The Mindanao Collection from Designs by Malou

This past weekend, I was honored to again be a part of Malou Cordery’s photo shoot with Shawn Nguyen Photography and his talented team!

Her collection, the Mindanao Collection, is based on traditional Filipino clothing of the island of Mindanao, where she is from. Malou’s designs are all one-of-a-kind, very detailed and use a lot of colors. Not only is she a clothing designer, but she is an award-winning recyclable fashion designer. Her website, DesignsByMalou.com, is where she blogs about the creation and debut of her designs. Interested buyers are encouraged to contact her for pricing.


And yes! This amazing woman is indeed my mother and I am proud to be half Filipino. After all, being Half Filipina is Better Than None.


The Singkil



 

Singkil: This is a unique interpretation of the traditional outfit worn by Moro Princess Gandigan, from Lanao del Sur of the Maranao People. The legendary princess is accompanied by a lady-in-waiting, who holds a beautifully decorated umbrella over the Princess’ head where ever she goes. The headpiece is called, Sari Manok; a symbol of good fortune.

Designer: Malou Cordery
Model: Genevieve Cordery
Jewelry provided by: Malou Cordery


Tausug Pangalay


Tausug Pangalay: is a traditional “fingernail” dance of the Tausug people. Dancers must have dexterity and flexibility of the shoulders, elbows, and wrists, as well as have excellent balance. It is based on the Buddhist concept of celestial angels who are represented with vibrant colors, silver, and gold.

Designer: Malou Cordery
Model: Alyson Cordery
Jewelry provided by: Malou Cordery


The Sama-Bajau & The Bagobo
Sama-Bajau: This is a modernized look of a traditional Sama Bajau dress from one of the Moro Islands in the southern region of the Philippines. They use a lot of jewelry and gold in their outfits to showcase their wealth and status in their community.

Designer: Malou Cordery
Model: Genevieve Cordery
Jewelry provided by: Malou Cordery


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Bagobo: This is a traditional dress of the Bogobo Tribe, in the island of Davao, Mindanao, Philippines. This tribe loves using colorful designs and colorful jewelry. Yellow and red are the two main colors used in their outfits.

Designer: Malou Cordery
Headpiece: Cordeo Fashion (Malou Cordery + Venie Tadeo)
Model: Genevieve Cordery
Jewelry provided by: Malou Cordery


The Woven One & The Asik



 Woven: Using traditional Manobo jewelry to create a one-of-a-kind design.

Crochet cardigan & Tank top: Target
Headpiece: Malou Cordery
Model: Alyson Cordery
Jewelry provided by: Malou Cordery


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Asik: This is a traditional Moro outfit worn by a the Princess’ royal servant. The girl holds up an umbrella for the beautiful Princess Gandigan, shielding Gandigan from the sunlight.

Designer: Malou Cordery
Model: Malou Cordery
Jewelry provided by: Malou Cordery


Oyster Shells & The Women


Oyster Shells: Concept art turned into a native-styled outfit.
Designer: Malou Cordery
Model: Alyson Cordery
Jewelry provided by: Malou Cordery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Women:
Designer: Malou Cordery
Models (Left to Right): Malou Cordery, Genevieve Cordery, Alyson Cordery
Jewelry provided by: Malou Cordery


Designer: Malou Cordery | Assistant: Carlos Pareyes Designs | MUAH: Michelle Rodriguez | Photographer: Shawn Nguyen


Below are photos from a previous photo shoot with Shawn Nguyen Photography which include a few more designs from Malou Cordery’s Mindanao Collection. These images have been previously shown on my article: Half Filipina Is Better Than None.


The Mindanao Princess & The Kahel Princess 

 

 

Mindanao Princess (Left):
Designer: Malou Cordery
Model: Alyson Cordery
Headpiece: Malou Cordery
Jewelry provided by: Malou Cordery


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kahel Princess (Right):
Designer: Malou Cordery
Model: Zander Sidney
Jewelry provided by: Malou Cordery



The Ifugao Princess

Ifugao Princess: Traditional Ifugao headpiece with a Mindanao Malong (dress).
Designer: Malou Cordery
Model: Genevieve Cordery
Headpiece: Malou Cordery
Jewelry provided by: Malou Cordery


The Princesses

SMXL

The Princesses:
Designer: Malou Cordery
Models (Left to Right): Alyson Cordery, Zander Sidney, Genevieve Cordery
Headpieces: Cordeo Fashion (Malou Cordery & Venie Tadeo)
Jewelry provided by: Malou Cordery

Designer: Malou Cordery | Assistant: Carlos Pareyes Designs | Assistant: Amanda Dial | MUAH: Deme Fourtounis| Photographer: Shawn Nguyen

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