Teen joins local weaving conservation convo
The precolonial art of weaving has found an advocate in 14-year-old Edriana “Rian” Yupitun, the youngest intern for Habi: The Philippine Textile Council, as well as the group’s youth ambassador.
During the past year’s Likhang Habi Market Fair, Yupitun offered an uncommon sight. The teenager wasn’t a mere curious passerby or an unwilling visitor dragged to the expo by local craft-loving parents. Instead, she stood behind the counter, offering her own creations under the brand Designs by Edri that helps promote and support the local weaving community.
The Everest International Academy student has created a book of paper dolls featuring traditional and contemporary garments using patterns of locally woven fabrics from all over the country; a set of note cards bearing the same; and twillies made from indigenous fabrics.
Since becoming part of Habi, Yupitun has learned to be proud of Philippine weaves and the people who create them. She has also become intent on spreading the word on local fabrics through her products.
During an interview with Lifestyle, the young designer-slash-entrepreneur said her passion for fashion moved her to make the paper doll book. “I just always wanted to create something and show to the world, and also give back to the people, because the proceeds go to Habi’s endeavors,” she said.
Since its establishment in 2009, the Habi Council has been relentless in its mission to “preserve, promote, and enhance Philippine textiles through education, communication, and research.” Although much still remains to be done, the local weaving industry and communities have only become stronger and gainful since.
Brighter future
Unsurprisingly, conversations surrounding cultural conservation often involves adults—experts and people who hold authority and influence to make decisions and make things happen. But this teen’s dedication and dreams show how important it is to engage the young ones as well, because they most certainly are listening and want to secure that brighter future just as much as their elders do, if not more.
“Habi Girls: Mga Manikang Papel” caters to the young generation by helping them cultivate interest and pride in Philippine weaves early on. “I feel like we should all be proud Filipinos,” Yupitun said, adding that exposing people to this part of the culture at a young age would help them “connect with our ancestors and our past. It grows within them.”
Her twillies, on the other hand, present an easy way to showcase Filipino culture no matter the age. These long, narrow scarves are quite versatile and can be worn as an accessory in a number of ways: as a headband, a neckerchief, a corsage, a belt, and even as bag ornament.
“My goal is to see everyone as proud weave-wearers and I can do that by adding the twilly to my daily outfits. For example, I put a twilly in the handle of my backpack, and also wear it as a belt or a cute hair accessory,” she said.
Joining the Habi Fair has been exciting for Yupitun because “this is really what I want to do. I was able to see the community that supports our Filipino fashion,” she said. “I think it’s really beautiful how we can all gather to showcase what we have. I know that I’m very gifted to have what I have, so I want to spread the gifts that I have to the whole entire world,” she said.
“Fashion really is my passion and I want to continue in the future because I have so many goals for myself and so many things I want to achieve,” she added. “I’m really happy that I was able to start young.”
Designs by Edri products are available at Museo Pambata, or order by messaging @edri.designs on Instagram.
