On the Radar

Ready-to-wear is where majority of local fashion is getting into. The spotlight on artisanal work has led to the birth of brands in the Philippines that highlight and showcase handmade excellence.

Not so long ago, foreign brands flooded the market on a large scale. From designer to mass-market retail, the influx showcased a small presence of their local counterparts that were mostly seen in small stand-alone shops, department stores and shopping centers.

Today, times have definitely changed. As a result of the global attention to products made by hand and the premium perspective the world has given to them, new local brands have emerged side by side as they share the landscape with retail giants such as H&M, Zara, Uniqlo, Forever 21, Bershka, American Eagle, etc. The competition goes beyond the scale and proportion but more on the presence and relevance into everyday wear.

Fashioning the world with pride and style aesthetic at the newly opened Ocean Terminal Deck in Harbour City, Hong Kong’s latest stellar attraction, are Zacarias 1925, Joanique, Filip+Inna, Piopio, Two Chic, Good Luck Humans, Linea Etnika, Ken Samudio and Jewelmer. These flag carriers are a few among the countless Filipino brands that are now present in the global markets.

The masterful creations of our artisans have touched and astounded the world of fashion with their beauty as seen on top social media style accounts, designer labels, international boutiques, showrooms, major department stores and renowned concept stores.

Today, we are ready and proud to wear our own. Whether a dress, an ensemble, accessories, shoes or bags, the grandstanding style statement is Filipino wear — there has to be something Pinoy! The effort into propagating pride and identity into fashion is streamlining in the consciousness of both young and old. Locally made products are seen in a different light. Design profusion through modern incantations and aspiring points of view is changing the stylescape forward.

The championing of Pinoy talent in global fashion continues to thrive and is opening an optimistic promise for a great future.

Embroidered top by Two Chic by TC Alvarez, pants and boots by Piopio, bag by Ken Samudio available at Lanai, Golden South Sea pearl strands and stud earrings by Jewelmer.

Photography by MAU AGUASIN • Styling by LUIS ESPIRITU JR. • Associate stylists: BANG MARTINEZ and DIANE LASAM • Makeup and hairstyling by BABA PARMA • Model: MARIE ANN UMALI-LONTOC (MERCATOR) • Shot on location at the new OCEAN TERMINAL DECK, Canton Rd., Jacket and shorts by Linea Etnika, top by Two Chic by TC Alvarez, minaudiere by Joanique, boots by Piopio, Golden South Sea pearl studs and ring by Jewelmer.

Jacket and skirt by Filip+Inna, woven bag by Zacarias 1925, ring and earrings by Jewelmer.

Woven dress by Good Luck Humans, coat by Filip+Inna, boots by Piopio, Golden South Sea pearl studs and ring by Jewelmer.

Hoodie, shorts and boots all by Piopio, Golden South Sea pearl studs by Jewelmer.