The inspiration for this kimono is unknown to me—it simply came to be. Perhaps it was the winding mountain roads we traversed to find this rare hand-woven fabric in Lubuagan, the endless journey symbolized by the long lines in its design, or the feeling I experienced while gazing at the carved rice terraces on the day we purchased it from a hidden shop in the bustling village. What I do know is that this kimono was made entirely from a feeling, one that grew stronger with every step of its creation. From the joy of placing the yellow fabric on different parts to see if they fit, to witnessing Ate Lorna learning to sew this style for the first time under Bhudo’s guidance, the process was filled with meaning. Ate Lorna worked meticulously, ensuring each stitch and line was perfect, something I deeply appreciated.

When it was finished, there were small elements I didn’t quite like, so we made a few changes. We added a yellow border at the bottom to extend the front elements, and by happy accident, the front retained its yellow border on both sides—a result of miscommunication that turned out even better than planned. We created something sleek yet exciting. The hand-woven fabric wraps around the silhouette, giving a sense of security and strength. The front lines extend this energy along the body’s length, while the back ensures a grounded foundation. The fabric from Banaue radiates warmth that can be felt whenever you need it. It’s a remarkable piece, and we hope it will create a beautiful new story with its next partner.