Fashion, like any of the world’s largest industries, also accounts for waste production. Clothing raw materials use pesticides and harmful chemicals, whereas textile waste is consistently one of the top five most discarded items.

In early 2020, Iris Ceneta began its journey in mindful consumption. We wish to change the misconception that sustainable fashion is viewed as boring and not wearable.This eventually led to Ha-bi, a journey driven by a sense of profound humility and an ambitious commitment to make a positive difference. Aware of the social and environmental challenges, we strive to work in a way that is respectful to people and the environment.

We believe that wardrobe production should be close to nature and its people. Every step in production is honest and caring. We work with social enterprises and multipurpose cooperatives to also support their growth. As such, one of our fabric partners is a women-focused coop based in Albay which specialises in hand-made cloth using herbal dyes.

In almost a year, these values have become increasingly tangible. The end-goal may still be far ahead, but each action is one step closer to achieving a better future for generations to come.