Taking inspiration from timeless Filipino heritage, local brand Niñofranco is inspiring Filipino people to make a statement with cultural fashion pieces. Led by creative director Wilson Limon, the brand has gained recognition for blending modern tapestry with the traditional artistry of Mindanaoan weaving communities.
Working closely with the Bagobo Tagabawa, T’boli, Blaan, and Tagakaulo indigenous groups, Niñofranco produces collections that highlight intricate craftsmanship while creating livelihood opportunities for local artisans. These efforts shine a spotlight on the ingenuity and innovation of local indigenous communities amidst the contemporary fashion scene.
In an interview with SEA Wave, Wilson shared that the brand began from a university thesis that started in the year 2014. “It’s something that I wanted to focus on as the design aesthetic of my brand,” Wilson said, recalling his education at the Philippine Women’s College of Davao, taking up Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Fashion Design. His thesis explored traditional and ethnic clothing, incorporating them into contemporary fashion.
Wilson has 10 years of hands-on experience fashion and product design, and serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation, and as a consultant for the Department of Trade and Industry in Region XI. Integrating his advocacy for ethnic artistry with his passion for fashion, Wilson launched Niñofranco in 2014 with the goal of connecting local weavers to the international fashion market through quality, authentic, products.
Niñofranco team with brand ambassador Catriona Gray in their Davao headquarters | Photo from Catriona Gray’s Facebook Page
The brand has since gotten the eyes of renowned personalities in the industry, including Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, who serves as the brand ambassador, wearing pieces from Niñofranco when she was in Thailand as a contestant for the Miss Universe pageant. Well-known clients also include actress Marian Rivera, musician KZ Tandingan, talkshow host Boy Abunda, and current Naga Mayor Leni Robredo.
Wilson wanted to pursue a brand of traditional fashion that doesn’t remain in museums or archives, but also lives on in everyday life. “That’s why in Niñofranco, I want to create pieces that are wearable, relatable, and have global appeal while still deeply rooted in Filipino identity,” he shared.
The work done by Niñofranco focuses on the co-creation of pieces through collaboration with ethnic groups. This includes the team going through rite of passage rituals and immersing themselves in local culture and—an important tradition among native groups.
“We have to educate ourselves, and respect traditions and practices,” Wilson said. He emphasized that with the rise of local fashion brands attempting to work with ethnic communities, it is important that we respect traditional craft and the history that comes with it.
NIñOFRANCO’s Creative Director Wilson Limon sharing his education-to-business story with SEA Wave Pop Culture Magazine team | Photo from NIñOFRANCO Facebook Page
Going beyond profits, Niñofranco aims to ensure the longevity of local craftsmanship by incorporating modern techniques and technology with traditional textile designs. The brand also empowers indigenous women through partnerships with MSMEs that help develop their skills and products to adapt to the demands of worldwide markets. With livelihood and artisanal development workshops, Niñofranco ensures that marginalized sectors can have their own opportunities to shine in today’s fast-paced world of fashion.
By making an effort to mobilize cultural communities through local crafts that the world stage can recognize as distinctly Filipino, Niñofranco is embracing tradition while proving that Filipino fashion is not only beautiful, but also meaningful and enduring.
What do you think about Niñofranco’s hand-woven clothes and advocacy? Let us know in the comments!