September 7, 2024 – Llamanzares Barongs, a Filipino menswear label that showcases the fine needlepoint work of Lumban’s artisans, recently made its global debut at the FILIPINXT FASHION SHOW during New York Fashion Week. The artisanal brand showcased its first capsule collection of contemporary barongs at Annex 417 on Fifth Avenue in New York City.
Llamanzares Barongs presented the Classic Luna and Bonifacio barong Tagalogs ( A light, loose, long-sleeved man’s shirt more commonly known as the national dress shirt of the Philippines) from its inaugural collection and two runway pieces crafted exclusively for New York Fashion Week. The runway pieces reimagined the classic Safari jacket, utilizing the finest piña fabrics from Aklan and the brand’s signature callado details. These unique designs test the brand’s commitment to bringing time-honored craft traditions to modern wardrobes.
“We’re thrilled to have debuted Llamanzares Barongs on a global stage at this year’s New York Fashion Week,” enthused founder Brian Poe Llamanzares. “FILIPINXT has done an outstanding job of highlighting Filipino talent, and we are honored to have been part of this incredible showcase. Being included alongside other remarkable Philippine homegrown brands is the inspiration for our team. This global debut is our homage to Lumban and the artisans who have poured their hearts into every piece. Every barong that was sent down the runway of New York Fashion Week is a celebration of their craft and artistry.”
Every piece created by our brand is a celebration of the rich traditions of Lumban, Laguna, also known as the “Embroidery Capital of the Philippines.” Meticulously embroidered barongs from the brand honor the storied past and promising future of the region, bringing its intricate needlepoint work to the forefront of contemporary fashion.
About Llamanzares Barongs
Llamanzares Barongs is an emerging Filipino menswear label dedicated to elevating barong Tagalogs. Every piece created by the brand celebrates the rich traditions of Lumban, Laguna, also known as the “Embroidery Capital of the Philippines.” Meticulously embroidered barongs from the brand honor the region’s storied past and promising future, bringing its intricate needlepoint work to the forefront of contemporary fashion.
Founder Brian Poe Llamanzares envisioned Llamanzares Barongs as a retail menswear brand dedicated to bringing craft traditions to the contemporary art of dressing. Inspired by his deep roots in Lumban, the brand is a personal tribute to his paternal lineage and his hometown’s storied past. Llamanzares Barongs intentionally collaborates with local artisans, ensuring that Lumban’s embroidery techniques are celebrated, preserved, and passed down to future generations.
Generations of Artisans
The brand’s principal embroiderer, Miss Rose, is a third-generation artisan from Lumban. Her dedication to the craft is unwavering, having learned the fine art of embroidery at a young age under her mother’s expert guidance. Today, she continues to pass down her skills and knowledge to the next generation, including her son Alex. He works closely with Llamanzares Barongs as the designer for embroidery patterns.
Handwoven piña fabrics, all ethically sourced from Aklan, serve as the canvas for Miss Rose’s intricate needlework or callado. These embroidered fabrics are then brought to our expert tailors in Manila. It can take up to 30 days for a barong to be made, from sourcing to tailoring. This commitment to craft and uncompromising attention to detail distinguishes Llamanzares Barongs.
In The Company Of Global Filipino Brands
Founded in 2023 in New York City by fashion designer Bessie Besana and Filipino-American entrepreneur Rob Mallari-D’Auria, FILIPINXT has swiftly emerged as a trailblazing platform that elevates the artistry and craftsmanship of Filipino designers on the international stage. On September 7, 2024, at the Annex 417 on 5th Avenue, FILIPINXT presented its second show during New York Fashion Week, marking a milestone in its journey of celebrating Filipino talent.
The runway featured stunning collections from acclaimed Philippine designers Chynna Mamawal, Andrea Tetangco, and Adrienne Charuel of Maison Métisse. Further enriching the showcase was FILIPINXT’s Capsule Collection show, which featured standout pieces from LLAMANZARES BARONGS, Gabby Garcia of Tagpi, Wilson Limon of NiñoFranco, and Bessie Besana himself.
Guests were treated to an exclusive trunk show before and after the runway, offering a rare opportunity to acquire select garments from the featured designers. The event attracted notable Filipino figures, including Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach Jauncey, R’Bonney Nola, and Marizza Delgado, adding a touch of star power to an already illustrious evening.
This year’s show held more profound significance due to FILIPINXT’s partnership with FPJ PANDAY BAYANIHAN, a foundation chaired by Llamanzares Barongs founder Brian Poe Llamanzares. As an official partner, the foundation reinforced the shared mission of uplifting Filipino talent, promoting local craftsmanship, and creating sustainable opportunities for artisans. The collaboration underscored an inspiring message: Filipino creativity, culture, and tradition not only deserve global recognition but are integral to shaping the future of fashion.
Brian Poe Llamanzares reflects, “We couldn’t have come up with a better way to launch the brand, during New York Fashion Week and alongside global Filipino brands. As a young retail label specializing in menswear, Llamanzares Barongs was established as a platform for our artisans, weavers, and tailors to explore how they can take the barong Tagalog forward.”
For more on Llamanzares Barongs & FILIPINXT check out www.llamanzaresbarongs.com and www.filipinxt.com
PHOTOGRAPHY by Shawn Lam | STYLING by Nico Tese
