Uniqlo unveils patches made by indigenous Filipino artisans for 70th PH-Japan friendship anniversary

Popular Japanese clothing brand Uniqlo introduced handcrafted textile patches made by indigenous Filipino artisans from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, as the company celebrated 70 years of Philippines–Japan diplomatic relations and its 14th anniversary in the country.

According to a post by the Department of Tourism (DOT), the limited-edition collection, called Re.Uniqlo, transforms leftover Uniqlo fabric into embroidered textile patches created by artisan communities from Abra, Iloilo, and South Cotabato, combining sustainable fashion with traditional Filipino craftsmanship.

Each patch showcases distinctive cultural motifs from three cultural communities in the Philippines.

The Itneg School of Living Traditions from Abra incorporated geometric and nature-inspired patterns, the Panay Bukidnon artisans of Iloilo featured their traditional panubok embroidery, while the T'boli community of Lake Sebu produced intricate designs reflecting their cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs.

Uniqlo also partnered with Salcedo Auctions to present three art installations honoring the lasting friendship between the Philippines and Japan.

Drawing inspiration from the unique cultures of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the installations blend famous Philippine landscapes with traditional Japanese symbols. The Luzon installation honors the Banaue Rice Terraces, enhanced by origami lotus flowers symbolizing harmony between humans and nature.

The Visayas installation features coconut trees alongside the Japanese crane, representing shared ideals of renewal, balance, and longevity. The Mindanao artwork is inspired by Siargao’s waves, incorporating koi fish motifs that stand for resilience, movement, and the strong bonds linking communities throughout the islands.

These installations also emphasize sustainability and local artistry. Made from FSC-certified Japanese poplar wood sourced from responsibly managed forests, the artworks include handcrafted origami details by artisans from Nueva Ecija.

The artisan patches are now available in the following Uniqlo stores and have them sewn through Re.Uniqlo customization services to eligible old or new Uniqlo items.

Customers may avail of the artisan patches in select Uniqlo stores and have them sewn through Re.Uniqlo customization services on eligible old or new Uniqlo items.

Here are the participating Uniqlo stores:

• Uniqlo Manila Global Flagship Store
• Uniqlo SM Mall of Asia
• Uniqlo Bonifacio High Street
• Uniqlo SM North EDSA
• Uniqlo SM Megamall
• Uniqlo Greenhills
• Uniqlo Nuvali
• Uniqlo Ayala Center Cebu
• Uniqlo SM Seaside City Cebu
• Uniqlo SM Davao
• Uniqlo Davao Roadside Store
• Uniqlo SM Lanang Premier

According to Uniqlo Philippines, proceeds from sales of the Re.Uniqlo artisan patches will directly benefit the participating artisan communities.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA News