![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sms-bridges.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Feanne-photo-1.jpg\")
As the creative force behind her eponymous brand, FEANNE, she crafts intricate patterns that adorn an array of canvasses, from fabric to wallpaper, capturing the essence of ornate stylized flora and fauna. Her journey, deeply entwined with Japanese culture and aesthetics, reflects a unique narrative of artistic evolution and cross-cultural confluences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Birthing an art-driven brand<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sms-bridges.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Feanne-photo-4.jpg\")
Feanne<\/strong> wearing her reversible kimono and full skirt in Sabong print. Photographed and directed by Tricia Gosingtian<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n\u201cMy origin story for my brand is long and not straightforward,\u201d Feanne (who prefers to be referenced by her first name, and no more, in work-related media) says. An alumna of the University of the Philippines \u2013 Diliman, where she graduated with a degree in Interior Design in 2011, Feanne made the leap from interior design to textile design, some years post-graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After having her art stolen in 2012 (by someone who took her designs, entered them in t-shirt design contests, and then eventually sold the shirts), she realized that she could very well use her own designs to sell her own line of clothing. \u201cThe real happy ending of this story is that it got me thinking about my art’s potential for commercial applications. I figured, \u2018if he can win t-shirt design competitions using my art, then I can probably sell t-shirts printed with my art\u2019,\u201d she recounts. Feanne also started licensing out her art a couple of years after the incident. So, while it wasn\u2019t mean to bring her good fortune, Feanne certainly used the circumstance to her advantage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI started printing my art on fabric, and then getting that printed fabric made into scarves and kimonos\u2026 even if I had no training in fashion design and manufacturing, I was able to pull it off because of what I learned in interior design,” she recounts. \u201cMy own approach with my career is much less like a to-do list, and much more like planting some seeds in a garden, not really knowing which ones will bear fruit, and improving the garden bit by bit,” Feanne shares of her largely organic art and design ethos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thus, in 2015, a brand was born \u2014 and it has blossomed beautifully, beyond the borders of its birth, since.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sms-bridges.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Feanne-photo-6.jpg\")
Feanne garbed in her sheer silk robe with organic cotton hemp trim in Egrets Palay print<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nFueling creativity with fierce curiosity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Perhaps the most distinctive hallmarks of Feanne’s designs are the ornate stylized flora and fauna, for which the brand is lauded and beloved. Feanne\u2019s exposure to diverse art forms and a deep appreciation for nature\u2019s nuances have given rise to this signature style, one which marries the natural world with intricate design elements. The result is a stunning showcase of richly detailed prints and patterns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt’s just what I like. I try to follow my curiosity. Sometimes my influences are clear and easy to trace, like the historical style of Art Nouveau with its intricate details and whiplash curves. Sometimes, I just get fixated on the most mundane things, like the texture and pattern of cracks in dry soil. It’s important for me to follow my curiosity, and to keep planting seeds in the garden and see what grows.\u201d she shares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From traditional botanical and zoological illustrations to expressions of Asian art and the natural landscapes she encounters, Feanne\u2019s artistic approach embodies these key influences \u2014 without necessarily being limited to or by them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Feanne explains: \u201cI am an artist who has a brand, rather than a brand that has an artist; I can get away with experimenting with different mediums, without worrying too much about having a cohesive brand identity. As long as the overall visual style is still identifiable as my work, then it’s alright to try creating different things based on my shifting interests.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Crafting a cross-cultural canvas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sms-bridges.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Feanne-photo-7.jpg\")
Feanne in her sheer silk robe with organic cotton hemp trim in Sea Life print<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nFEANNE\u2019s product range pivots on the artist\u2019s versatility and vision, a beautiful balance of creativity and cohesion. Every collection comprises distinct pieces, unified by the captivating hand-drawn prints that characterize the brand. Feanne deftly defines the diversity of her collections with an all-encompassing aesthetic language \u2014 one that she speaks with great fluency. This allows each piece to complement and enhance the overall brand identity while leaving much room for playful interpretation. Her exploration of Japanese art and culture, in particular, has enriched her pattern-making and design; so much so that one will readily see the influence of customary ukiyo-e<\/em> in her work. \u201cI’m just a weeb,\u201d she points out, using the slang term for one who is particularly passionate about Japanese culture. \u201cI watch a lot of anime and I’m a fan of a lot of things in Japanese culture.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis cultural crossover is particularly evident in her kimonos, which blend traditional Japanese silhouettes with Philippine-inspired designs, creating a unique hybrid that celebrates both her heritage and her appreciation for Japanese artistry. Across her collections, the kimonos and robes are typically the hero pieces, drawing the most attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI love the look of kimonos, and I wanted to make them in a way that’s more relevant to my own experiences and influences. I enjoy how they look Japanese, at first glance; but they’re not the typical kimono, when you look closer. I was very flattered when a Japanese customer told me that she loved my kimonos precisely because they were unusual. I used to think that Japanese people might not be interested in something designed by a foreigner; something that they already do so well, themselves. So I was pleasantly surprised by the woman\u2019s reaction. She took two of my kimonos home. That made me so happy,\u201d Feanne reflects.<\/p>\n\n\n\nI love the look of kimonos, and I wanted to make them in a way that\u2019s more relevant to my own experiences and influences.<\/p>Feanne<\/mark><\/strong><\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\nMarking multicultural milestones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
From the initial trepidation of how the Japanese market would receive her designs, Feanne quickly found out that not only were they interested in her pieces, they were also invested in what she had to offer. The interest has grown into initiatives and opportunities in the industry, beginning with PHx Tokyo 2020-2021, a business incubation program by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) in the Philippines, in collaboration with Filipina former model and fashion consultant, Tetta Ortiz, and Japanese fashion agency H3O Tokyo. \u201cThat culminated in a sales showroom exhibition in Tokyo featuring the eight participating designers: myself, BAGASAO, HaMu, J Makitalo, Jill Lao, Kelvin Morales, LORICO and Neil Felipp,\u201d Feanne expounds. Drawing inspiration from that event, the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka sought to further Philippine design in Japan. \u201cThis resulted in Philippine Fashion Showcase 2022, which featured my and Ken Samudio’s work at Conrad Osaka,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sms-bridges.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Feanne-photo-2.jpg\")
Feanne’s products at TAYO Fashion Showcase 2024 in Osaka<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nMore recently, Feanne was a part of the successful TAYO Fashion Showcase 2023 and TAYO Fashion Week 2024, both held in Osaka. \u201cIn 2023, the Philippine Consulate General – Osaka again presented Philippine design in Conrad Osaka, featuring five Filipino designers \u2014 myself, Ken Samudio, J M\u00e4kitalo, Kate Torralba, Pamela Madlangbayan \u2014 and two Japanese designers \u2014 Haruka Hirai and kkjk. My co-organizer, fellow designer Pamela Madlangbayan who is based in Osaka, came up with the name \u2018TAYO\u2019. In Filipino, \u2018tayo\u2019 means \u2018we\u2019 or \u2018us\u2019, and it also means \u2018stand\u2019 or \u2018rise\u2019. In Japanese, \u2018tayo\u2019 means \u2018diverse\u2019 or \u2018multicultural\u2019. Due to our 2023 TAYO Fashion Showcase, we received an invitation from Hankyu Department Store to have a popup sales event. This became TAYO Fashion Week 2024, a week-long popup at Hankyu featuring myself, Ken Samudio, J Makitalo, Repamana, and Sabotten,\u201d she recounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sms-bridges.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Feanne-photo-3.jpg\")
Feanne’s products at TAYO Fashion Showcase 2024 in Osaka<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nChampioning slow fashion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy origin story for my brand is long and not straightforward,\u201d Feanne (who prefers to be referenced by her first name, and no more, in work-related media) says. An alumna of the University of the Philippines \u2013 Diliman, where she graduated with a degree in Interior Design in 2011, Feanne made the leap from interior design to textile design, some years post-graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After having her art stolen in 2012 (by someone who took her designs, entered them in t-shirt design contests, and then eventually sold the shirts), she realized that she could very well use her own designs to sell her own line of clothing. \u201cThe real happy ending of this story is that it got me thinking about my art’s potential for commercial applications. I figured, \u2018if he can win t-shirt design competitions using my art, then I can probably sell t-shirts printed with my art\u2019,\u201d she recounts. Feanne also started licensing out her art a couple of years after the incident. So, while it wasn\u2019t mean to bring her good fortune, Feanne certainly used the circumstance to her advantage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI started printing my art on fabric, and then getting that printed fabric made into scarves and kimonos\u2026 even if I had no training in fashion design and manufacturing, I was able to pull it off because of what I learned in interior design,” she recounts. \u201cMy own approach with my career is much less like a to-do list, and much more like planting some seeds in a garden, not really knowing which ones will bear fruit, and improving the garden bit by bit,” Feanne shares of her largely organic art and design ethos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thus, in 2015, a brand was born \u2014 and it has blossomed beautifully, beyond the borders of its birth, since.