Our Mission:
“To sell sustainable handmade goods for women handmade by women.”
So Why Morena?
In Filipino culture, being considered Morena (brown) is often seen as less than Mestiza (mixed or light skin), mainly a hangover from Spain's colonial influences in the Philippines. By naming my company Morena, I am taking back the name to represent beauty and strength. Our clothes fit women of all skin colors and sizes. My goal is to build a bridge between the craftswomen, culture, and community in my hometown of Cagayan De Oro here in USA.
Moving to the States in my 20s, I realized that, unlike other East Asian cultures, the Philippines is an obscure idea for most people. Our makers, artists, chefs, and entrepreneurs are usually limited to Filipinos living abroad and rarely break out of that community. Morena knows our culture's value and sees how it can enrich the lives of every culture. Our garments draw inspiration from traditional Filipiñana styles but are designed to make for an easy everyday fashion choice.