Tati Miranda-Fortuna’s new clothing line, Tahi, promotes sustainable practices while honoring the weaving traditions of Kalinga, set to launch at the Biyaya Sustainable Living Festival.
Tati Miranda-Fortuna, a native of Kalinga, is making strides in the fashion industry by promoting sustainability and circular fashion through her latest project, Tahi, which is designed to honor the local weaving community. This initiative emerges in a landscape dominated by fast fashion, characterized by mass production and rapid trend turnover, leading Miranda-Fortuna to advocate for a more sustainable approach to clothing.
As the founder and president of Ucycle, established in 2021, Miranda-Fortuna has already carved a niche in creating workwear and corporate attire from upcycled materials. Now, she aims to extend her efforts through her new clothing line, Tahi, set to debut at the inaugural Biyaya Sustainable Living Festival from March 14 to 16 at Parqal, Aseana City in Parañaque.
Miranda-Fortuna’s advocacy is rooted in her connection to her mother, who grew up in Lubuagan, Kalinga. Her mother’s legacy as a doctor serving the rural community and her involvement in cultural celebrations inspired Miranda-Fortuna to promote and respect indigenous heritage and crafts. “Her influence exposed me to a lot of promotion of culture, heritage, and tradition,” Miranda-Fortuna noted, emphasizing a deep familial commitment to service and community engagement.
In her pursuit of sustainability, Miranda-Fortuna aligns with the women artisans of Mabilong, known for their unique backstrap weaving techniques. Recognizing the beauty and cultural significance of these weaves, she is determined to make them more accessible for everyday wear. “Their weaves are very beautiful and intricate. I thought they should be showcased, but these products are very hard to make; it takes time and effort,” she said.
Tahi aims to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern fashion, utilizing sustainable fabrics, including deadstock materials and indigenous weaves, to produce everyday clothing. By doing so, Tahi seeks to create a line that resonates with various lifestyles, promoting a concept known as a capsule wardrobe—where fundamental clothing items can easily be mixed and matched. The collection will include staples such as sleeveless blouses, polos, and jackets, all designed to be stylish yet practical.
“With Tahi, we’re looking to produce pieces that allow for versatility—items that are easy to mix and match,” she described, also highlighting the collaborative effort with renowned Filipino fashion designer Jun Escario in the design process. Despite the possibility that prices may reflect the craftsmanship involved, Miranda-Fortuna assured consumers they will receive quality pieces built to last.
In a bid to support her community, Tahi will not be mass-produced; instead, it will focus on sustainable practices. “What we have here is considered slow fashion because we work with the weavers. If pieces are sold out, people can order, but they will have to wait as the weavers craft them,” she explained. This method not only preserves traditional weaving techniques but also empowers artisans, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their skilled labor.
As Tahi prepares to launch, Miranda-Fortuna looks forward to showcasing the textile heritage of Kalinga while fostering recognition for local weavers as artisans and entrepreneurs. She stated, “On my end as an individual offering a clothing line, I want to give people more sustainable options where they can get good pieces while also supporting communities.” Through her initiatives, she hopes to elevate the conversation surrounding fashion sustainability and encourage a shift in consumer habits towards more thoughtful purchasing.
Source: Noah Wire Services
