Months in quarantine inspired All That Glitters brand owners Amanda LuYm and Cacay Moras to get creative. The idea of migrating their business online had already been in the pipeline, but the unprecedented events of 2020 were the catalysts for change.
Amanda remembers, “We were only halfway through building a site, and we wanted to continue but we were in a quandary for how to do it. Most importantly, how to do it in a meaningful fashion?” The answer lay in their DNA for creating beautiful things that made positive impact on communities. “I also kept seeing how women leaders were successfully handling the COVID crisis around the world, and how they were getting this right.” This inspired both Amanda and Cacay to open up their platform to other female-owned businesses.
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In their hometown of Cebu, makers, suppliers, exporters and manufacturers were also dealing with the effects of nationwide closures. Contracts and orders were being cancelled left and right. Production was put on indefinite halt. Although not too keen about focusing on the lockdown woes, both founders admit that this, too, helped shape their venture into the digital sphere. This led to them connecting with like-minded, women-led lifestyle brands in the Visayan region.
It was this share spirit for innovation, resilience and creativity amidst the times that birthed a conscious lifestyle online platform, DISENYO DEL SUR. “We are not just about collaborations,” clarifies Amanda. The online platform is anchored on a distinct and ever-evolving retail ecosystem. In this space, partners can contribute in countless ways. “Some of our partners are suppliers for raw materials. We also work other makers who offer design or manufacturing expertise. Sometimes, we turn to each other for leads in terms of sourcing,” said the duo. Where there is opportunity to unify the female voices of the Visayas in the name of innovation and creativity DISENYO DEL SUR endeavors to be front and center.
There are the exclusive collaborations and co-created collections currently in the pipeline for DISENYO DEL SUR. With the platform going live just in time for the Holidays, founders hope to bring consumers a step closer to making conscious living as part of the new normal.
In-house brands
All That Glitters
The mother brand of Disenyo del Sur. Their pieces are distinguished by the use of simple designs and mechanisms that allow wearers to pare down or build up pieces of jewelry according to preference. Materials that the label works with include vermeil and fine gold, handcrafted into contemporary designs that transcend time and trend.
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Padayon
In Cebuano, Padayon mean “to carry on or to continue.” Products from the label are made using hablon fabrics from the women weaver’s coop in Argao. Known as Hablon in Cebu, these weaves are reimagined into Asian contemporary malongs or wrap-around skirts via new colorways and striped details, which were developed with Holicow’s Debbie Palao.
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They have also reworked fabrics into chic, utilitarian, reversible and washable shopper sling bags and box bags, ideal for braving a new world order in style. Some materials used by Padayon are deadstock, as a means for reducing waste. Customized weaves, made exclusively for the brand, and also help to support livelihood for communities.
Potheads
A design-driven brand borne out of a newfound love for flora and fauna. A passion for plants inspired the company’s founders to create striking planters and stands that showcase beloved “plant babies” in both contemporary indoor settings and outdoor spaces.
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Drawing from mid-century design influences, pieces from Potheads are envisioned and crafted to usher in a sense of fun, adventure, sunshine, joy and optimism into your spaces.
Black Canvas
A wellness concept by The Gliteratti Inc. This brand works with naturally-sourced premium oils and essences.
Its hero product, the Face Oil, utilizes a proprietary blend of sustainably sourced Grape Seed Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Geranium, Lavender, Tea Tree, Clary Sage and Frankincense to create a lavish skin formula that deeply nourishes combination, dry and dehydrated skin.
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This self care essential was primarily developed by the ATG Founders for close friends and family. Soothing, hydrating and moisturizing benefits of this most unique blend later inspired them to launch the BLANK CANVAS Face Oil as a small batch wellness gem that more beauty aficionados can use for facial massages and daily skincare rituals.
Partner brands
The Disenyo del Sur team also sought to collaborate with other like-minded, female-run partner
brands to create exclusive lifestyle products suited for life in the new world order.
Soapjam
Using the cold process method, soaps are lovingly handcrafted in small batches by Silvia Ludo-Alcordo, Soapjam’s Chief Soap Maker.
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Cheeky Chic
Established in 2015 as a creative outlet by its founder, Patricia Mancao-Canton. The label carved out a niche through colorful, vibrant, witty yet cleverly functional accessories like pouches and organizers. Since it was established, the brand has evolved to become one of Cebu’s most trusted and beloved one-stop shop gifting houses.
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Attention to detail and an instinct for knowing the needs of their clients have allowed Cheeky Chic to conceive of best selling items like personalized 8-compartment expandable organizers. The brand now applies its savoir faire as it launches utilitarian bag organizers specifically configured for new normal essentials like masks, wipes and sanitizing spray bottles.