Sleek, functional, and sustainable? Gouache, a Filipino lifestyle brand known for its esteemed line of specialty bags, accessories, and wearables launches new collection in collaboration with Anthill Fabrics!
Merging rugged durability of waxed canvas with the rich texture and vibrant stories of Philippine weaves sourced from Anthill Fabrics, The Gouache x Anthill Collection 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 and Kantarines 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.”
Gouache has always been embodying its inception of heritage as reimagined for the present times but with the collaboration with Anthill Fabrics, Gouache is taking 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 different weaving communities here in the Philippines.
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.”
Gouache’s Marikina workshop handcrafts all pieces, what’s really interesting is that the workshop is just adjacent to the showroom—enabling artisans to observe firsthand how customers respond to their work and really shows how the brand is very committed to transparency, fair labor, and appreciation for craft.
The brand also produces in small batches to minimize waste and to ensure quality, locally source materials, and meticulously craft each product from initial design to the 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, visit https://www.gouachebags.com
