Inside Catriona Gray and NIñOFRANCO’s Contemporary Ethnic Wear
In the sunlit regions of Mindanao, where generations of weavers and artisans pass down techniques rooted in heritage, a meaningful partnership has taken shape. Catriona Gray, the former Miss Universe whose journey has long celebrated Filipino identity, has joined forces with NIñOFRANCO, a brand dedicated to transforming traditional textiles from Mindanao into modern garments.
Together, they have created a collection of contemporary ethnic wear that bridges the vivid beauty of Philippine craftsmanship with pieces designed for daily life.
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Honoring Filipino Roots
This collaboration marks a return to familiar ground for Gray. She first connected with NIñOFRANCO during her Miss Universe campaign in 2018, when the label helped her showcase the richness of local culture on a global stage. Years later, the connection has deepened into a shared creative endeavor.
Gray and designer Wilson Niñofranco Limon traveled together across Mindanao. They sat with weavers from the Bagobo Tagabawa community at the Tibolo Culture Center in Davao del Sur and spent time with artisans at Pearl Farm, drawing inspiration from both the people and the natural surroundings.
The experience left a lasting impression on both. Gray reflected on the power of wearing garments made by Filipino hands. “When I’m able to wear pieces proudly made by Filipino artisans, I really remember everything that I’ve learned along my travels. Seeing the craftsmanship in real life and seeing how tradition is passed down, that gives me a sense of pride. And siguro it allows me to stand taller. I always welcome when people ask ‘what are you wearing’ cause it gives me an opportunity to share about my culture,” she said in a video about the project.
The same respect for the stories embedded in every weave resonated with Limon as well. “Every time I wear pieces made by our artisans, it’s about carrying the soul of our heritage. It speaks (of) identity, pride and generations of craftsmanship. And for me, it influences not just how I look, but how I stand, how I represent. There’s a quiet strength in knowing that what I’m wearing tells a deeper story,” he shared.
Wearable Traditions
At the heart of the collection lies a thoughtful balance. Philippine textiles often burst with bold colors, rich textures, and detailed embellishments drawn from tribal traditions. Gray wanted to make these elements approachable rather than overwhelming. “The vision for this that I had is that I wanted it to be wearable,” she explained. “I know that our Philippine textiles traditionally are quite vivid. They’re colorful. They’re textured. And for someone who wants to incorporate that into their everyday (life), they might feel a little bit intimidated or think, ‘How do I wear this piece, how do I incorporate it into my existing wardrobe?’”
The resulting designs draw from the vibrant hues and skilled craftsmanship of Filipino textiles, including inspirations from Philippine florals, while featuring cleaner lines that suit modern wardrobes. Gray envisions pieces that endure beyond seasons. “I really wanted to create pieces that people would love but also see themselves wearing for years to come, and hopefully hand down to whoever their loved ones are,” she smiled.
Limon approaches the work with a similar depth. For him, the collaboration grows from shared values. “The idea is to create something that goes beyond fashion. Something that reflects identity, intention, and pride. So, our conversations, the places that we visited, and the communities we engaged (with) all shape the collection rooted in meaning and made with heart,” he added.
“I think tradition and resilience are themes that are not only in everyday person’s story, but in the stories that make culture as rich as it is. And it’s through storytelling, a medium that I personally am very passionate about, that I love to be able to connect with audiences to really allow them to see the meaning behind Filipino culture and why it still matters today,” Gray spoke, referring to the role of storytelling in keeping culture alive amid rapid change.
Meanwhile, Limon added his perspective on how traditions continue to grow: “Tradition isn’t static. It always evolves, so it always moves forward. In the stillness of observation, I’ve seen how resilience is embedded in every weave, and how creativity often blooms in the most resourceful, humble spaces. For me, listening to our artisans, I’ve learned that design doesn’t always come from sketch fads. Sometimes, it starts with stories or rituals or memory.”
Their time in Davao, surrounded by sea and heritage, fueled the creative process. Gray described Pearl Farm as an oasis. “Oh, here in the Davao Pearl Farm, it’s an oasis for a creative, because I think NIñOFRANCO and I have this in common, that we take a lot of inspiration not just from the people, but also from nature,” she said.
Limon found the setting encouraged a more deliberate approach. “Being surrounded by the sea and the heritage, it really inspired me to create from a more intentional, soulful place where design isn’t rushed, but something that emerges naturally,” he mused.
As someone who has served as an ambassador for the National Commission for Culture and the Arts for seven years, Gray brings a consistent dedication to highlighting Filipino excellence. This project with NIñOFRANCO continues that commitment by supporting the artisans whose hands shape each garment. In every piece from this collaboration, threads of history, pride, and careful intention come together as the collection invites wearers to carry forward the stories of Mindanao’s communities.
Photos: CATRIONA GRAY (via Instagram) and NIñOFRANCO (via Instagram)
The post Inside Catriona Gray and NIñOFRANCO’s Contemporary Ethnic Wear first appeared on MEGA.
Inside Catriona Gray and NIñOFRANCO’s Contemporary Ethnic Wear
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