Inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability continue to be the driving forces behind many brands' latest moves

Thanks to the internet, shoppers these days can easily get information about the pieces they wear. For many, it is important that the choices they make not only represent their personal styles but also the causes they support—and there are a lot. This current shopping attitude made producers listen and incorporate purpose in their latest collections and campaign moves.

Among them is Armani Exchange. Since 1991, the brand’s goal is to make fashion accessible to many. And when it arrived in the Philippines in 1998, it became one of the go-to stores of many Filipino shoppers looking for timeless pieces to include in their wardrobes. Today, the label continues its mission with the launch of its fall-winter 2022 offerings centering on inclusivity, positivity, and sustainability. 

Designed for everyone, its “You.Me.Us” collection presents pieces that could easily be worn by people, regardless of their gender and culture. Its contemporary luxury pieces—hooded sweatshirts, crew neck tops, footwear, and bags, among others—are examples of the blurring of clothing lines in fashion.

The brand’s second offering, the “Armani Exchange x Smiley” collection, plays with the idea of positivity. Sure, putting on a new garment doesn’t really change anyone's situation in life. But if a happy face on a shirt can remind people of the simple joys in our chaotic world, then why not wear it? The collaboration between the label and lifestyle brand Smiley World presents pieces such as bomber jackets, parkas, sweatshirts, T-shirts, and accessories marked with the iconic smiley face that has been played with the A|X logo, along with Giorgio Armani’s glasses and smile.

A sense of sustainability is also alive in Armani Exchange’s fall-winter offerings, as it explores recycled nylon, organic cotton, and organic Pima cotton mixed with cashmere or wool for knitwear for its current releases.

Pushing sustainability closer to Filipino shoppers, too, is Uniqlo with its newest location in Nuvali. The roadside store, which is set to open on Nov. 18, puts in the spotlight the Japanese retailer’s commitment to sustainability. Apart from educating people about its products, the store has a Re.Uniqlo box where shoppers can drop their pre-loved Uniqlo pieces for upcycling. 

Outside the store, customers can enjoy and appreciate nature, and be educated about the brand’s efforts at the Green Park, which was made possible in partnership with Ayala and Uniqlo Sustainability. The space has a bicycle rack to promote a sustainable mode of transportation, a kids’ active zone, and a pedal power charging station for the community to experience and enjoy. A mural painted by local artist AG Saño which conveys the brand’s campaign about caring for the environment can also be seen in the store.

Designing with a purpose is also alive in the local fashion scene. Among the latest to showcase mindful fashion is Filipino brand Aire (@aire_mnl), the newest sustainable brand under Creative Definitions led by Mike and Banj Claparols. Aiming to revolutionize local menswear, the brand merges tradition and technology, producing pieces made of textiles extracted from discarded pineapple leaves.

As a progressive, sustainable brand, Aire is guided by three pillars. The brand uses only natural fibers, all of which are ethically sourced via pineapple and cotton farmers from Don Salvador Benedicto and Bayawan in Negros Occidental. Community plays an integral role in the development of the menswear label. As such, the team has dedicated itself to supporting local farmers by giving them opportunities at making extra income. Fair trade practices are employed as the team works with local farms and IP communities at the Negros Occidental. 

As a result of the efforts and processes undertaken by the team, the has emerged as a 100 percent Philippine-made, sustainable brand. It brings pineapple tropical fabric to the forefront of fashion. Founders Mike and Banj add that through the brand, they hope to create a high demand for all-natural, sustainable material. 

Although we have yet to see the result of brands' and designers' efforts reflected in our surroundings, it is good to know that fashion, after its past damages to nature and communities everywhere, is designing a future where diversity, sustainability, and inclusivity reign supreme. 

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