When it comes to designer bags, you don’t have to look far. In the Philippines, you'll be surprised by the large selection of creative and unique designers who craft bags that not only stand out in style, but also represent our Filipino heritage and culture. Plus, these bags are often more sustainable than the big-ticket luxury brands everyone covets—and you'll be supporting local artisans, too!
So, if you're looking to add some variety to your collection, below are some purses from our very own local designers that'll spruce up your wardrobe.
SHOP: Filipino Designer Bag Brands
Carl Jan Cruz
Carl Jan Cruz offers a vibrant collection of colorful printed and muted totes made from rib, twill, and poplin, available in a plethora of sizes and designed for versatile wear. From relaxed hobo bags and placemat-shaped bags to bucket bags and bowling bags, each piece embodies the raw and authentic Carl Jan Cruz style.
The Gala Tie bag in Lagoon which comes in BB, PM, MM, and GM sizes is our top pick with its adjustable knot strap. Wear it as a shoulder bag, a crossbody, or around your waist like a belt bag.
Gala Tie GM, P17,500, CARL JAN CRUZ, carljancrewz.com
Bagasao
Bagasao's trapezoidal satchels, crafted from genuine cowhide leather and featuring gunmetal hardware, come in four distinct colors: Eclipse (black), Burnt Tangerine (tan), Syrah (grape), and Midnight Bordeaux (reddish brown). Available in small and medium sizes, these satchels offer a sophisticated and durable option for any wardrobe.
3-way Core Satchel Midnight Bordeaux, P17,820 (Small) to P19,490 (Medium), BAGASAO, bagasao.com
Halohalo
Aptly named after our beloved icy dessert, this brand serves up a delightful selection of woven bags featuring classic Filipino textiles. They reimagine the traditional bayong with playful and stylish designs, such as the one-of-a-kind Lotus Basket, Tulip Tote, and Gumamela Bag. Whether you're going to the beach, heading to a garden brunch, or simply going about the sunny streets of Manila, these Halohalo bags are sure to put the fun in your OOTDs.
Small Lotus basket in Strawberry kiwi, P7200, HALOHALO, halohalostore.ph
R2R
Rags2Riches or R2R is dedicated to sustainability and Filipino culture, creating intentional, multi-way pieces handmade by artisans in the Philippines. Since 2007, R2R has been taking small steps towards style and sustainability with high-quality woven bags available in various colorways and sizes. Our personal favorite is the Buslo bag, a reliable catch that comes in selections of solid colors or a mix of vibrant threads. You can even customize your own!
Buslo Mini Blocks Magenta Magic, P2500, R2R, r2r.ph
Marricola
Marricola pieces, designed by Marriel Colaljo, are truly one-of-a-kind. Each item is the result of a unique production process involving plastic cut-offs, heat, steel, wood, and velvet. The primary component, plastic cut-off, is shaped by heat, while wood provides warmth and stability. Hand-sewn by skilled partners, Marricola never compromises on quality, ensuring that every piece is a work of art and that no handbag is the same. According to the brand, replication is not possible, so the bag that you own is yours alone.
Arcoíris in Kiat Kiat, P11,970, MARRICOLA, marricola.com
Zarah Juan
When you think of local designer bags Zarah Juan is often the first name that comes to mind. Fun and quirky with a purpose, her eponymous brand is known for its collaborations with Indigenous communities that weave, sew, and cut each component of her designs to exact measurements. Their dedication to elevating their work is evident in every bag they create, from woven solohiya pieces to structured designs like their carabao-shaped Islaw Kalabaw and Jeepney Tote.
Jeepney Tote in Itim, P7000, ZARAH JUAN, zarahjuan.com
Palengke
Palengke, another quintessential Filipino brand, offers clothes and accessories that embody the true Pinoy spirit. Among their standout items is the Balikbayan Bag, a limited edition, reversible box-shaped bag with only 12 pieces made. It comes in two colorways featuring a Golden Spider marble charm from Greece and fabricated in the Philippines, with a pouch for storing smaller items.
Balikbayan Bag in De-lata, P17,000, PALENGKE, plngke.com
Construction Layers
Staying true to its industrial aesthetic, Construction Layers presents a selection of crossbody bags with signature fringe designs and drawstring pouches that are as practical as they are stylish.
This compact version of the Ruched Crossbody Bag, initially introduced in the previous collection, maintains the practicality of the original. It features an extended strap with a pointed end, adjustable by a metal sliding buckle and secured with two garterized loops. The bag is finished with an inner patch pocket and a snap closure for ease of access.
Medium Fringe Jacquard Ruched Crossbody Bag, P9790, CONSTRUCTION LAYERS, constructionlayers.com
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