We look back on humble beginnings of Filipino brand CALLI as they celebrated their relaunch last July 12, 2023
The surge of homegrown brands has been greater than ever in the Philippines. They branched out to fashion, food, beauty, and lifestyle as they promote their selected communities that champion various practices. It’s an impressive movement that was done by many people as they continue to advocate for the artisans in the country.
This time, we put the spotlight on a brand that has been active in the sustainability game for 10 years. Its founder, Tessa Nepomuceno, concentrated on its global presence and has now decided to properly reintroduce CALLI bags to the local scene.
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Tessa Nepomuceno shared that the start of it all was purely accidental yet still destined to happen. What was supposed to be a quick fitting in Laguna turned out to be the place she was supposed to be in after deciding to visit a place that specializes in woodworking. “I saw their works, met the owner, and we instantly clicked. Right there and then, I bought a piece on the spot and the rest was history.”
The fashion entrepreneur then began exploring the ways of design. Although her career was in the tourism industry, Tessa has always been fond of fashion, which is why it felt like second nature for her to handle the process of designing. She expressed, “I worked closely with the wood carvers from Paeta and embroiderers from Merville so we can execute the designs with utmost precision.”
What makes CALLI different from other artisan labels is their support towards various communities rather than opting for just one. It’s their dedication to showcase numerous talents from across the region that makes the artisan brand what it is now. Never one to stray away from their design, Tessa shared that their process of creating always focused on the quality rather than the trend.
With a vision that captures the essence of traditional artistry and taking it to international waters, Tessa focused her attention on placing her pieces across the globe in various retail stores. With her background in export and trading combined with her passion for fashion and design, it’s safe to say that CALLI has quite the influence outside the Philippines.
So how come the relaunch for this Filipino brand happened? Tessa only found it fitting to have CALLI be properly introduced in the Philippines after 10 years of dedicating it to the world of global fashion. Think of it as an act of love to the culture that the brand is grounded on.
“I’ve placed my focus on the global market for 10 years, so I think it’s the perfect time to have CALLI introduced to its home.”
Alongside their relaunch, they also introduced a new line of designs that embody elegance and traditional artistry. They offer a wide range of styles that can be used for casual wear or fancy night outs.
Photos: CALLI
