Cora Jacob – The Designer
Cora Jacob, or Cora Jacobs as she is known
internationally, has earned the title in the
Philippines and in fashion capitals around the
world as the “Indigenous Genius”. Having been
in the business of designing and crafting
handbags and fashion accessories for over 30
years now, her exquisite taste, talent and
experience in mixed mediums such as bamboo,
jute, leather, canvass, raffia (grass),
sugarcane, shells and beads has earned her
that monicker. Add to that her international
experience in designing for great fashion
houses Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior and
Givenchy, it is no wonder that many consider
her as the pioneer of Philippine handbag
design.
Founder of the Association of Philippine
Leathergoods Manufacturers (APLEM) and
recipient of numerous awards, Cora Jacob's
legendary status has widened because of her
continuous support to providing livelihood and
training to her Filipino countrymen. Eco-chic is
a term she coined for her work, simply meaning
"Ecologically-Chic", giving emphasis on
products that are characterized as naturally
elegant, indigenous, vibrant and fresh.