Carl Garcia is a passionate guy. I bump into him at the Toe concert and he immediately hands me a postcard with a beautiful photo of a woven leather bag and excitedly tells me to check out his latest venture. He proceeds to show off the bag he was toting the unisex shoulder bag and I am immediately impressed. Well-made, good quality, and best of all, handcrafted right here in the Philippines.
Being a walking advertisement for his leather goods is nothing new to this budding entrepreneur. Born into a shoe business (Otto and Itti shoes are cousins) that has been around for decades, it was the natural path for the Milan-educated designer. “My lolo and I actually had the same professor in Ars Sutoria Milano. At a young age, he taught me how to make patterns. My mom would also take me on trips abroad. That really opened my eyes. That, and carrying all these branded bags on my shoulders!”
When he came back from Italy, Carl started experimenting with bag production. His family saw the results and encouraged him to produce it to sell. He then sourced his materials locally and abroad for the required leather. Everything is meticulously made by hand in his workshop in Marikina, leather goods mecca of the country.
The woven bags are from his first collection and he’s currently whipping up more (hand bags) for the summer. A shoe collection is in the works, as well as plans to consign to different boutiques. As of press time, Carabao bags are currently available at Discovery Shores in Boracay. “My maiden collection is influenced by travel and the need for good, sturdy bags that are practical and easy to access. Each bag has compartments for your phone, pens and important documents. It doesn’t hurt that it looks gorgeous, too.”
Carl plans to take his bags abroad, to reach an even broader, always hungry for new luxury market. Add brandishing exceptional Pinoy craftsmanship to that, and his is a recipe for success. Bet his lolo is pretty proud.
For inquiries visit their page at facebook.com/carabaohandcrafted; e-mail carabaoworkshop@yahoo.com; or call 0917-8451417.