It’s the season for sunshine-filled days and perennial vacationing. And you know what that means: vibrant patterns and bold silhouettes are in (at least in our rulebook, that is). So, what better way to get into the vibrant Filipino summer mood than to dress for the season?
As we update our wardrobes for the hot weather, adding bold and flamboyant pieces to your wardrobe can be daunting. And we get it–it’s something that can feel a bit out of character at first, especially if you’re accustomed to a muted color palette. But if you’re willing to take the leap this summer, we’re here to ease you into the process.
In the list ahead, we’ve curated pieces by Filipino designers that will surely liven up your wardrobe. Whether it’s an elevated take on familiar silhouettes or something that’s just outright forward-looking, we’ve included options that are worth exploring.
10 Pieces by Filipino Designers to Brighten Up Your Summer Wardrobe
1. Sassa Jimenez
Let’s start with an easy step: a hat. They're a great way to add bold elements to an otherwise subdued wardrobe.
This summer, wide-brimmed hats are essential for protecting yourself from the sun's scorching heat. Enter: Sassa Jimenez’s Petal Hat. Best known for her strikingly feminine designs, this wide-brim headpiece is an excellent choice for adding bold statement pieces to your wardrobe. The Petal Hat is available in four shades: Gerbera, Burgundy, Marigold, and Verdant. Each shade complements various outfits, making it a stand-out addition to any of your summer outfits.
Petal Hat in Gerbera, P2500, SASSA JIMENEZ, sassajimenez.com
2. Charina Sarte
This is a go-to brand among local celebrities for resort wear, and rightfully so. Paris-based Filipina designer Charina Sarte is best known for her breathable and intricately designed garments, as inspired by the tropical lifestyle in the Philippines.
A standout piece from her collection are the Watercolor Cube coordinates, which feature a square-neck crop top and a matching flowy midi skirt. The watercolor-inspired print adds a vibrant touch to an already polished look. Not only is it perfect for summer outings, but it’s also a set you can style for more formal events, ensuring you'll turn heads wherever you go.
Watercolor Cube Top & Midi Skirt, P9000 - P11,000 (each), CHARINA SARTE, charinasarte.com
3. Idyllic Summers (Steffi Cua)
Idyllic Summers is a brand dedicated to sustainability and local craftsmanship. In a past interview with Preview, founder Steffi Cua highlighted that 95 percent of their textiles are designed in-house, with partnerships with local artisans nationwide for garment weaving. Drawing inspiration from the geometric silhouettes of traditional folk garments, their pieces embody a blend of cultural heritage infused with contemporary flair.
Take for example the Tile Top, which creates a voluminous rectangle shape when worn. Crafted from “Binakol” fabric by artisans from Abra, Luzon, this top features a straight neckline that elegantly sits above the collar. Besides its striking shape, this top is versatile. It comes with a belt, allowing you to cinch your waist or wear it loose. Either way, it's an eye-catching and meticulously crafted piece that deserves a place in your wardrobe.
Tile Top - Magenta Vasarely, P4500, IDYLLIC SUMMERS, idyllicsummers.com
4. Nicolò
Oversized button-downs are a summer must-have. Not only do they offer a structured look, but they also keep you cool in the heat (both functionally and aesthetically). Nicolo Perez, celebrated for his sharply constructed garments, presents an oversized button-down with a striking contrast, hand-stitched wavy detail that adorns its dark blue base. The details add a touch of artistry and sophistication that can elevate your look.
Wavy-stitch-detailed shirt (dark blue), P5500, NICOLO, nicolo.shop
5. Rajo Laurel
When it comes to impeccably crafted pleats, Rajo Laurel's work is unmatched– and the Cairo Jumpsuit is a prime example. This piece from his demi-couture line House of Laurel features a pleated, V-neck top that elegantly cuts through the chest. When worn, the oversized sleeves elegantly fan out into a stunning half-moon shape. The compliments you’ll get wearing this outfit will be endless!
Cairo Jumpsuit in pale periwinkle, P24,995, HOUSE OF LAUREL, rajolaurel.com
6. Gabbie Sarenas
Form meets function in Gabbie Sarenas’ Blossom Salawal. These bottoms feature her signature ruffles and hand-guided plant embroidery, adding a touch of artistry to their breathable yet structured design. Ideal for day trips or long days of lounging, you can also match this with a fitted blouse for a casual yet chic daytime look, or dress it up with a silk camisole and heels for a night out.
Blossom Salawal, P4850, GABBIE SARENAS, gabbie-sarenas.myshopify.com
7. HA.MU
HA.MU is a brand defined by its bold, maximalist, and playful designs. If you’re looking for a maximalist and eye-catching button-down, consider their signature Candy Man Shirt. This oversized shirt is decked out with their signature ruffles along the shirt's perimeter (and even the pocket). Crafted from leftover fabric pieced together, it's a unique piece that's sure to turn heads. Pair it with any basic bottoms, and you’ll definitely stand out with your unique flair.
The Candy Man Shirt (printed/two-color combination), P6200, HA.MU, campsite.bio/shophamubusiness
8. Le Ngok (Carla Zhang)
Preview Creative 25 2023 awardee Le Ngok (Carla Zhang) redefines the parameters of experimental fashion design through the use of mixed media and cutting-edge techniques. The outcome is a series of groundbreaking, statement pieces that command attention even from afar.
Take for instance their take on a basic button-down. As it is, the blue-striped garment is an oversized shirt extending into a dress. By adjusting the drawstrings, it can transform into a standard shirt or even transformed into a crop top. As the fabric gathers, it forms a stunning ruched detail that elegantly enhances the classic button-down aesthetic. If you want an eye-catching yet versatile piece you can wear multiple times on your next trip, you definitely need to cop this shirt.
Oneness Drawstring Blue Stripped Shirt, P13,000, LE NGOK, lengok.com
9. TOQA (Isabel Sicat and Aiala Valdovino)
Founded by designers Isabel Sicat and Aiala Valdovino, TOQA embodies a youthful and innovative approach to fashion. They use unique deadstock textiles to create versatile garments meant for everyday wear, highlighting the countless ways you can style each piece.
One standout item perfect for summer is the Mini Midi Skirt in Ocean—a stylish swim skirt featuring a smocked waistband and flowing triangle-trimmed edges. The vibrant ocean print, a collaboration with Hawai’i artist Tutuvi, is showcased on locally sourced deadstock fabric. This skirt effortlessly transitions from a night out to a beach day, and pairs beautifully with your swimsuit, making it an essential piece for the summer season.
Mini Midi Skirt in Ocean, P7800, TOQA, toqa.tv
10. Patty Ang
Striking the perfect balance between elegance and sophistication is what Patty Ang does best. Take the Sue top, for example. It features a delightful floral silhouette crafted from crepe and soft tulle, perfect to wear from daytime outings to evening events. No matter what your plans are for the summer, adding this piece is a great starting point to get acquainted with bolder, more flamboyant pieces.
Sue Top Red and Hot Pink, P14,500, PATTY ANG, pattyang.com
LOOK: Celebrities Wearing Vibrant Pieces by Local Designers
In case you need that extra push to update your summer wardrobe with playful items, check out how these local celebs are rocking their pieces!
Sofia Andres in Charina Sarte
Camille Co in HA.MU
Tricia Gosingtian in Le Ngok
Siobhan Moylan in TOQA
Barbie Forteza in Patty Ang
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