KOLOHEXJAHZZ · Oct 26, 2021

We've Launched a Collection in Honor of Filipino American History Month

October marks Filipino American History Month, in honor of Kolohe's robust filipina heritage we've collaborated with Illustration Artist Jahzz.Art. 10% of the profit from this collection will be donated to FANHS: Filipino American National History Society.

Jahziel, also known as Jahzz.Art is an Illustration Artist whose work highlights her values of feminism and culture. She is deeply influenced by her Filipina background; however, she hopes that highlighting women of color through illustration evoke notions of beauty through women empowerment.

As our team of in-house designers at Kolohe began to manifest a collection with Jahzz.Art, both parties argeed on motifs that symbolize what is means to be filipino in modern day Hawai'i. Jahziel explains that being a Filipina born and raised in Hawai’i, she felt that the sun, calamansi, and jasmine flowers distinctly symbolize the cultures that have a large impact on the artwork she continues to create. Jahziel wanted to integrate the values and aesthetics of Kolohe with her own to visually represent the young women of color that made this collaboration happen.

We aspire to showcase the warmth of culture and feminine beauty, each piece from this collection is a reflection of ‘you’.

Gold Sun Earrings, Necklace, and Ring symbolizing unity and freedom, the sun is synonymous to Philippines' nationality and culture.

In an interview with the talented Illustration Artist, we dive deeper into Jahziel's perspective:

1. How long have you been an illustrator?

Initially, I wanted to create work that made me proud of who I am. Many Filipinas are a bit insecure about Asian/Pacific Island culture as society often favors Asians with fair skin, straight hair, and small features; deeming these characteristics as more beautiful. I hoped that my illustrations highlight brown skin, wavy hair, slant eyes, etc. as gorgeous characteristics. With that being said, although I am influenced by my Filipina culture, I hope that AAPI and WPOC can see themselves reflected in my work. I wish to continue to impact those around me because being proud of who you are changes your outlook in life and my heart is so warm knowing that my artwork can do that.

2. What is the intention behind your illustrations?

3. What was your inspiration behind your collaboration with Kolohe?

As women artists, we share the same values of female empowerment, chasing daydreams, and using creative mediums to express ourselves. Being young women of color based in Hawai’i, we wanted this collection to reflect the melting pot of cultures that surround us. All of my illustrations are women embellished with gold jewelry as I love how gold looks on brown skin. I am so honored to be collaborating with these ladies who brought my vision to life.

4. What does Filipino American History Month mean to you?

As a first generation Filipina-American, I have struggled with cultural identity in many ways. Due to the fact that I was born and raised in Hawai’i, does that make me less of a “Filipina”? If I am not fluent in my parents’ native language, does that make me less in tune with my culture/heritage? To me, Filipino American History Month is a representation for those like myself who are continuing to learn about their cultural identity. In my perspective, cultural identity is defined by the ways we express our love and appreciation towards our culture.

5. What does being ‘filipina’ mean to you?

Being Filipina means that I am from a culture that is passionate, industrious, loud, and warm. I am from a culture that is resourceful, gaining inspiration from the beautiful land that surrounds them. Expressing my values through my work, I am capable of reversing negative stereotypes that are associated with being Filipina. Being Filipina means being a beautiful, confident, and fierce woman.