Piñatex leather sandals with golden metal coin, threads and pearl beads embroidered vamp and carved wooden platforms, 2025.
This shoe reinterprets the original Bulawan named after the Visayan word for ‘gold’. The work honors the enduring cultural significance of gold in Philippine history, from pre-Hispanic adornment to contemporary expression. Revered by early Filipinos and later incorporated into sacred Catholic objects, gold has long symbolised status, spirituality, and artistry. Through traditional metalworking techniques such as repoussé, filigree, and casting, the piece reflects the layered narratives, beliefs, and craftsmanship that continue to shape Filipino cultural identity.Â
© Lee Villanueva.
