What if the vibrant colors and intricate patterns of Filipino textiles could come alive in the hands of a new generation? Edri Designs, a passion project born from youthful creativity and cultural pride, is doing just that—transforming traditional handwoven fabrics into modern fashion statements that educate and inspire young Filipinos.

 

In a world where fashion often prioritizes fleeting trends over cultural heritage, Edri Designs stands out as a beacon of creativity and purpose. Founded by a passionate young designer, Rian Yupitun, Edri Designs is not just a brand; it's a heartfelt project that aims to celebrate and educate others about the rich tapestry of Filipino textiles. With products like a paper doll book, notecards, and twillies— fashionable scarves made from handwoven fabrics, Edri Designs seeks to inspire a new generation to appreciate and embrace their cultural roots.

 

The foundation of Edri Designs can be traced back to the last quarter of 8th grade when Rian became a Youth Volunteer Intern at HABI: The Philippine Textile Council. This experience ignited a passion for fashion and design, motivating her to create something tangible that could contribute to HABI’s mission of educating the younger public about traditional handwoven textiles. 

 

“I wanted to create something that would not only showcase our beautiful indigenous weaves but also engage my peers in a fun and meaningful way,” she explains. This desire led to the creation of three main products: the paper doll book, notecards featuring the HABI Girls, and stylish twillies made from various indigenous fabrics.

 

At the heart of Edri Designs is the HABI Girls Paper Doll Book. This unique product features dolls wearing garments that are inspired by the traditional weaves from the Philippines’ three main islands: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Each doll represents a “HABI Girl,” reflecting Rian’s personal experiences and inspirations drawn from her sisters and herself. 

 

The book aims to revive the nostalgic tradition of playing with paper dolls while simultaneously educating children about the significance of handwoven textiles in Filipino culture. “I hope that young girls will not only enjoy playing with these dolls but also learn about our rich heritage through them,” she shares.

 

In addition to the paper doll book, Edri Designs offers notecards that feature illustrations of the HABI Girls along with envelopes. Priced at ₱400 for a pack of six, these notecards cater to stationery enthusiasts who appreciate adding a personal touch to their correspondence. “Writing notes is special, and using my HABI girl notecards makes it even more meaningful,” she says.

 

The twillies by Edri for HABI are another standout product, priced at ₱200 each. These stylish tie-like scarves are made from handwoven textiles sourced from various regions in the Philippines. Their versatility allows them to be used as bag accessories, hair ribbons, or even as fabric bangles. “I wanted everyone to have a piece of HABI in their closet,” she explains, emphasizing her desire to make traditional textiles accessible in everyday fashion.

 

Creating these products was no small feat. The designer used Procreate, a digital drawing app, to illustrate her designs for both the dolls and their outfits. “It took many revisions to get everything just right,” she recalls. The process involved numerous drafts, mockups, and adjustments to ensure that each piece fit perfectly within the book. Regularly shared on her Instagram account, @edri.designs, the behind-the-scenes glimpses of her creative journey showcase her design process and evolution over time.

 

Like any entrepreneurial journey, Edri Designs faced its share of challenges as well. Initially aiming to complete all designs over the summer, unforeseen circumstances led to last-minute work as school resumed. Balancing academics with her passion project proved demanding but ultimately rewarding.

 

Another significant difficulty was dealing with printing complications. After receiving an unsatisfactory initial print quality that did not match expectations, she made the tough decision to reject 500 copies. With guidance from her parents, she worked closely with the printer to ensure that the final product met her high standards. “I didn’t want to publish something that wasn’t perfect,” she states.

 

Through her work, Edri aims to convey an important message: appreciation for indigenous weaves and cultural heritage is vital for future generations. “I hope my products will help educate young Filipinos about our beautiful textiles and inspire them to wear their heritage proudly,” she emphasizes.

 

The twillies serve as an accessible way for everyone to incorporate Filipino culture into their daily lives—whether as fashionable accessories or practical items.

 

As Edri Designs continues to grow, so do their ambitious plans for future projects. Rian hopes to collaborate with established designers and explore new avenues within the fashion industry while deepening her understanding of design principles and sustainable practices.

 

Edri Designs is more than just a fashion brand; it is a celebration of Filipino culture woven into every product. By blending tradition with contemporary design, this initiative inspires young people to appreciate their heritage while enjoying creative expression through fashion. As Edri continues on this exciting journey, one can only anticipate the beautiful creations that lie ahead—each piece telling a story of culture, creativity, and pride in Filipino craftsmanship.