Bringing the artistry of Kalinga culture to New York
Starting Bagoyan was never just about creating clothes, it was about promoting Kalinga and our weaves and realizing my passion project.
It is telling a story that’s been with me for as long as I can remember. A story of my roots, my culture, and the craftsmanship that’s been passed down through generations.
It is a tribute to my family; honoring my late great-grandmother, Bagoyan, my grandfather Ernesto Baac Sr. and my grandmother Benigna Baac, who all made indelible contributions to Kalinga.
Bagoyan is my Kalinga name, which means a “a woman of power and beauty.” Today, it is more known as a Filipino brand name.
The Bagoyan collection shown in New York Fashion Week is a tribute to the resilience and strength of the indigenous people of Kalinga.
This year marks a significant milestone for us and the entire Bagoyan family. Though our fifth anniversary won’t be until May, presenting “Bagoyan Rising”at New York Fashion Week felt like the perfect way to celebrate everything we have built so far, and the path we’re on. This collection is a reflection of where we have been, where we are, and where we’re going. It’s not just a moment in time. It’s a journey, one that we are incredibly grateful to share with all Filipinos.
Filipinxt invited our brand to join their show for Fall/Winter 2025. Filipinxt is a platform dedicated to showcasing Filipino talent and craftsmanship on the global stage. It was founded by Rob Mallari-D’Auria and Bessie Besana.
When we were invited, we were excited and nervous at the same time. We had to make this show a memorable experience, especially because we were representing the Philippines in the New York Fashion Week.
“Bagoyan Rising” is very personal to me. When I started this brand in May 2020, I wanted not only to promote Kalinga and our culture but also to create something that felt authentic, something that told the story of our people. This collection, more than anything, is about rising from our roots, from the challenges (because I started Bagoyan at the height of the pandemic), from the culture that shaped me. As a Filipino designer (if I can already call myself that, as I am not educated to be a fashion designer; instead, I finished my Juris Doctor), I wanted to bring the beauty of Kalinga weaving to the forefront.
“Bagoyan Rising” is also a celebration of resilience, heritage, and evolution.
Rooted in the artistry of Kalinga weaves, it tells a story of transformation, how our cultural tradition woven into the mountains of Lubuagan, Kalinga has ascended to the global runway, that is in New York Fashion Week. Each piece is a tribute to the resilience and strength of the indigenous people of Kalinga, honoring our traditions while embracing innovation.
Kalinga textiles are a treasure, each piece is handwoven with so much care, and they carry with them a legacy that spans generations. The intricate patterns, the vibrant colors, and the texture are a reflection of our people and the land where we come from. To me, it felt only right to honor that tradition in a modern, meaningful way. It wasn’t just about incorporating the weaves into our pieces, it was about giving them the respect they deserve and showing the world how beautiful and relevant they still are today.
Working with the artisans from Kalinga was a humbling experience. These weavers are masters of their craft, and their work is more than just technique; it’s a form of storytelling. Their hands create something that carries the heart of our culture, and it was my goal to bring that into the designs. I wanted to create pieces that told stories of strength, resilience, challenges, everyday victories, and the beauty of both tradition and innovation coming together.
On the runway, the garments felt like more than just clothes. They felt like a conversation between the past and the present. Seeing those Kalinga weaves shine under the lights, whether they were in bold, geometric patterns or subtle, layered textures, was a moment we’ll never forget. The collection felt complete, not just because of the designs, but because of the hearts behind them.
As we approach our fifth anniversary, I can’t help but feel excited about what’s next. We’re focused on growth, both in terms of our global presence and how we connect with our community. We’ll continue to expand our reach, collaborate with like-minded creators, and stay true to our values of sustainability and honoring craftsmanship. My vision for Bagoyan is to continue telling meaningful stories, to empower women, to support artisans, and to create designs that not only look beautiful but carry a purpose.
