A celebration of Filipino craftmanship, everyday functionality, and sustainable design
Manila, Philippines – Gouache, a Filipino lifestyle brand known for its esteemed line of specialty bags, accessories and wearables, launches its newest capsule collection inspired by Filipino heritage and everyday creativity.
The Gouache x Anthill collection merges the rugged durability of waxed canvas with the rich textures and vibrant stories of Philippine weaves sourced from Anthill Fabrics. Each piece—whether a bag, cap, or vest—is thoughtfully designed to highlight the beauty of traditional craftsmanship while embracing the functionality demanded by modern lifestyles.
“We wanted to create pieces that feel rooted in culture but built for today—bags, accessories, and aprons that carry both story and heart,” says Louie Poco, co-founder of Gouache. “They’re made tough for everyday use, but with enough texture and narrative to spark conversation.”
Through its partnership with Anthill Fabrics, Gouache directly supports weaving communities across the Philippines, many of whom are led by women and elders preserving age-old techniques. The collection aims to introduce traditional weaves as everyday essentials, not just for special occasions.
“This collaboration felt like something that was always meant to happen,” shares Ann Enriquez-Poco, co-founder of Gouache. “When they introduced us to their woven Hablon andKantarines in modern plaid and stripe patterns, we were immediately drawn in. The weaves felt fresh and contemporary, yet carried the depth of generations of craft—an ideal complement to our signature utilitarian silhouettes like totes, slings, and vests. But the partnership wasn’t just about adding color or flair. The fabrics brought rhythm and warmth to each piece.”
While the previous collections have always embodied the brand’s inception of heritage as reimagined for the present times, the Gouache x Anthill collection takes it further by using handloomed local weaves directly in the fabric of the designs. The latest line expands the narrative by layering in beauty and tradition from weaving communities here in the country.
Louie calls it both a step forward and a step inward, and even their most intentional line to date. “We design for the modern Filipino creative: someone constantly moving but deeply grounded in purpose. This collection captures that energy. It’s practical, functional, and stylish—but also layered with texture and stories. We like to think of it as gear for people going places—physically, creatively, and culturally.”
Located adjacent to the showroom, Gouache's Marikina workshop handcrafts all pieces, which enables artisans to observe firsthand how customers respond to their work. This proximity reinforces the brand’s commitment to transparency, fair labor, and appreciation for craft.
In line with the sustainability ethos, the brand produces in small batches to minimize waste and ensure quality. Locally sourced materials and meticulous handwork define each product, from initial design to final stitch.
Ann reveals, “Our team cuts and assembles the waxed canvas, then layers in the handwoven fabrics—each one thoughtfully selected to match the shape, function, and feel of the piece. There’s a lot of handwork involved, plenty of trial and error, and constant back-and-forth with Anthill to make sure everything aligns. It’s slow, intentional, and very human—with several rounds of prototyping, and a fair mix of anxiety and excitement. But that’s exactly what makes the process so fulfilling.”
For more details about the Gouache x Anthill collection, visithttps://www.gouachebags.com
About Gouache
Gouache creates stylish specialty bags for the active, artistic urbanites and the adventure lovers. The brand seeks to introduce canvas waxing to the local bag industry, a technique that requires each bag to be meticulously handcrafted and guarantees that each piece has a unique finish. No two Gouache creations are exactly the same; similarly to leather, waxed-canvas bags age and become more interesting as you use them.
Though it has been a decade since they first introduced the unique method of waxed canvas handcrafting to the local bag industry, Gouache continues to evolve in style and craftsmanship while staying committed to creating modern classics for contemporary urban life.
The passion and vision of Gouache's owners, Louie Poco and Ann Enriquez-Poco, have been instrumental in its success. What started as an impulse for Louie to find a sensible and functional camera bag back in 2013 turned into an inspired entrepreneurial idea: Why not create our own bag?
A successful crowdfunding stint with The Spark Project led them to partnerships with local Marikina bag makers and artisans to create the first few bags in the now unmistakable “Gouache waxed canvas and leather” style. Their collaboration extended not only to design but also to project management solutions and market opportunities.
Today, the expansive Gouache catalog includes camera bags, satchels, pouches, aprons, purses, totes, and many other versatile products made for those who live and thrive in the city.
Source: Nyou
