Check out this virtual expo for fashion-forward business ideas

Starting a business in December, and in the middle of a pandemic no less, may sound tricky. However, with all of this year’s challenges, there’s no other way to go but up. If you have the passion for fashion, don’t miss the BUYanihan Resellers’ Virtual Trade Expo 2020 this weekend. It’s a runway of business ideas featuring reselling and franchising opportunities from amazing, local clothing brands.

It’s the busiest shopping season for lifestyle aficionados and artisans in the country. While people are busy shopping for gifts and new pieces to spruce up their wardrobe, local artisans are all on-deck, inspired to create uniquely Filipino products. 

If you’re a wise and forward-thinking entrepreneur, you would see right through this opportunity and hit more than two birds with one stone: support local artisans, and supply the wants and needs of your own customers.

Helping you start, BUYanihan lines up local artisans you may collaborate with on your new business venture.

Y-Kalinga Tapis Handloom Woven Products

From the highlands of Northern Luzon, Y-Kalinga Tapis Handloom Woven Products showcases the beauty and versatility of Filipino ethnic fabric. They transform indigenous fabric into stylish masks, headbands, and scarves.

(Ethnic blazer top with wrap-around skirt priced at 3500. Prices may vary.)

PDES Batong Asul House of Silver

Fine jewelry is forever, and PDES Batong Asul House of Silver’s two-decade presence is a testament.

Be it necklaces, pendants, bracelets, or rings, each of the jewelry they offer is one of a kind. Made by hand, they meticulously marry the sterling silver and turquoise in-lay or stone to catch the desires of fashionistas of every generation.

Tuwali Etnika

Traditional Filipino crafts are making a comeback in the virtual runway. Tuwali Etnika shows us why it’s here to stay. They illustrate the beauty of intricately woven fabric by creating various everyday fashion items like bags, sandals, pouches and headbands.

(Headband is priced at P80; facemask, P35; headband and facemask set at P100).

Bauang Crochet Association Inc.

Who wouldn’t be hooked by the intricate designs of crocheted clothes, especially if it supports local artists? 

Bauang Crochet Association is composed of artistic weavers from Bauang, La Union. With only cotton and nylon on one hand and needles on the other, they can produce a myriad of items — from cardigans, dresses to bikinis and infant clothes to pillowcases and coasters. 

Bituwon Ethnic Arts and Crafts Trading

Bituwon Ethnic Arts and Crafts Trading celebrates Filipino textiles by converging the old and new. 

Aside from selling ethnic attire of the northern tribes of Cordillera, they creatively weave ethnic fabric into modern-looking ear guards, shawls, turbans, skirts and earrings — items that are making their way to big cities here in Luzon, and even abroad.

Rose Ann's Fabric Gallery

Rose Ann Fabric Gallery proves that there’s no limit to what Filipino ethnic fabric can do, fashion-wise.

This store puts a spotlight on Filipino heritage and proves that our very own has got what it takes to conquer the international runway. The silhouettes of their casual clothing items, like pants, jackets, and headband, follow modern looks and designs but champions traditional Filipino fabric.

(Pants are priced at P1,650 to P1,950; Jacket, P1,800; and turban and mask set at P195) 

The BUYanihan Resellers’ Virtual Trade Expo 2020 is a joint effort of the Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), JCI Makati, Go Negosyo, Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), Philippine Marketing Association (PMA), Talk Shop Asia and Women’s Business Council Philippines (WomenBizPH) in partnership with PLDT KaAsenso and The Philippine STAR. The event is sponsored by Shell Philippines, Entrego and Villar SIPAG Foundation. 

Interested entrepreneurs, resellers and business owners looking for opportunities can register through their website. Registration is free for guests. You may call Jen Concepcion at (0917) 948-2930 or e-mail [email protected] for more inquiries. 

For more information, visit the BUYanihan Resellers’ Virtual Trade Expo 2020 website.

Photo courtesy of Ravenne Hope/Bituwon Ethnic Arts and Crafts Trading