THIS FILIPINO DESIGNER IS TURNING PINEAPPLE LEAVES INTO HIGH FASHION
By: Hillary LeBlanc
Many countries remain under-acknowledged for their rich and deeply rooted textile traditions, despite having influenced global fashion throughout centuries of craftsmanship, cultural storytelling and innovation. The Philippines is a powerful example — home to centuries-old techniques like piña and abaca weaving, yet its contributions to global textile heritage are often overlooked in mainstream fashion conversations.
Many communities in the Philippines work collaboratively to create textiles used locally and to export. Preserving weaving traditions and supporting artisans is intentionally sacred. The Piña handloom of the Aklan province is a creative tool that has recently been nominated into UNESCO inscription and is used by designer Maikaelo to craft gowns celebrating their heritage.
According to the UNESCO website, “Piña is a textile made from pineapple leaf fibres and woven using a handloom. Farmers harvest the leaves of the pinya Bisaya, a specific pineapple species and extract the fibres by hand. The fibres are weighed using a local unit of measurement and method involving old coins of different denominations.” The unique skill of piña handloom weaving are traditionally passed on within families, however certain institutes also provide training on related agricultural practices and weaving. By making textiles this way, garments are eco-friendly and organic. It is for these reasons UNESCO inscribed the Aklan piña handloom weaving on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Source: Kiros Images
Designer Maikaelo uses the piña fabrics to celebrate their culture and Filipino heritage with every garment they make. They are also members of the Aklan Fashion Designers Association, which promotes and collaborates with local artisans, local weavers and promotes the piña fabric. Both the organization and Maikaelo were ecstatic to see their culture inscribed and recognized by UNESCO. “This recognition affirms what we have always known, and that is that the practice is not only beautiful, but also culturally vital, ”says Maikaelo.
Maikaelo uses their fashion brand as a vehicle for storytelling and as a very personal creative outlet. The process of designing pieces can carry emotional weight and certainly exude cultural meaning. Previously, they worked on pageant gowns and bridal gowns, which helped them grow their technical design skills and they are now pivoting to couture gowns.
The loss of Maikaelo’s grandfather in April 2025 wasn’t just the passing of a loved one—it was the loss of a mentor, a creative spark and the person who first placed a needle and thread in their hands. It was under his quiet guidance that they learned the art of sewing, not just as a skill, but as a form of storytelling, patience, and love. Before this loss Maikaelo was thinking of quitting design but this tragedy inspired them to continue the legacy for him.
Since then, Maikaelo has developed a new relationship with fabric because it reminds them of death and mourning. Maikaelo also began to research more historical Filipino traditions, which led to them learning about Manunggul Jars, which are used as coffin alternatives. This inspired a particular design, which was recently shown in a runway collection at Fashion Art Toronto (FAT). The sculptural piece opened the show to signify the symbolic nature of their work.
Source: Kiros Images
As a proud Filipino, Maikaelo will always champion their heritage. “I find ways to reinterpret Filipino craft in a more contemporary voice but for me, celebrating heritage means more than preserving one's tradition. It means keeping it alive and evolving through time.” Maikaelo aims to show how Filipino culture is dynamic, relevant and full of creative possibility. By having UNESCO inscribe the piña loom, one of the designers at Aklan Fashion Designers Association has shared that he feels proud and happy because the recognized by UNESCO means their indigenous textiles being recognized globally.
The inscription of the piña loom by UNESCO means visibility and awareness of cultural heritage, increased awareness about how the loom contributes to the communities’ identity, creative industries and sustainable development. Inscription instils pride and provides an incentive to learn more about the loom. The inscription has been cause for national celebration, since garments made from the textiles are worn throughout the country and increases intercultural and interpersonal exchange of skills and experiences between the Aklanon and other weaving communities and provinces.The inscription also allows awareness of the loom and piña materials to spread among the Filipino diaspora resulting in uptake of it’s use. The entire process has been an honour to the Filipino community and Maikaelo is proud to share her knowledge through the continued use of the loom.