” the collection bridges tradition and innovation, honoring the country’s heritage while giving the material a contemporary touch.
“With the rising interest in piñaPiñaA luxurious, translucent fabric hand-woven from pineapple leaf fibers, most closely associated with Aklan in Panay. The painstaking process of extracting and knotting the fibers makes piña rare and costly,Go to Piña Glossary, I feel that I have come full circle. Over the past 20 years, I have explored and tested this raw, ethereal fiber through various forms of fabric manipulation. With ‘Tailored Traditions,’ I return to the essence of my journey: modeling heritage for contemporary use,” she said in a statement.
In the collection, piñaPiñaA luxurious, translucent fabric hand-woven from pineapple leaf fibers, most closely associated with Aklan in Panay. The painstaking process of extracting and knotting the fibers makes piña rare and costly,Go to Piña Glossary fabrics and tailored shirts take center stage. Barongs, oversized dress shirts, and vests are crafted using piña fabrics and blends that represent the designer’s design DNA.
“This is artisanal fashion that embodies understated luxury, with travel-friendly designs that seamlessly blend practicality, elegance, and the timeless beauty of piñaPiñaA luxurious, translucent fabric hand-woven from pineapple leaf fibers, most closely associated with Aklan in Panay. The painstaking process of extracting and knotting the fibers makes piña rare and costly,Go to Piña Glossary. It brings together heritage and vintage influences with a sporty-chic sensibility,” she added.
While heritage is one of the collection’s primary focuses, Tan-Gan knew that the goal was not to remain stagnant. By experimenting with new ways of working with traditional textiles and moving beyond their conventional associations, the garments remain timely and relevant while making piñaPiñaA luxurious, translucent fabric hand-woven from pineapple leaf fibers, most closely associated with Aklan in Panay. The painstaking process of extracting and knotting the fibers makes piña rare and costly,Go to Piña Glossary more accessible to younger generations. This willingness to push the boundaries of the textile has been a defining part of Tan-Gan’s practice over the past 20 years, and “Tailored Traditions” brings that journey into focus.
“In a world often obsessed with extravagance, true luxury resonates with those who understand the value of refinement and quiet confidence,” she said. “It transcends trends and ostentation, focusing instead on the inherent beauty of materials and craftsmanship. It embraces simplicity and authenticity.”
Tan-Gan’s creative journey was never a walk in the park. It is the product of multiple attempts and experiments to figure out how tradition and innovation can coexist while maintaining authenticity through her brand DNA.
Tan-Gan’s “Tailored Traditions” will launch on November 4 at the designer’s pop-up space at the 2/F Powerplant Mall, Makati City.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lulu Tan-Gan is a Filipino sustainable fashion designer, famously known as the “Queen of Knits,” who pioneered blending traditional Philippine textiles with modern ready-to-wear fashion.
It is Tan-Gan’s new clothing collection featuring piña (pineapple fabric) “shirt stories,” including modern barongs, oversized dress shirts, and coats that blend traditional heritage craft with contemporary style.
“Tailored Traditions” will launch at her pop-up space on the second floor of Power Plant Mall.
She earned the title by spending two decades mastering hand-loom knitwear techniques long before sustainable fashion became popular.
Piña is a traditional Philippine fabric handwoven from fine pineapple leaves, known for its light, fine texture and cultural heritage.