The true pioneers of slow fashion

Filipino designer Wilson Limon at @ninofranco.ph is one of the country’s greatest slow fashion advocates. By working with the T’boli ethno-linguistic group, he’s trying to preserve Philippine craftsmanship as well as make clothing that can be worn on an everyday basis.. The result: a mix of intricate, traditional textiles as well as contemporary, everyday clothing. “Everything is handmade, not mass produced. So most of their pieces are actually hand embroidery and it takes T’boli artisans six weeks to make an item.” When @catriona_gray the 2018 Miss Universe from the Philippines, wore pieces from Niño Franco, it was a big moment of visibility for Wilson and the T’boli community. For the roughly 60,000 population who face losing their heritage, the collaboration helps preserve their traditional knowledge and livelihoods. “We don't want this to be hidden in the mountains. We want to expose their talents to the world.”