hermosa is a bag that represents not only the abaca fiber industry in the Bicol Region, but also it's gold mining and gold jewelry making industry.

there's also a misconception that Abaca is not a durable material as it is often used in school events and classroom decorations that use low-cost temporary materials which can be easily disposed of. Abaca is often used as material for stage props, head dress, and such. This design aims to elevate the image of Abaca as a native fiber. like the Pina fabric - this fiber can also be used in high fashion garments - most notably the haute couture. With the right processing and precise material application techniques, this natural fiber a lot can be done with it, and it can stand toe-to-toe with commercially available fibers and textiles.

Native fibers in Haute couture is not unheard of, but Abaca textiles are, and through making a Haute Couture design of an Abaca bag, the world might know one of its many capabilities as a versatile material.
I wanted to channel that same feeling in this design.