I spent Holy Week in Liliw, Laguna — a quaint town south of Manila known for its vibrant footwear industry. The town’s main streets are lined with stores selling slippers handmade by local artisans. I took the time to explore some of these shops, marveling at their wide array of offerings.
Some of the designs are familiar — the kinds our grandmothers might prefer — while others are stylish and very much of the moment. With seemingly endless options, finding the perfect pair was no easy task.
The Liliw selections. (SHARED PHOTO)
Footwear plays a vital role in completing your outfit. Even the most stylish ensemble can fall flat if your choice of shoes doesn’t harmonize with the rest of your look. In fact, footwear is often a key element in pulling off a successful OOTD (outfit of the day).
While Liliw is dubbed the “Chinelas Capital of the Philippines,” the country’s shoe capital is Marikina, a city in Metro Manila. Marikina has long been home to the country’s best shoe artisans.
From Marikina came Ceferino and Gloria Enriquez, who founded Meg’s Shoes in 1955. Ceferino worked at the bench while Gloria oversaw both the product and business details. Their hard work inspired their son, Joey Enriquez, to launch his own brand — Figlia.
Founded in 1986, Figlia quickly became a respected name in the local market. Just two years later, the brand took a major step forward by partnering with the CMG Group, a global leather products conglomerate. Today, Joey Enriquez is the founder and vice chairman of Charter International Inc., a subsidiary of CMG Retail.
When I asked Joey about Figlia’s best-selling designs, he highlighted the high vamp, versatile, and trans-seasonal court shoes as staples. Classic pumps — in both pointed and almond toe styles — continue to perform well, while low- to mid-height block heels remain essential. Chic kitten heels, ballerinas, and slingbacks with low to medium heels are also gaining popularity.
The best sellers at Figlia. (SHARED PHOTO)
Square toes continue to trend, but pointed silhouettes are making a strong comeback for fashion-forward consumers.
Square toes and pointed toes at Figlia. (SHARED PHOTO)
Multi-strap Mary Janes are enjoying a resurgence as part of the ’60s revival, especially when styled with knee-high socks for a playful, “girl-tude” vibe.
The trendier Mary janes at Figlia. (SHARED PHOTO)
In addition to timeless shades like black, I’m thrilled to see colors like wine and ice blue making a splash. Colors, after all, make fashion so much more exciting. This summer, textures such as raffia, suede, and mesh are also taking center stage.
Figlia has smartly introduced sub-brands to cater to diverse market segments. There’s Figliarina, which targets a younger, trend-conscious audience; Shubizz, the athleisure line; Sorores, focused on comfort; and Figlia Uomo, a vegan men’s line.
Choosing the right footwear to complement your outfit is no simple task. Designers spend significant time and resources ensuring that shoes match their runway creations. I often advise clients on the right footwear — in both color and style — to enhance the gowns I create for them. The wrong shoe can truly ruin an otherwise impeccable look.
That’s why I’m glad that Figlia and its sub-brands are not only stylish and well-crafted but also affordable. It’s a proudly Filipino brand that continues to serve the Filipino market well.
So next time you’re choosing footwear, remember to be thoughtful and intentional. Modern fashion invites you to experiment with design and color, but comfort, aesthetics, and harmony should always come together. Trust your eyes — they’ll tell you when something’s off.
Stay fabulous — from head to toe!
Bisou, bisou.
