Hablon took centerstage recently in a fashion show initiated by renowned Ilonggo fashion designer Nono Palmos at the Grand Ballroom of Grand Xing Imperial Hotel in Iloilo City.
Hablon is the handwoven heritage textile from Iloilo traditionally made with a handloom using natural fibers such as abaca, piña, and cotton.
The term hablon comes from the Hiligaynon word “habol”, which means “to weave.”
Nono spruced up this iconic textile with embroideries, hand paintings, and elegant beadworks.
The fashion event was produced by philanthropist and businesswoman Putli J. Fuerte to raise funds for the Zonta Club of Iloilo’s projects that seek to empower women.
The historic Hablon weaving had already been established in Iloilo before the Spaniards arrived in the 16th century, observing that the region was a big supplier of cotton and other textiles.
The towns of Miagao, Oton, Igbaras, Badiangan, and Dueñas in particular have a rich hablon weaving centers which are now popular around the world.
