Bags woven from buri, a common palm, and other indigenous materials from Pangasinan have found their way to the international market and are set to take center stage in New York City during FashionPhilippines New York 2026 on September 16-18.
The Olly+Fely brand is owned and managed by Kawayan Nature EcoFriendly Product Trading, a Bolinao-based enterprise that produces fashionable yet sustainably made bags from buri, a material abundant on Santiago Island in Bolinao town and the nearby island town of Anda.
‘We are proud and honored to share that Olly+Fely officially joins the roster of emerging Filipino brands for FashionPhilippines New York 2026,’ said Precious Cayaon, who, together with her husband Jeff, owns and manages the community-based enterprise.
Their business works with local residents who weave indigenous materials into bags and other fashion pieces, turning a traditional craft into products that now reach markets beyond the Philippines.
‘For Olly+Fely, this marks another meaningful step in bringing proudly Filipino craftsmanship and woven artistry to the global fashion stage,’ Cayaon said.
When the couple entered the industry, many island weavers were on the verge of giving up their craft because traditional designs fetched low prices.
The couple started their business modestly, producing simple bags, purses and mats.
Over the years, however, the buri-weaving industry has experienced a revival. Islanders-mostly women-are now engaged in stripping, dyeing and weaving buri fibers into elegant and sustainable fashion pieces that appeal to environmentally conscious consumers around the world.
The bags, Cayaon said, have also ‘leveled up,’ now incorporating premium-grain leather, quality hardware and carefully selected accessories. Yet at the heart of every piece remain the skilled women of Bolinao, whose hands continue to transform raw fibers into works of fashion and craft.
Now, Olly+Fely is bringing these creations to New York, where the Accessories Council Trade Show describes the brand as embodying ‘whimsy and craftsmanship,’ creating character-driven accessories that celebrate individuality through playful designs and thoughtful handmade details.
From the quiet weaving communities of Pangasinan’s islands to one of the world’s fashion capitals, the journey of buri reflects not only the revival of a traditional craft but also the growing reach of Filipino artistry.
FashionPhilippines New York 2026 is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions in partnership with the Accessories Council.