One of the things that define our personality is our clothes. It’s good then that we can proudly show off our culture as the Philippines isn’t short of talented and creative designers in the fashion industry.
These designers strived to ensure that Philippine fashion is no less than its foreign counterparts. Some local brands that are available to us today boast of sustainability or artisanal designs that make a good addition to any look and closet.
If you’re looking for a brand that values the environment and ethical practices, look no further than Munimuni. It prides itself in clothing and accessories handmade from native biodegradable materials like abaca, raffia, and banana. It was conceived from a genuine intent for conscious consumption in a fast-paced retail world.
Many of their pieces are made with cool, earthly tones that accentuate natural Filipina beauty while giving off island vibes. The clothes are also lightweight yet stylish to allow comfort and mobility in Philippine weather.
Aside from creating sustainable yet fashionable pieces, Munimuni is also passionate about providing livelihood opportunities to members of the rural communities in the country, allowing local artisans to demonstrate their skills in making quality clothing from sustainable materials found in the Philippines.
Speaking of local materials, another brand that proudly uses Philippine silk, weaves, and woodcarvings when making shoes is Risqué Designs. The brand was founded by Tal de Guzman, who began Risqué Designs as a part-time business, to a full-grown design and manufacturing business located in Marikina, the shoe capital of the Philippines.
The materials create a perfect blend of sturdiness and style that Filipinos can wear in almost any event. Risqué Designs is not afraid to use bold patterns, vibrant colors, and play with different shapes to make one-of-a-kind designs. The shoes are also handmade by some of the finest local artisans who know their way around the craft.
When it comes to minimalist yet chic designs, Anika is the local brand to turn to. It was established by Anika Martinez, an alumnus of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles, California. She was inspired to create clothing that’s timeless and versatile while lessening the amount of waste in the environment that comes from the fashion industry.
Anika makes their clothes from upcycled fabrics and with sunny vacations in mind. The lightweight materials partnered with loose shapes and warm tones bring a positive vibe anytime it’s worn.
Meanwhile, check out Bea Samson’s brand if modern fashion is more up your alley. Aside from utilizing trendy designs, the designer confidently uses digital prints, vivid colors, three-dimensional shapes, and a variety of textures to delight lovers of contemporary fashion.
The pieces are made to order and consist of unique pieces like coats, dresses, t-shirts, and sweaters.
The Filipino fashion scene has come a long way throughout the years with the help of both established and up-and-coming designers. Yet even though these designers adapted to modern trends, they kept their Filipino roots alive by using raw materials native to the Philippines, working with local artisans, and translating their proud culture into their design, giving Filipinos the opportunity to strut their way in the global fashion industry.