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fueling creativity with fierce curiosity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Perhaps the most distinctive hallmarks of Feanne’s designs are the ornate stylized flora and fauna, for which the brand is lauded and beloved. Feanne\u2019s exposure to diverse art forms and a deep appreciation for nature\u2019s nuances have given rise to this signature style, one which marries the natural world with intricate design elements. The result is a stunning showcase of richly detailed prints and patterns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt’s just what I like. I try to follow my curiosity. Sometimes my influences are clear and easy to trace, like the historical style of Art Nouveau with its intricate details and whiplash curves. Sometimes, I just get fixated on the most mundane things, like the texture and pattern of cracks in dry soil. It’s important for me to follow my curiosity, and to keep planting seeds in the garden and see what grows.\u201d she shares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From traditional botanical and zoological illustrations to expressions of Asian art and the natural landscapes she encounters, Feanne\u2019s artistic approach embodies these key influences \u2014 without necessarily being limited to or by them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Feanne explains: \u201cI am an artist who has a brand, rather than a brand that has an artist; I can get away with experimenting with different mediums, without worrying too much about having a cohesive brand identity. As long as the overall visual style is still identifiable as my work, then it’s alright to try creating different things based on my shifting interests.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Crafting a cross-cultural canvas<\/h3>\n\n\n\nFeanne in her sheer silk robe with organic cotton hemp trim in Sea Life print<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nFEANNE\u2019s product range pivots on the artist\u2019s versatility and vision, a beautiful balance of creativity and cohesion. Every collection comprises distinct pieces, unified by the captivating hand-drawn prints that characterize the brand. Feanne deftly defines the diversity of her collections with an all-encompassing aesthetic language \u2014 one that she speaks with great fluency. This allows each piece to complement and enhance the overall brand identity while leaving much room for playful interpretation. Her exploration of Japanese art and culture, in particular, has enriched her pattern-making and design; so much so that one will readily see the influence of customary ukiyo-e<\/em> in her work. \u201cI’m just a weeb,\u201d she points out, using the slang term for one who is particularly passionate about Japanese culture. \u201cI watch a lot of anime and I’m a fan of a lot of things in Japanese culture.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis cultural crossover is particularly evident in her kimonos, which blend traditional Japanese silhouettes with Philippine-inspired designs, creating a unique hybrid that celebrates both her heritage and her appreciation for Japanese artistry. Across her collections, the kimonos and robes are typically the hero pieces, drawing the most attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI love the look of kimonos, and I wanted to make them in a way that’s more relevant to my own experiences and influences. I enjoy how they look Japanese, at first glance; but they’re not the typical kimono, when you look closer. I was very flattered when a Japanese customer told me that she loved my kimonos precisely because they were unusual. I used to think that Japanese people might not be interested in something designed by a foreigner; something that they already do so well, themselves. So I was pleasantly surprised by the woman\u2019s reaction. She took two of my kimonos home. That made me so happy,\u201d Feanne reflects.<\/p>\n\n\n\nI love the look of kimonos, and I wanted to make them in a way that\u2019s more relevant to my own experiences and influences.<\/p>Feanne<\/mark><\/strong><\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\nMarking multicultural milestones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
From the initial trepidation of how the Japanese market would receive her designs, Feanne quickly found out that not only were they interested in her pieces, they were also invested in what she had to offer. The interest has grown into initiatives and opportunities in the industry, beginning with PHx Tokyo 2020-2021, a business incubation program by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) in the Philippines, in collaboration with Filipina former model and fashion consultant, Tetta Ortiz, and Japanese fashion agency H3O Tokyo. \u201cThat culminated in a sales showroom exhibition in Tokyo featuring the eight participating designers: myself, BAGASAO, HaMu, J Makitalo, Jill Lao, Kelvin Morales, LORICO and Neil Felipp,\u201d Feanne expounds. Drawing inspiration from that event, the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka sought to further Philippine design in Japan. \u201cThis resulted in Philippine Fashion Showcase 2022, which featured my and Ken Samudio’s work at Conrad Osaka,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Feanne’s products at TAYO Fashion Showcase 2024 in Osaka<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nMore