Samar’s banig gets a bold, colorful makeover at ArteFino 2026

Each purchase contributes to preserving an enduring cultural tradition.

Traditional banig weaving from Basey, Samar is stepping into the fashion spotlight with a vibrant collection of handcrafted bags that gives the centuries-old craft a contemporary twist.

LARA Samar officially launched its KOLORES Collection at ArteFino 2026, transforming the familiar geometric patterns of Samar’s woven mats into modern handbags, totes, and smaller accessories in striking shades of pink, blue, green, yellow, orange, purple, and natural beige.

The collection keeps the intricate handwoven texture of banig while presenting it in structured, fashion-forward silhouettes. Neutral-colored trims frame the woven panels, creating a grid-like design that makes each piece look both traditional and distinctly modern.

Every bag is meticulously handmade by artisans from Basey, a town widely known for its mat-weaving tradition. Through the collection, LARA Samar hopes to introduce the craft to a wider market while helping sustain the livelihoods of local weavers.

The brand said each purchase contributes to preserving an enduring cultural tradition and empowering the artisans who continue to keep the craft alive.

More than accessories, the KOLORES bags serve as wearable pieces of Samar heritage—showing that banig need not remain confined to household mats or decorative pieces. With bold colors and contemporary forms, the traditional weave can move easily from provincial workshops to malls, offices, and modern wardrobes.

The KOLORES Collection is being showcased at the South Court of Rockwell’s Power Plant Mall as part of ArteFino 2026, which runs from July 30 to August 2.

As LARA Samar puts it: wear color, carry culture, and weave hope.

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