Jewelries made from upcycled old shirts and office supplies by Davaoeña social entrepreneur Dianna “Yana” U. Santiago are starting to find a market abroad.
Ms. Santiago said that by marketing their products online under the brand Olivia and Diego (www.oliviaanddiego.com), they have already started to get noticed by buyers from Canada, the United States, Japan, Malaysia, Belgium, and Germany.
“In Olivia and Diego, we use upcycled t-shirts and turn them into necklaces (and bracelets). We are getting recognition because we are from Mindanao, we are also with the communities here in Davao,” she said in an interview last week.
“Aside from that, I always wear them, I also bring my products when I travel.”
Olivia and Diego works with communities and groups such as Talikala, a nongovernment organization involved in improving the quality of life of women prostitutes, and survivors of prostitution and human trafficking.
The women are then trained to become artisans and produce the “rope jewelry.”
Ms. Santiago said their buyers and partner distributors are those who “understand the value of sustainable design and ethical fashion” as well as appreciate the story behind the products.
Olivia and Diego aims to keep growing its market to provide sustainable livelihood to members of their partner communities and organizations.
“The Global Shapers community serves as a platform for different organizations, mostly bringing awareness so that we can create solutions collectively, and collaborations with other companies,” said Ms. Santiago, during the Green Wardrobe Forum organized by the local youth community of thebWorld Economic Forum-Global Shapers Davao.
The forum was part of the Philippines’ participation in the global Fasion Revolution movement established in 2013. — Maya M. Padillo

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