SIX LOCAL FASHION BRANDS ON IG REFRESHING ETHNIC FASHION TO THE MODERN FILIPINO
Weaving culture and today’s fashion into everyday, lifestyle clothing, these designers are taking local fashion flavor to a whole new level.
In Thailand, traditional harem pants are a street norm that has always piqued the interests of tourists. In Japan, it was Harajuku streetwear that pinned the area on the map as a fashion hotspot. In the Philippines, we’re bringing back traditional to the modern Filipino.
Many local designers and artists have been translating our traditional barongs and ternos to bring the flavor back to the taste of today’s generation. But beyond these usual traditional styles, our ethnic sensibilities span from the Ifugaos’ weaving designs, Igorots’ tribal patterns, Mindanao’s rich Islam culture, and more. To many creative designers, this proves as an avenue to expand Filipino fashion with a modern twist.
Taking it to the streets, normalizing the trend, and sewing the trends of the past with today’s fashion forward-thinking—it’s time to support and appreciate our designers more to mutually lift local fashion and culture.
PIOPIO (@piopio_ph and @piopio_tindahan)
“Weaving funky Filipino into everyday wear”
This brand is known to bridge funky and ethnic designs together to produce comfy, everyday wear. Featuring intricate and colorful patterns, they pride in sourcing expertly woven fabrics directly from local handweavers and having a sincere relationship with communities to preserve crafts and traditions.
Their sophisticated curation may come with a high price tag, but it’s all in support of a bigger cause to keep traditions thriving even in the ever-evolving fashion industry. Their design, quality, and cultural significance undeniably capture today’s fashion sensibilities—even that remains an understatement compared to the grander vision that it has for the local community. Truly, the brand deserves all the support it has received and its success can be attributed to its mission as well as their exceptional, refreshing take to ethnic patterns without veering far from its authenticity.
SUOT (@suot.natin)
For the love of corduroy, SUOT by Karl Guerra exhibits local flair with its selection of organic-toned clothing, traditional names for their pieces, and their creative twist to staple local streetwear.
Some of their proud selection include “TAGPI” which is upcycled wood beads with a wrap-around denim cord, “LUKBOT” which is a Filipino term for purse they then translated into a small bag made of scraps of corduroy, denim and extra leather cut into cords, and baseball jerseys they call “Homerun” which is made with heavy cotton twill that’s perfect for our local climate especially during the rainy season. Their fashion definitely scores a streetwear vibe that suits well for those who are always on-the-go and out in the sun with materials that are both comfy and chic.
Hannah Adrias (@adriashannah)
Slim’s Fashion School alum, Hannah Adrias, had everyone’s attention with her modern take on the classic terno that appeals well for Gen Zs and today’s fashion. Exhibiting her military-inspired ensembles TernoCon 2020 at CCP, she took home the winning title for her resounding pieces that exude modern, bold aesthetic that brims feminine sensibilities.
Having been mentored by famous local designer Lesley Mobo comes with intimidation but Adrias’ profound vision excels in every category from her materials, execution, and design, therefore, gravitating eyes on her budding career. Everything’s casual and contemporary therefore her pieces truly empower the modern Filipina.
Kaayo Modern Mindanao (@kaayo.ph)
“Weaving the best of tradition and trends to come up with notable pieces from Mindanao.”
Mindanao fashion has always been known for its rich colors, most notably from Islamic culture, therefore translating these practices have always been in the interest of fresh designers. As such, Kaayo brings these indigenous sensibilities to modern fashion through jumpsuits, tote bags, dresses, and jackets that all feature ethnic patterns as its accent.
Some of their enduring relationships with the communities involve the T’boli, B’laan, Mandaya, Bagobo, Tagakaolo, and Ata Manobo as listed with facts on their website. Its curated selection tells many stories and digs deeper beyond mere aesthetics as it also honors the crafts of artisans that have been practiced for ages. With the exceptional inclusion of culture into their business, Kaayo carries more than just a fashion statement, but also cultural preservation.
Maco Custodio (@macocustodio)
He’s had his fair share of recognition in the local fashionsphere, but like any artist sincere to his craft, Custodio kept true to his commitment in traditional sensibilities and excellence. Having graced Manila FAME and even winning the prestigious KATHA Award Best Product Design for Fashion, he remains on the radar as one of the prominent modern designers that bridge ethnicity to the city and to the modern fashion radar.
His Lalapatos venture hopes to revive or sustain the glory of Marikina’s shoemaking industry and he’s been supportive of fellow local designers through his collaborations. Although shoes have been his most resounding style with his skill in infusing banig aesthetics in his design, his portfolio also includes accessories like caps, bags, and many more.
