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Zarah Juan ABS-CBN Lifestyle

<p>Ask any Gen Z what we look for before we buy something, and you&#x27;ll get more than just “Is it cute?&quot; We want to know who made it, what it&#x27;s made of, and what our money is supporting. In preparation for Zarah Juan’s birthday week sale this August, here are some of their most iconic pieces picked by a Gen Z and why you should buy them.</p><p>Zarah Juan&#x27;s mission for sustainability began in 2007, when she was a flight attendant sewing reusable eco-bags, founding the company Green Leaf Eco Bags. The shift to locally sourced materials and production came in 2016, fusing traditional Filipino craftsmanship with contemporary design, which she is known for today.</p><div><strong>Marahuyo Sandals</strong></div><p>First entering the store on the second floor of Rockwell Powerplant Mall, you are greeted by a spiral display of their iconic slippers. These are perfect slip-ons with their designs peeking through the front of the baggy or flared jeans that a lot of Gen Z live in. </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787573548152Zarah Juan 1.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>Focusing on local assembly rather than mass production, the Marahuyo Sandals are handwoven by the artisans of the Isabela Province and paired with soles from Marikina shoemakers. In this way, the slippers represent the vibrant Filipino culture and make a statement against fast fashion. The comfortable, convenient, and unique design of these sandals makes for a fun pop in any outfit.</p><div><strong>Transistor Bag</strong></div><p>For all of the Gen Zs who don’t like things too flashy, enjoying earthy tones and accessories that can go with every outfit, the Transistor bag is ideal. </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787573593308transistor bag.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>Made by the artisans of Paete, Laguna, and the weavers of Abra, this bag, while also retaining elements of nostalgia as it references old radios, maintains a timeless and simple look. It is made for everyday use, fits in with every occasion, and it’s a no-brainer to have.</p><div><strong>Boombox Bag and Partyline Bag</strong></div><p>Reminiscent of a time long before ours, the Boombox bag and the Partyline bag are a must-have from Zarah Juan’s collection. </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787573625250Zarah Juan 2.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>These unique and quirky designs play into Gen Z’s obsession with vintage clothing and accessories while being set apart from the crowd. But examining the materials: wood, wicker, and <em>solihiya</em> woven by hand, handwoven<em> Inabel</em> from Abra, and 100% leather — these bags are made to last rather than to be tossed next season. A great conversation starter, a decorative display piece, and a fun way to win over all of the <em>Titos</em> and <em>Titas</em>!<strong><br/></strong></p><div><strong>PUJ Clutch Bag and Jeepney Tote Bag</strong></div><p>Of course, I could never forget the iconic Jeepney designs featured in the PUJ Clutch Bag and Jeepney Tote Bag. With elements created all from the Philippines— Cavite, Abra, Benguet— and assembled in Bulacan, this clutch and its matching tote bag showcase a staple of the Philippine lifestyle within a quirky, cultural design. This is the move for<em> pasalubong</em> as a reminder of the Philippines and for matching bright colors in your outfit.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787573650350Zarah Juan 3.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>With Filipino culture having a real moment on the global stage — <em>ube</em> lattes, BINI, Filipino creators everywhere — there&#x27;s something powerful about engaging with it intentionally rather than just riding the trend. That&#x27;s what makes Zarah Juan feel right: it directly supports the communities the culture actually comes from.</p><p>Beyond fashion and style, Zarah Juan&#x27;s production aligns with Gen Z’s activism by putting sustainability and support for local communities at the forefront of every product. Our generation thrifts clothing because it is more sustainable, boycotts brands because of unethical production practices, and cares about where our money actually goes. That&#x27;s why consumption here is more than just spending money; it is more than just for yourself. Every piece supports the environment through conscious craftsmanship and uplifts the Filipino artisans.</p><p>Of course, all of Zarah Juan’s designs are beautiful, playfully interacting with Filipino culture and supporting small artisan communities. So while pieces like the Silang Pineapple Bag may lean a little more Millennial, there&#x27;s genuinely something for everyone in her stores.</p><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DcDsjd1xBcP/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=648&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A8201017.100000024%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="863" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><em>Zarah Juan is celebrating the Birthday Sale Week until August 30, 2026, available both online and in-store. Shop in person at Powerplant Mall on the second floor of Rockwell Center in Makati City, or visit Greenbelt 5 on the second floor of Ayala Malls at Legazpi Village, also in Makati City. Browse the full selection of sale items on the </em><a href="https://www.zarahjuan.com/collections/birthday-sale-week" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>website</em></a><em>. For more information, follow Zarah Juan on</em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/zarahjuan/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em> Instagram</em></a><em> or reach out via text or Viber at +639293199390.</em></div><div><em>Photos by the author.</em></div>

<p>In celebration of Zarah Juan’s birthday sale, here are some of Gen Z’s picks! Zarah Juan's designs ask Gen Z the question: Can we engage with our heritage intentionally rather than as a trend, and what does it mean to shop with our values aligned with the communities we claim to celebrate?</p>

In celebration of Zarah Juan’s birthday sale, here are some of Gen Z’s picks! Zarah Juan's designs ask Gen Z the question: Can we engage with our heritage intentionally rather than as a trend, and what does it mean to shop with our values aligned with the communities we claim to celebrate?

Where Your Money Actually Goes: Shopping Zarah Juan as Gen Z

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Where Your Money Actually Goes: Shopping Zarah Juan as Gen Z

Sabrina Lopez

Published August 24, 2026 08:15 PM PHT

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Updated August 24, 2026 10:18 PM PHT

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Zarah Juan

Conscious Consumption

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Sustainable Fashion

Filipino Artisans

Pasalubong

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