Anino Polo Shirt

Anino Polo Shirt
“Sometimes shadows teach us how to understand ourselves—even in the vaguest ways.”

The Anino Polo Shirt is my family's story woven into clothing. Inspired by my journey to Ilocos Norte, where I traced the footsteps of her great-grandfather from the Philippines to Honokaʻa, Hawai‘i, this piece honors the quiet power of ancestral memory. The name Anino, meaning “shadow” in Tagalog, speaks to the echoes of migration, identity, and cultures that shape us.

The shirt features handwoven binakol textile in tones of brown and black, made by the Domingo family in Paoay—longtime weaving partners committed to the beauty and integrity of their craft. Binakol, known for its mesmerizing geometric patterns, represents protection and movement—a perfect metaphor for the spiritual and cultural paths we follow.

Soft Julia silk, ethically sourced cotton-linen blend, and natural shell buttons complete the shirt with understated luxury and sustainability at its core. Each element reflects Elle Karayan’s commitment to preserving craftsmanship while honoring the diasporic journey.

Wear the Anino Polo Shirt not just as fashion, but as an act of remembering—of moving forward with the shadows that walk beside us.