recently, Feanne was a part of the successful TAYO Fashion Showcase 2023 and TAYO Fashion Week 2024, both held in Osaka. \u201cIn 2023, the Philippine Consulate General – Osaka again presented Philippine design in Conrad Osaka, featuring five Filipino designers \u2014 myself, Ken Samudio, J M\u00e4kitalo, Kate Torralba, Pamela Madlangbayan \u2014 and two Japanese designers \u2014 Haruka Hirai and kkjk. My co-organizer, fellow designer Pamela Madlangbayan who is based in Osaka, came up with the name \u2018TAYO\u2019. In Filipino, \u2018tayo\u2019 means \u2018we\u2019 or \u2018us\u2019, and it also means \u2018stand\u2019 or \u2018rise\u2019. In Japanese, \u2018tayo\u2019 means \u2018diverse\u2019 or \u2018multicultural\u2019. Due to our 2023 TAYO Fashion Showcase, we received an invitation from Hankyu Department Store to have a popup sales event. This became TAYO Fashion Week 2024, a week-long popup at Hankyu featuring myself, Ken Samudio, J Makitalo, Repamana, and Sabotten,\u201d she recounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Feanne’s products at TAYO Fashion Showcase 2024 in Osaka<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nChampioning slow fashion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
FEANNE\u2019s product range pivots on the artist\u2019s versatility and vision, a beautiful balance of creativity and cohesion. Every collection comprises distinct pieces, unified by the captivating hand-drawn prints that characterize the brand. Feanne deftly defines the diversity of her collections with an all-encompassing aesthetic language \u2014 one that she speaks with great fluency. This allows each piece to complement and enhance the overall brand identity while leaving much room for playful interpretation. Her exploration of Japanese art and culture, in particular, has enriched her pattern-making and design; so much so that one will readily see the influence of customary ukiyo-e<\/em> in her work. \u201cI’m just a weeb,\u201d she points out, using the slang term for one who is particularly passionate about Japanese culture. \u201cI watch a lot of anime and I’m a fan of a lot of things in Japanese culture.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n This cultural crossover is particularly evident in her kimonos, which blend traditional Japanese silhouettes with Philippine-inspired designs, creating a unique hybrid that celebrates both her heritage and her appreciation for Japanese artistry. Across her collections, the kimonos and robes are typically the hero pieces, drawing the most attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI love the look of kimonos, and I wanted to make them in a way that’s more relevant to my own experiences and influences. I enjoy how they look Japanese, at first glance; but they’re not the typical kimono, when you look closer. I was very flattered when a Japanese customer told me that she loved my kimonos precisely because they were unusual. I used to think that Japanese people might not be interested in something designed by a foreigner; something that they already do so well, themselves. So I was pleasantly surprised by the woman\u2019s reaction. She took two of my kimonos home. That made me so happy,\u201d Feanne reflects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I love the look of kimonos, and I wanted to make them in a way that\u2019s more relevant to my own experiences and influences.<\/p>Feanne<\/mark><\/strong><\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n From the initial trepidation of how the Japanese market would receive her designs, Feanne quickly found out that not only were they interested in her pieces, they were also invested in what she had to offer. The interest has grown into initiatives and opportunities in the industry, beginning with PHx Tokyo 2020-2021, a business incubation program by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) in the Philippines, in collaboration with Filipina former model and fashion consultant, Tetta Ortiz, and Japanese fashion agency H3O Tokyo. \u201cThat culminated in a sales showroom exhibition in Tokyo featuring the eight participating designers: myself, BAGASAO, HaMu, J Makitalo, Jill Lao, Kelvin Morales, LORICO and Neil Felipp,\u201d Feanne expounds. Drawing inspiration from that event, the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka sought to further Philippine design in Japan. \u201cThis resulted in Philippine Fashion Showcase 2022, which featured my and Ken Samudio’s work at Conrad Osaka,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More recently, Feanne was a part of the successful TAYO Fashion Showcase 2023 and TAYO Fashion Week 2024, both held in Osaka. \u201cIn 2023, the Philippine Consulate General – Osaka again presented Philippine design in Conrad Osaka, featuring five Filipino designers \u2014 myself, Ken Samudio, J M\u00e4kitalo, Kate Torralba, Pamela Madlangbayan \u2014 and two Japanese designers \u2014 Haruka Hirai and kkjk. My co-organizer, fellow designer Pamela Madlangbayan who is based in Osaka, came up with the name \u2018TAYO\u2019. In Filipino, \u2018tayo\u2019 means \u2018we\u2019 or \u2018us\u2019, and it also means \u2018stand\u2019 or \u2018rise\u2019. In Japanese, \u2018tayo\u2019 means \u2018diverse\u2019 or \u2018multicultural\u2019. Due to our 2023 TAYO Fashion Showcase, we received an invitation from Hankyu Department Store to have a popup sales event. This became TAYO Fashion Week 2024, a week-long popup at Hankyu featuring myself, Ken Samudio, J Makitalo, Repamana, and Sabotten,\u201d she recounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMarking multicultural milestones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Championing slow fashion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n