There is something about handmade banig accessories that constantly captures the eye. They are unconventional at first glance, but these banig bags and wallets, woven wristlets, and even banig trinkets always look right when blended into different outfits.
Woven accessories are now becoming mainstream. Woven products on Etsy, Amazon, and Pinterest have gained traction in the previous years. Fashion enthusiasts looking for a unique addition to their ensembles now consider banig fashion pieces.
These woven creations deserve the recognition they are getting. Here in Haraya, we believe that banig means more than just the aesthetics it offers.
Check out Haraya's woven collection here.
The History of Banig Making
The art of making banig or woven mats runs for centuries and has become a part of a tradition passed from one generation to another.
Although banig makers are now all over the Philippines, the roads still go back to the origin of this intricate art: Basey, Samar.
This little community brought the art of banig to life, and in turn, their art built, sustained, and supported their community. Banig making has been the lifeblood of the people of Basey.
Click here to find out how purchasing Haraya products help support these dedicated Filipino artists.
During the start of the banig industry, the focus was on creating woven mats for people to sleep on instead of a bed. Through the years, banig creators turned to the weaving craft to make market bags (also known as bayong), shoulder bags, and purses and wristlets.
Banig and the Modern Day Fashion
After banig was incorporated into fashion, the art has been reinterpreted. The handmade woven creations are not just stopping with mats. Soon, even the high-fashion people don handmade woven accessories from classy purses to banig wallets.
The use of banig has extended from being a household item to a tool for flaunting style.
Eight Reasons Why You Should Buy Banig Accessories Made from the Philippines
There’s more to a banig product than its looks and aesthetic appeal. When you buy a banig fashion piece, you promote beauty and advocacy.
Here are some important reasons to choose banig accessories.
The actual process of creating banig involves all-natural, indigenous materials. The most popular materials used are tikog, buri, and pandan leaves. The charming tapestry of the banig does not include synthetic straws.
If you feel the banig with your fingers, you will get the texture of the natural leaves used in the process. No plastic and no fillers involved.
Whether you’re a big supporter of ethical fashion processes, or the idea of an all-natural product appeals to you, you should definitely choose banig.
2. Woven Banig Accessories Are DurableJust like woven yarn, woven accessories are undeniably durable. The air drying and sun drying process in banig creation makes the leaves sturdier and firmer. When combined, these leaves make for a robust woven product that can carry a significant amount of weight.
The durable banig feature is evident in the way banig mats, bags, and bayong can house so many items simultaneously without them getting torn or ripped.
The banig industry in the Philippines has a humble backdrop. Up to this day, banig weavers still use their hands to carefully create a woven masterpiece.
Since machines are not used to bring about woven products, quality is assured. Each weave is guaranteed tight and fastened well. The weavings are clean, and everything looks sleek. Even the thickness of the leaves are equal. The entire process ensures that the banig products you buy will last for a long time.
If there’s one thing that can convince you to invest in a wardrobe filled with woven products, it’s the fact that they don’t go out of style.
The overall appeal of banig accessories is elegant and classy. It’s a fashion staple that comes back year after year. You can keep some woven accessories in your closet and revisit them without wondering if they’re still trendy.
There comes a time in your style journey that you begin to look for something more.
A standout trinket, an eye-catching accent, or a detail that is totally out of the box - are just some of the style gimmicks you can do.
Banig comes with such a unique, unusual charm - it can easily give any ensemble you have that “oomph!” factor.
You can find beautiful woven accessories in Haraya's collections. Click here.
The seasons that are frequently associated with woven products are summer and spring. During these times, color blocks come out, and flowy dresses call for a woven, basket-like accessory.
Banig is a big hit during these warm, blooming seasons. But you can still don woven accessories even when it’s chilly outside!
When you pair your monochromatic get-up with a banig laptop sleeve, you convey creativity and fun even if the surroundings feel otherwise.
There’s no season when banig can’t make an appearance!
7.Buying Banig Helps The Community of WeaversBeyond the beauty benefits of banig fashion pieces is a special reason for buying banig: it supports a community in the Philippines.
Banig making is a big part of the lives of these local artisans. Whenever you purchase handmade woven accessories, you’re fueling the dreams of an artist, helping the growth of a livelihood, and allowing artists to see the impact of the products they create.
This craft of weaving leaves is a representation of Filipino creativity. Due to the modernization of the fashion industry, this art needs a lifeline to thrive. When you carry a woven piece, you carry - and sustain - a culture.
Haraya brings more people closer to the beauty of banig by offering woven accessories in the United States.
In Haraya, you will find phone accessories, laptop sleeves, and wristlets - all woven from 100% natural and indigenous materials!
Each piece is fashionable, functional, and stands out in every way!
With products imported straight from the community of weavers, Haraya is a big advocate of promoting banig to the world and lifting the livelihood of local artisans.
To see more of Haraya’s idyllic collection, click here.
Haraya - Bringing Woven Products to the US
If you're looking to buy woven products in the US, you can choose from Haraya's banig collection.
One-hundred percent Filipino handmade woven accessories sourced from the Philippines are now made available by this Texas-based business.
