Amina Aranaz – Alunan grew up in a creative and business environment. Her mother Becky Aranaz was in the export business and manufactured bags for international labels . So it was but a natural progression for her to try her hand in the same field. “The time came when we wanted to create our own designs and have our own brand, “ she recalls. “My Mom had the technical know-how and I had the passion for designing. Our earliest products were sold exclusively in bazaars in the nineties. Women of all ages would come to our table and hoard everything because it was a seasonal event. Then we started selling from our house – but clients would come at all hours!” she adds animatedly. “So finally, we decided to open our very first store along Julia Vargas in 2004.”
After college, Amina attended Instituto Marangoni in Milan where she earned her Masters in Fashion Accessories. Armed with her degree , she returned to Manila with a firm resolve to make Aranaz a serious contender in the fashion industry. Fast forward to today, the brand is now 15 years old —flourishing, in-demand both locally and globally and evolving continually.
COLLECTIONS
BOQUERIA Resort 2015 – Inspired by her many travels, Amina decided to make the lively market places as her starting point for her latest collection. From the market stalls of Manila, the souks of Turkey to Moroccan bazaars, she took the colorful, the interesting and the unique. The result —a line that exudes an artisanal spirit with handmade bags that are beautifully made using intricate weaving and masterful handcarving techniques.
CLUB TROPICANA – The previous season’s collection is no less stunning as the resort line. Bursting with vibrant colors and designs, the totes, handbags and clutches are refreshingly original and arresting.
THE QUEEN’S CHOICE
Truly, ARANAZ has made its mark in the global market. The women behind the brand are relentless in their pursuit for excellence. “My Mom kows what will sell and what will not . My younger sister Rosanna edits and refines my sketches. We love our work and it shows in our products, ” Amina remarks finally.
The brand is now being sold online by Harper’s Bazaar, Moda Operandi and Shop Latitude. Locally, it’s shops are located at Greenbelt 5 (2/f) and at Rockwell Mall (2/f).
Can’t wait to get the Carrie, Rocio and the Palma in blue lacquer!
22 comments
Aranaz will give major fashion bag&purse designers a run for their money. Proud to be Pinoy! Love the bags.
The brand is doing very well in the international market. Thanks for the comment Monica!
Always love a good tote and Carrie is a chic stunner!! The materials they use are so interesting no wonder it’s such a hit internationally.
I agree! Carrie is a must-have!
Wow, how lovely Philippine-designed/crafted bags! Thanks BQP for an excellent post, as always! 🙂
Thank you very much!
Beautiful bags – so original!
Totally agree with you. 🙂
We should take pride in her creations. So chic and classy!
The bags are so well made. Please check out the stores so you can take one home with you. 🙂
Every piece of her creatiion is very unique. Love the coco luria.
Stunning collection!
I like the Maja & Carrie Design <3
Great choices TIN!
I like the piña…
That’s a good choice!
Love the Club Tropicana collection! 🙂
Me too!
Perfect gifts for my wife and our 3 daughters.
The bags are really amazing. When I read the post and saw the pictures I just could simply say Wow! I love it. Filipino made are the best. Very unique and creative.
So fashionable and elegant.
I like the Carrie Bag, MAJA and Tropicana. I love big bags because I’ve lot of things to carry 🙂
Hands down to Amina. I’m an avid fan and oh boy i am proud to wear all of them and even just for keepsake. An Aranaz clutch will always be a woman’s best friend — apart from diamonds 🙂 Proud to be pinoy!
I’m in love with the Pina and Coco Luria bags [sigh]. I wouldn’t mind settling for the handcarved wood clutches in lacquer finish…in all colors please 😉