Courtesy of BAYO
Inspired by her sustainable venture Eco-Uling, Aya Fernandez brings a spirit of creativity and conscience to Bayo’s latest collection.
Filipino fashion has always been about more than clothes; it’s about the stories woven into every piece. For more than 30 years, Bayo has outfitted generations of women, becoming part of their milestones both big and small. Today, the brand continues this legacy through a collaboration with Aya Fernandez, whose creative efforts redefine purposeful design.
Aya, an actress, beauty queen, social entrepreneur, and founder of Eco-Uling, has combined her interests and passions with a sense of social responsibility. What began as a university research project, transforming discarded coconut shells into sustainable charcoal, has since grown into a social enterprise that reduces waste while providing livelihood opportunities. Her journey, fueled by curiosity and a deep sense of responsibility, resonates with Bayo’s long-standing commitment to thoughtful design. “Every piece of charcoal may look the same,” Aya said in her speech, “but what makes it beautiful is the story that it holds; the hands make each briquette, the families, the passion of our people.”
When asked what inspired her to say yes to this partnership, Aya shared, “Honestly, this feels more like an ambassadorship. I wasn’t part of the design process, but what inspired me to say yes was how deeply Bayo’s values mirror my own. Like Eco-Uling, Bayo believes in community-driven, purpose-led business. We both believe in products that are not only of good quality, but made ethically.” This alignment is also personal for Aya, who values integrity and leadership: “At Eco-Uling, I always ask: How is something made? Who does it impact? What story does it tell? Bayo carries the same consciousness in fashion, from responsibly sourced fabrics to investing in local communities.”
The collaboration was unveiled at Vestido in Makati with designs inspired by Aya’s Eco-Uling story through earthy palettes, organic textures, and accents of coconut shell. “The coconut-shell buttons really moved me,” Aya said. “It’s the same material at the core of Eco-Uling, where we transform coconut waste into eco-friendly charcoal briquettes. Seeing that parallel was so special. It’s a small detail, but it represents how innovation and sustainability can be woven seamlessly into design, celebrating Filipino ingenuity.” The launch carried the same spirit of resourcefulness, with fixtures crafted from charcoal and repurposed textiles.
A defining highlight came when Aya was presented with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) pin, formally recognizing her as Bayo’s newest ambassador. For Aya, this partnership goes beyond aesthetics: “I hope people feel that they are not just wearing fashion, but also becoming stewards of a greater purpose. When you wear these pieces, you’re part of the advocacy. You carry the voices of the communities who made them, and you become an ambassador for sustainability yourself.”
And if you’re wondering what piece Aya loves most? “The Ridley jumpsuit, made from linen, is my favorite,” she said with a smile. “It’s versatile and practical. I can wear it to our factory, during site visits to our coconut waste suppliers, or when meeting coconut farming communities.”
