VP Leni’s coat a one-of-a-kind item designed by T’boli artisan

When Vice President Leni Robredo paid a courtesy call on President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañang on Monday, she wore an eye-catching patterned coat.

The coat is a one-of-a-kind item hand-embroidered by Rose Sangga, a T'boli artisan, for Filip+Inna.

According to company founder Lenora Luisa Cabili, Sangga hails from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, and has worked with the company for two years. "She is one of our best artisans and she is thrilled and honored VP Robredo wore the Seloton Coat," Cabili told GMA News in an email.

Sangga did not just embroider the coat; she created the design as well. "[W]e give the Artisan free reign to design and create the pattern of our garment with the colors we specify," Cabili said. "It is a very special piece, a work of art reflective of the high level of craftsmanship of Filipinos."

Cabili founded the fashion line in 2010. A past member of the Bayanihan Dance Company, she became inspired by the traditional outfits she and her colleagues wore and decided to start her own line. Filip+Inna hires women from indigenous communities such as the T’boli, the Maranao, the Gadang and the B’laan to embroider and create items.

Because of the work involved, the company produces only 10 of each design, with some exceptions. "We love doing one-of-a-kind pieces. But for certain styles we have been doing more pieces to cater to stores carrying our brand," said Cabili.

So how did the vice president end up wearing Rose's hand-crafted coat? Cabili met Robredo at last year's Manila FAME exhibition, where the then-Congresswoman from Camarines Sur expressed interest in Filip+Inna's designs. "Then a few weeks ago they got in touch again and I came to see her," Cabili said.

In an interview with GMA News Online in 2012, Cabili outlined her expansion plans for the company. Currently, she says, they are on "a path we are most excited about, and we are really grateful for the opportunities coming our way. We always pray for God to guide and bless the work of our hands." — BM, GMA News