SUN IS SHINING
Áraw toes the line between resort and the city with a collection of vintage-inspired basics in sun-drenched hues and tropical fabrications.
In this YStyle exclusive editorial, we get to know the homegrown label Áraw, and its vintage-inspired collection.
Áraw the Line, at its very core, is an ode to all things natural. A clothing label that emphasizes a nod to organic design, to all things homegrown; a tactile study of tropical textures and silhouettes that breathe well. Áraw is a vintage-inspired collection of basics — from cut-casual separates and linen jumpsuits, to crushed
ramie jackets and pared down sheathes in a saturated rainbow of sun-drenched cobalts and hushed corals — designed and produced in the Philippines, all done up to accentuate a Filipina’s natural beauty.
“Our woman is creative, cultured, and above all, natural,” says Áraw the Line’s creative director Carla Sison. The clothes speak of an accessible wearability and a versatile approach to dressing. “I see everyday women of varied ages sporting the pieces in their own unique way; be it dressed up, slightly street or just really comfortably.” The collection is designed with a “transeasonal” outlook in mind, seasonless in its approach but almost always designed with acclimation to the heat in mind.
“I don’t intend to follow a traditional retail model,” says Carla, “I want to keep the line fresh, releasing new designs at a constant pace and keeping styles limited to keep our clients uniquely beautiful.” Áraw is currently available online ( at www.araw-araw.com) with an upcoming physical trunk show scheduled on Dec. 3. In this exclusive YStyle editorial, we sit down with Carla Sison and take the first look at Áraw the Line.
YSTYLE: What inspired you to start Áraw the Line?
CARLA SISON: I was inspired to start Áraw when I moved to the Philippines a year ago. I found it difficult to find highquality garments suitable to the tropical climate. I noticed an environment that was complacent in shopping fast fashion, highly trend-driven and in turn homogenizing people’s looks. I come from Australia where there is a great emphasis on supporting homegrown labels and a real market for slow fashion, taking into consideration comfort and quality to produce clothing that will last a lifetime rather than just a season.
I’d met enough people that felt the same way as I, turning to ukay- ukay for unique and affordable pieces. Thus came Áraw — a vintage-inspired line of tropical basics, aimed at accentuating Filipina beauty with bright colors and relaxed yet flattering silhouettes. All of which is proudly made and designed in the Philippines. Can you walk us through the first collection?
The first collection is vintage inspired — from ‘70’s Parisian to ‘90’s minimalism, mixed with sun-drenched brights to ultimately create something refreshing, modern with a nod to the past.
Different types of linen are used throughout the collection — lots of natural fibers, all however light and breathable. I found ramie very appealing because it’s rare in this neck of the world and it has this very natural look with a slight sheen to it which makes the pieces quite versatile. Very “gusot
mayaman” as they say.
Are you going more for a local market for Áraw or is it more for a global perspective? Is the business a purely e-commerce platform?
Áraw is directed towards the local market because I wanted to cater to their needs first, though I think it could be appreciated internationally too. Of course, it would have to suit the season so I think Australia is an important market because it is always typically beach-y.
At launch it will be available at the website www.arawaraw.com but I will host pop-up events regularly so people can get a real look and feel for the brand. Eventually the goal will be to have a store, although there is a definite shift towards digital. I don’t think the retail experience will ever be lost. Plus I believe there is a place for a locally made tropical inspired store – as long as the execution is there.
***
Áraw the Line is now available online at www.araw-araw.com but the physical launch and first trunkshow is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3, 2-6 p. m. at Mathilde, 8383 Kalayaan Ave., corner Matilde St., Poblacion, Makati City. Follow the brand on Instagram at @araw.theline