The New York-based, design-led lifestyle brand celebrates the Philippine natural fiber and artisan expertise behind its handwoven baskets.
NEW YORK, Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As the holiday season begins, LIKHA is spotlighting abaca, a natural fiber native to the Philippines, through its collection of handwoven baskets. Once used to make ropes and rigging for sailing ships, abaca now brings its strength, luster and texture into contemporary homes.
From tabletop baskets to sculptural floor pieces, LIKHA pairs Filipino weaving expertise with thoughtful design, turning practical storage into objects worth displaying.
"Abaca is one of Philippine design's hidden gems, and our artisan partners bring a deep understanding of what it can do," said Nathalie Llorente-Lim, CEO of LIKHA. "We explore shapes, proportions and details together, letting the material guide the design. We want people to notice the beauty of the fiber and the skill of the weaving, then discover how naturally the piece fits into their everyday lives."
A Philippine Fiber with a Rich History
Abaca comes from Musa textilis, a member of the banana family native to the Philippines. Used for centuries in Philippine textiles, abaca became internationally known as Manila hemp, prized for ship ropes and rigging during the 19th century.
As wicker and rattan regain attention in interior design, abaca offers another expression of natural texture. While wicker describes a weaving technique, abaca is a fiber distinguished by its natural sheen, flexibility and earthy tones.
From Fiber to Handwoven Form
Abaca fibers are extracted from the plant's leaf sheaths, then dried, sorted and prepared for weaving. Natural variations in thickness, color and flexibility influence how they can be shaped.
Skilled weavers carefully control the tension and structure of each basket, shaping its curves and finishing its edges. LIKHA collaborates with artisan partners to develop contemporary designs, from scalloped rims to softly structured forms, combining their knowledge of the material with the brand's design perspective.
A Gift Beyond the Season
Whether given as gifts or used for everyday storage, LIKHA's abaca baskets bring warmth and purpose to the home long after the holidays.
Explore the collection at shoplikha.com.
About LIKHA
Founded in 2018 by Nathalie Llorente-Lim, LIKHA is a New York-based, design-led lifestyle brand creating home goods, fashion accessories and gifts in collaboration with Filipino artisan communities. Its collections bring together traditional craftsmanship, natural materials and contemporary design.
SOURCE LIKHA
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