Photographed by Kim Santos
Rita Nazareno
Untitled (Rain coat)“A wide swathe of indigenous and foreign cultural influences, intricate craftsmanship, and an innate sense of storytelling make Philippine craft distinctive to me.”
“A wide swathe of indigenous and foreign cultural influences, intricate craftsmanship, and an innate sense of storytelling make Philippine craft distinctive to me.”
The creative director and bag designer veers into fashion’s impact on the environment with her entry into Vogue Threads.
Hand-woven in exquisite wicker using the Zacarias1925 Monolith Cloud in a crumpled weave technique, Rita Nazareno’s piece pays homage to traditional rain gear while reflecting contemporary design sensibilities. The weave’s texture is reminiscent of weathered geological formations, capturing how nature performs the passage of time. The garment, which required three weeks and a dedicated team to finish, was crafted meticulously in the S.C. Vizcarra Workshop, a legacy brand founded by Nazareno’s grandmother in 1925 and currently run by her mother.
The result is a raincoat that exemplifies Nazareno’s vision: one that celebrates pre-colonial heritage while addressing the impact of climate change in the contemporary context. The designer’s interwoven experiences as a creative director for ZACARIAS1925 and as a passionate, lifelong creative influence her perspective on design. “A wide swathe of indigenous and foreign cultural influences, intricate craftsmanship, and an innate sense of storytelling make Philippine craftsmanship distinctive to me,” Nazareno says.
On its second anniversary, Vogue Philippines invites homegrown and global creatives to Vogue Threads, an experience that weaves Philippine culture, creativity, and community into the world. Its inaugural edition celebrates Filipino artistry and heritage, through an exhibit featuring the works of designers from the islands of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Photographed by Kim Santos. Art Director: Jann Pascua.
