Dressing knows no boundaries. Fashion gives us various options to mix and match clothes that best represent each of us, and these local fashion brands let us do just that. Even though conservatism is the norm, each piece from these brands will definitely allow you to embrace your individuality.
Known for incorporating shapes and colors into their designs, Rumpus Studios takes a fun twist to your everyday basics. What started out as a side project and collaboration with Ria Lim, founder of Astella Philippines, the brand first came out with button-down shirts and shirt dresses with a size range that goes between freesize and oversize to accommodate everyone. “That way there [is] no distinct ‘feminine’ or ‘masculine’ silhouette,” says Celine Mallari, founder of Rumpus.
Where to find it: Kahilom + Gen. Mdse, HUB Make Lab, First United Building, 413 Escolta St, Binondo, Manila. Open from 11am to 8pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
Modernizing rich traditional culture through sustainable streetwear is what this brand is about. Inspired by their immersions with indigenous, rural, and island communities, K’ved presents designs that represent Filipino culture fluidly. “The cuts of our shirts could cater to a casual or island female or a vintage or rock style male,” says Jaq Lopez, founder of K’ved. The use of natural and bright colors makes the designs more inclusive of all genders and encouraging for more people to be adventurous with their style.
Where to find it: Kahilom + Gen. Mdse, HUB Make Lab, First United Building, 413 Escolta St, Binondo, Manila. Open from 11am to 8pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
Straight out of Palawan is this locally produced brand Astella. With a focus on the easy, tropical aesthetic, the brand combines island prints with comfort. “With our brand, we create different styles and cuts, but it’s always been our position to welcome anyone to choose whatever they want to wear in any which way they want,” says Ria Lim, founder of Astella Philippines. The prints are what make their clothing as they are inspired by the different aspects of the island life in the country.
Where to find it: Kahilom + Gen. Mdse, HUB Make Lab, First United Building, 413 Escolta St, Binondo, Manila. Open from 11am to 8pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
Don’t Blame the Kids Apparel Co. / DBTK
Embodied by their strong messages seen through their designs, Don’t Blame the Kids Apparel Co. or DBTK evokes a passionate spirit of the youth. Founded by brothers Emil and Vince Javier, the brand produces designs that incorporate an advocacy of pursuing dreams and a distinctive aesthetic. The brand makes their collections inclusive of everyone through the vibrant designs that make them appealing to both men and women. “Gender-neutral fashion, like androgyny, is a good thing since it will invite more people to dress, design, and create freely,” says Lex Ignacio, Brand Chief Content Creator of DBTK.
Where to find it: 38-A Shorthorn St., Project 8, Quezon City. Open daily from 12nn to 8pm, Monday to Saturday and 12nn to 6pm every Sunday.
The brand's latest capsule collection in collaboration with the Hernandez Brothers named FUTURE FORCE represents the signs of our times as it was inspired by activism and the labor force. Wearing these statement pieces will definitely make you look and feel woke.
Where to find it: Kahilom + Gen. Mdse, HUB Make Lab, First United Building, 413 Escolta St, Binondo, Manila. Open from 11am to 8pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
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