There are moments in life that become turning points—moments so vivid and meaningful that they inspire you to create something lasting. For me, that moment was New York, and the collection that emerged from it is Hiyas.
What Hiyas Means
In the Philippines, hiyas means jewel. It’s a word that carries weight—something precious, rare, and crafted with intention. That’s exactly what this first collection represents to me. Each bag is a jewel in its own right, handmade by Filipino artisans who pour their hearts and skilled hands into every stitch, every detail.
These aren’t just bags. They’re pieces meant to be felt, not rushed. In a world that moves too fast, Hiyas invites you to slow down and appreciate the beauty of something made by hand, with care, with time.
The Inspiration: My New York Friends
This collection is deeply personal. It’s my dedication to the friends I made in New York—the ones who made the city feel like home, who laughed with me, explored with me, and became part of my story.
The photos you’ll see throughout this collection were taken with three incredible friends who mean the world to me. We captured these moments together—candid, joyful, real. Their energy, their style, their spirit are woven into every image, just as their friendship is woven into the very fabric of what Hiyas represents.
In fact, each bag in the collection is named after these three amazing people. Every design carries their name, their essence, their story. It’s my way of honoring the bonds we share and the memories we’ve created together.
Handmade in the Philippines
Every Hiyas bag is handcrafted in the Philippines, showcasing the incredible talent and artistry of Filipino makers. This is work that cannot be rushed. Each bag takes time, patience, and expertise—qualities that are becoming rarer in our fast-fashion world.
When you hold a Hiyas bag, you can feel the difference. You can feel the hours of work, the attention to detail, the pride of the artisan who made it. It’s a piece you’ll want to keep, to carry, to treasure.
Imperfectly Perfect
Here’s the beautiful truth about Hiyas: each bag is imperfectly perfect. Because they’re handmade, no two bags are exactly the same. The variations in stitching, the subtle differences in texture, the unique character of each piece—these aren’t flaws. They’re proof of human hands at work. They’re what make your bag yours.
In a world of mass production and perfect uniformity, Hiyas celebrates the beauty of individuality. Your bag has a story that no other bag has. It was touched by different hands, shaped by different moments, and carries its own unique soul.
Handmade by Filipinos, Carried by the World
This is more than a tagline—it’s a vision. I dream of seeing Hiyas bags carried across continents, from the streets of Quezon to the avenues of New York,. I want the world to know the beauty of Filipino craftsmanship, to appreciate the hands that create these pieces, to value quality over quantity.
Hiyas is a celebration of heritage, friendship, and the belief that some things are worth taking your time with. It’s about honoring the journey, the people who walk it with you, and the stories you carry along the way.
Welcome to Hiyas
Thank you for being here, for taking the time to learn about this collection and what it means to me. Whether you’re in New York, the Philippines, or anywhere else in the world, I hope Hiyas resonates with you the way it does with me.
This is just the beginning. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.
xoxo,
Serene Aura