FiliThreads — Weaving a Legacy One Thread at a Time
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 esigners Tonet Dacillo and Karl Malana from SoCSKSarGen—a south-central Philippine region comprising South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City—showcased their Tnalak and Inaul creations on the fringe couture runway at the Fall 2025 New York Fashion Week. Co-sponsored by SoCSKSarGen USA and Kubo Productions, the show also featured Milan-based Filipino designer Chona Bacaoco and other emerging couturiers from the Philippines and abroad.
 his Feliciano Ador outfit highlights the masterful handiwork of the T'boli tribe of South Cotabato. 2010 Miss Philippines and Miss Universe runner-up Venus Raj wears a strapped Tnalak corset paired with matching gladiator high-heeled shoes, tempered with a simple black satin skirt. The look is accented by a signature tribal fringed bead belt with dangling brass bells, another hallmark of T'boli craftsmanship.Tnalak is a traditional fabric from the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, woven by the T'boli people in and around Lake Sebu in South Cotabato. Made using the Ikat technique from abaca fibers, Tnalak typically features three colors: red, black, and the natural brown of the abaca leaves.  While the statuesque Venus Raj needs no introduction to elegance, Ador's Filipino neo-ethnic creations elevate her innate poise and feminine strength, just as she brings energy and presence to his designs. These pieces, part of Ador's Arise Mindanao collection, achieve a seamless harmony—a perfect match of model and garment, tradition and contemporary fashion. This end-of-summer photo shoot in Manhattan, New York City captures them at their best: elegance in simplicity, beauty in heritage, and strength in quiet confidence."This neo-ethnic collection, featuring Tnalak, Inaul, and other indigenous materials and styles, represents a woman who believes in herself, pursues her dreams with determination, and can showcase her versatility to the world," says Ador.
he renowned Tnalak and Inaul fabrics of South Cotabato were proudly showcased at New York Fashion Week on September 13, 2025, during a special runway presentation at 160 Central Park West. Designers Tonel Dacillo and Karl Malana unveiled contemporary collections featuring Tnalak and Inaul creations, bringing the rich weaving traditions of South Cotabato to an international audience. The showcase highlighted the artistry, heritage, and growing global appeal of these iconic Philippine textiles.
 outh Cotabato celebrated the 2025 T'nalak Festival July 5 through 18 in commemoration of the province's foundation anniversary. The annual event features the cultural heritage of the different tribes in South Cotabato, and promotes the food and tourism highlights within the province, which consists of Koronadal City (formerly Marbel) and 10 other towns and municipalities.
 awangFlores is a purveyor of high-quality bags and accessories made from indigenous fabrics sourced responsibly in Southern Philippines. GawangFlores also provides custom-made fashion wardrobe, and rents gowns, dresses and tuxedos for events such weddings, parties and fashion shows as well. Visit them HERE for more details. |
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