About
Karayan is a BIPOC and Filipinx woman-owned fashion brand with a powerful purpose. Our team of creatives is on a mission to empower Indigenous communities in the Philippines, sharing their legacy of ancestral knowledge with Filipinx diasporic communities across the globe through clothing.
Founder Lydia Querian spearheads our vision, driven by the belief that Indigenous is the future. In her steadfast dedication, Lydia envisions a world where the invaluable practices of Indigenous communities are seamlessly woven into the fabric of the future. By marrying the timeless wisdom of the past with the opportunities of the present, we stand as ambassadors of traditions, protectors of the environment, and champions of change.
Every piece of clothing we create is made with handwoven Indigenous textiles serving as a living testament to the resilience of the weaving communities across the Philippines. These textiles, when donned today, bear the weight of history and the narrative of ancestral lineages across the Philippines. They bridge generations, offering both wearers and weavers a connection that transcends time. Through this connection, we navigate the challenges of societal adversity, work towards climate preservation, and endeavor to restore balance to our environment.
Lydia's journey through the Indigenous communities of the Philippines illuminated a pressing concern – the gradual erosion of ancestral wisdom among the youth, largely influenced by centuries of colonization and the pervasive sway of Western culture. Armed with this realization, Karayan emerged as a beacon of hope. Through our sustainably and ethically sourced clothing, we showcase the deep-rooted appreciation of Indigenous culture, urging its continuous practice. By rekindling this connection, we empower the younger generation to play an active role in continuing living traditions, passed down through oral traditions from their elders.
Core Values
- Honoring Living Traditions by integrating traditional Indigenous practices and textiles into modern fashion.
- Empowerment by Uplifting Indigenous Filipino communities by showcasing their craftsmanship and providing economic opportunities through ethical partnerships.
- Sustainability by Committing to environmentally responsible practices by using natural and sustainable materials, while promoting a zero-waste approach.
- Innovation Rooted in Tradition by Merging contemporary design with ancestral wisdom, creating pieces that are both modern and timeless.
- Global Filipino Cultural Pride by Encouraging the Filipino diaspora to embrace and promote their cultural identity, wherever they are in the world