In times of crises, every little thing counts. ArteFino does just that, by providing Filipino craftsmen with an avenue for creativity. The ArteFino fairs in Rockwell had been well-received by their patrons in the past. This year, they’re bringing something novel yet familiar to the Rockwell market with “Summer Escape” — an exclusive virtual collection of artisanal craft on shop.TheRockwellist.com, Power Plant Mall’s e-commerce website.
According to Cedie Vargas, co-founder of ArteFino together with Marimel Francisco, Maritess Pineda, Mita Rufino and Susie Quiros, the digital pop-up with Rockwell “encompasses and brings forth what ArteFino is all about. We’re responding to what’s relevant to the times. We’re bringing more focus to community livelihood, social enterprise, and promoting what speaks to the consumer in terms of environmental and mindful sustainability.”
In these challenging times, this collaboration recognizes the need amongst local craftsmen to continue to have a venue to offer their wares. Rockwell’s online shopping platform is both a timely response, and an ideal portal for ArteFino’s audience, providing a unique retail experience.
Summer Escape is unique for its first-ever online capsule collection, curated by ArteFino. It houses different homegrown brands such as halohalo, Art of Gold, Rags2Riches, and more. The exclusive collection features not just fashion and home accessories, but also everyday essentials which are ideal for any occasion.
Just take a look at this four-way top by Rags2Riches. Kantarines is an indigenous textile from their partner loom weavers in Abra. The garment is then sewn in-house at their workshop. It has a button down closure, and reversible panels that enable this versatile top to be worn in different configurations.
Fashion meets function in Lokal’s denim and inabel woven hand-painted lightweight masks, with water repellent lining, an ear adjuster, and a nose pincher — keeping you protected without compromising style.
Halohalo’s small palengke bag is the carry-all you’ve been looking for, whether for shopping or running quick errands. It comes with a long adjustable crossbody strap and handle straps for full flexibility. Discover more of these unique finds at shop.TheRockwellist.com. Customers can also check out some of their artisanal creations at Power Plant Mall at the R1 Level, near MAC Cosmetics.
This year may have taken a different turn for everyone, with almost everything transitioning to online. “Since ArteFino had to go full on digital this year, we needed to shift the sensibility and aesthetics of the Filipino contemporary lifestyle to bring the market a pared down sensibility, in keeping with the prevailing mood and times,” expresses Cedie. “Artisanal and social entrepreneurship will remain at its core.”
Learn more on Power Plant Mall’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
