Innovation can preserve and promote tradition. That is why CEO and Creative Director Victor Baguilat will launch Ifugao weaves as a Kandama NFT collection.
He got the inspiration for it when he showcased his latest collection, “The Emancipation of Maria Clara,” at the New York Fashion Week in September.
Baguilat said it would make Kandama fashion more widely accessible. He claimed non-fungible tokens are “the future of Filipino fashion.”
More details about Kandama NFTs
Photo Credit: www.marketing-interactive.com
Kandama is an artisanal fashion enterprise that aims to empower the women of Julongan village in Kiangan, Ifugao.
In turn, it wants to preserve the Filipino tradition of handloom weaving. Moreover, Kandama believes the weaves can empower women by “merging heritage and style into modern pieces.”
Meanwhile, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) record the ownership of physical and digital goods on blockchains or cryptocurrency networks.
They provide unique value to objects despite numerous copies available. Also, NFTs make it easier for artists to profit from their work.
For example, fashion brands like Tiffany & Co. have started offering digital collectibles. Kandama CEO Victor Baguilat thought of doing the same after exhibiting his latest collection.
Baguilat said in an online forum, “There were three other brands which just launched their NFT collection.”
“When I heard that some brands that are familiar to me started doing NFTs, that’s when I realized that maybe that’s really the right direction.”
That was why he partnered with Filipino-led blockchain firm Tetrix to create the digital counterparts of the indigenous fashion pieces.
For example, the one worn by Miss Universe 2015, Pia Wurtzbach, during the Paris Fashion Week will have a Kandama NFT.
The other weaves from other global fashion events will also have NFT twins. Baguilat explained, “Innovation is key to preservation.”
“The other important thing we’re looking at is ensuring that ethical credentials will be easily ascertained by our customers.”
“It can guarantee our products’ authenticity and prove to our customers that we are truly a sustainable cultural and social enterprise. Web3 is the future of indigenous weaves.”
Conclusion
The Kandama NFT collection will become a prime example of technology preserving and promoting history. Yet, other NFT projects benefit the Philippines.
For example, six undergraduate students from various Metro Manila universities started “The Last on Earth Collective,” which raises awareness for endangered animals.
The Philippine government has also started providing blockchain training. Technology can also improve your daily life. Start by following Inquirer Tech.