Home JOURNAL Behind the Label: Ethnique

Behind the Label: Ethnique

We love the wonderful textiles and exotic trims on every Ethnique bag. Every time we carry one of these precious gems we are reminded of a past journey to India, Mexico, or Manila. Check out the story behind this magical label.

Describe your brand:

Ethnique is an accessories brand based in the Philippines. It stems from the love of travel, and reflects the high-low sophistication of the bohemian lifestyle. With our pieces, we aim to pique our buyers' curiosity about certain places, people, and customs; and through that, hopefully inspire them to succumb to wanderlust and to embrace the unconventional.

How, when, and where did you start your brand?

The brand was established in the Philippines in 2014. At that time, I could not find local sellers of accessories one finds when traveling, like Banjara and huipil bags. As a result, I felt compelled to sell such items, as they are not only beautiful, but also meaningful. Luckily, I found suppliers that not only provided the items I wanted, but also allowed me to apply customizations for Ethnique items to be as unique as possible. Since then, I have partnered with a manufacturer who executes my designs. Our aim is to deliver the same aesthetic and spirit, but with pieces that are exclusively Ethnique.

What (or who) are some of your endless inspirations?

I am inspired by materials. I get excited when I find beautiful fabrics, interesting or unusual patterns, and luscious colors. Figuring out how to use them is the part of my job that I love the most - it feels like play.

How does travel inspire your collection?

Travel is the soul of our brand - it is its very identity. With every bag or accessory, we wish to transport each buyer to the place that inspired it, connect her with the person - the hands - behind the product.