Fifth Code

Fifth Code is a Manila-based brand that was built on the premise of selfexpression—being true to oneself and never apologizing for it.

Founded in 2010, Fifth Code was born out of founder Lorenz Namalata’s constant need to create. Since its beginnings as a made-to-measure menswear brand to its continuing growth as a lifestyle brand, Fifth Code’s priority has been to create pieces with purpose, those that can be carried with pride. Each piece is like a letter to the younger, perhaps teenage, version of the wearer— a reminder that it’s never about fitting in or standing out, but about carving out a space where one is free to just be themself.

“These days, I’d like to believe that it is a brand that still does not like to be boxed, that strives to produce excellent and quality products and something my peers and other people would love to wear,” says Namalata about Fifth Code.

A fashion designer, stylist, illustrator, painter and creative director, Namalata is a multi-disciplinary creative whose eye for talent and design allowed him to build sustainable brands and create impactful campaigns. He remains dedicated to doing work that’s not only inspired by the values of the youth but it is also helping shape them.

His vision for Philippine fashion? That the society would all start paying a premium for creatives. Namalata sees the need to constantly recalibrate the minds of the general public that “Made in the Philippines” is as important as “Made in America” or “Made in Italy.”

“I would love to champion fellow creatives and speak their names in conversations so that we always build a longer table for Filipinos to have more exposure, and not gatekeep or build a taller fence,” the creative director says.