LALAPATOS: Collectively Weaving the Definition of Handmade Contemporary Filipino Footwear

LALAPATOS: Collectively Weaving the Definition of Handmade Contemporary Filipino Footwear

Some say that “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”, but what if one man’s trash can be the loud and proud step towards a sustainable lifestyle? Back in 2018, Zapateria together with Filipino designer and sustainability advocate Maco Custodio began weaving the notable Lalapatos; a unique and eye-catching footwear design that redefined what resourceful creativity through collaboration can entail. During the recent Good Design Awards of 2024 by the Department of Trade and Industry - Design Center Philippines, the iconic Lalapatos was given the prestigious Red Award for Object Making; exemplifying the heart and soul of a conscious and mindful design. 

The Lalapatos is a casual handmade footwear crafted with woven leather and upcycled packaging foil. It is made by a network of Filipino communities; from handweavers to shoemakers. With its distinctive design, the Lalapatos is meant to be a statement garment to be worn from the runway to the streets. Carrying forth its values and advocacies, Lalapatrons (or patrons who proudly wear their Lalapatos) become a part of the steadfast community that pushes for a more mindful and conscious lifestyle. Coined with a play on words such as “Lala” or weaving and “Sapatos” or shoe in Filipino, this unique and innovative design is made to strike and embody holistic mindfulness in fashion production and consumption, community development, and waste management.

Lalapatos also served as one of Zapateria’s pioneering projects when it first opened its doors to the community. Acting as an incubator and accelerator for up and coming brands, Zapateria was able to introduce the creative project as a means to disrupt what is often familiar in the industry. The Lala or weaving concept was a brainchild between Zapateria’s chief maker Rico Sta. Ana’s leather weaving and Maco Custodio’s foil-made accessories. During its conceptualization, Maco along with the Zapateria team were able to mindmend on implementing the traditional Filipino shoemaking process with the innovative use of woven pre-consumed foils and locally sourced leather. 

Lalapatos successfully debuted at Manila FAME 2018 and was later showcased to represent Filipino creativity at international exhibits such as the Las Vegas MAGIC Show, San Francisco Trunk Show, and an expo in India. The collaborative brand was also featured during Zapateria’s exhibit at the 2019 Artefino Festival and during the first Filipino footwear symposium, Solemates Connect. 

Since its launch, Lalapatos became a popular feature on media and has grown its own following throughout the years. For the founders as well as the Lalapatrons, a pair becomes an avenue for wearers to physically embody what they believe in all while keeping in style. Designer Maco shares “Lalapatos is a symbol of different entities joined together. It brings forth a connection that unites people, from craftfolk to even the wearers; we are all part of the creation process. In terms of the integration of the foils, people are encouraged to see the value beyond what is consumed. Right now, a pair includes about 23 grams of foil but ideally we can increase it to 30 grams in the future. Small as it may be, the collective impact is great. I want to emphasize the butterfly effect; how a piece of trash can become something really helpful for the environment and the ecosystem of people involved.”

Last June 29, 2024, the Department of Trade and Industry - Design Center of the Philippines awarded outstanding designs during the 2024 Good Design Award Philippines. Lalapatos was granted the Red Award, acknowledging its impact and influence to highlight forward-thinking and practice of sustainability. The award was received by founding collaborators Unyx Sta. Ana of Zapateria and designer Maco Custodio. 

According to Unyx Sta. Ana, founder and president of Zapateria, when Lalapatos was first thought about, the intention was to put something out there that will highlight the future of Marikina shoe industry through Filipino design and craftmanship. They were not so familiar yet with what the market would patronize, but were surprised by the reception; that it would flourish the way that it did. It was never meant to be a fashion staple, on the contrary, it was meant to remind people of their consumption. 

The acclaim goes beyond popularity. Lalapatos became an avenue for the community to see the possibilities when craft is challenged to evolve and set a new tone. It was Zapateria's foremost example of integrative collaboration, now paving ways for more creatives and makers to have a voice throughout the creation process. Setting roads for craft to be appreciated and rewarded as a livelihood and for posterity. 

The Good Design Award opened an opportunity to bring this impact forward and under a speculative light so that more people can see its value. It also reignited its early devotion for what was started not so long ago. Being recognized for Lalapatos' malasakit or empathy for people and the world; for Filipino craft and creativity, it shines a bright light on what the tomorrow holds when we keep weaving futures together.

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