Tags: Accessory designer in Davao City Accessory designer in the Philippines arts and crafts Creative Collaborations in Manila Philippines Arts & Crafts Davao designers Kadayawan Kay Fanlo Meg Hernandez Meghann Hernandez Metro Mom Philippine Fashion Support local Try Local PH
Kay Fanlo’s design story traces back to her childhood years, growing up in a home that encouraged creativity and resourcefulness. The 2018 Habi Kadayawan winner have her parents to thank for paving the way to discover her passion for arts and crafts.
“I grew up in an environment where creativity is a daily norm. My mom was dress maker and my dad would always make something out of broken appliances and furniture. I was not accustomed to toys because my mom’s little pieces of cloth and colorful beads appealed to me more. That was my notion and meaning of play back then. When I was in high school, our mom would get me involved in her projects by entrusting me with all the beadwork for the gowns she made. That task gave me my first pay.”
Photo courtesy of Kay Fanlo.
She eventually saw a business opportunity in handicrafts and she became an entrepreneur while in college, making and selling beaded necklaces and earrings to various tourism establishments and hobby shops. During her six-year stint in the corporate world, she continued making accessories and souvenir products which were sold in community bazaars.
She left her job in 2011 and pursued a business in making crafts and souvenirs out of polymer clay, which also led her to start a series of arts and crafts workshops in and out of Davao City. By that time, she was already a mom, and this career proved the most fitting to her daily schedule and parenting style.
Photo courtesy of Kay Fanlo.
Year 2018 launched Kay Fanlo to the public as a full-fledged accessory designer. She was invited to join the Habi Kadayawan style and fashion showcase, where she was declared as winner under the Hobbyist / Artist category.
“The competition led me to rediscover my passion for designing accessories. It gave me the freedom to play with other materials. The pieces I made can be worn with different clothing styles, which make them suitable for any occasion.”
Photo courtesy of Kay Fanlo.
SMX Convention Center Davao invited Kay to launch her new accessories at the Philippine Federation of Local Councils of Women. It was a gathering of key female personalities and game changers, celebrating each one’s success and contribution to the community. Kay’s design launch was positioned as one of the event highlights.
Photo courtesy of Kay Fanlo.
“For my accessories, I experiment with mixed media and materials like glass beads, seed beads, pearls, metal, wood and other materials I can incorporate with clay. My design aesthetics prominently feature Mindanao culture and the faces and works of indigenous people.”
Kay aspires to grow her fashion business to give her bigger opportunities to work with indigenous people and provide them with a more sustainable income.
Photo courtesy of Kay Fanlo.
“As of the moment, everything is on pre-order basis, since all the pieces are handmade. The scarf that goes with the centerpiece is also handwoven by the indigenous people.”
For more information, orders and product details, follow @KathrynFanlo on Instagram or email kay_1182@yahoo.com.
Story also published on my Metro Mom column in Edge Davao newspaper.
