Local is dapper
Check out these homegrown brands and designers of barong that’s all the rage and, with hope, will prove its staying power on the style scene for Filipinos—men and women.
Kelvin Morales
Through his creative and premium garments, Kelvin Morales breaks barriers by contesting society’s idealized standards of beauty, focusing on artistic narratives and highlighting peculiar forms in clothing. The Manila-based designer supports local tailors and craftsmen by constantly experimenting with local fabrics and materials while maintaining an interesting balance between modern and traditional techniques through his eponymous brand. His collections boast handembroidered designs and unconventional silhouettes made from silk cocoons that allow the wearer to stand out from the crowd.
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Randolf
For a cheeky ensemble, Randolf pokes fun at the obsessive pop culture through clothing. Using bold colors and witty designs, designer RJ Santos draws inspiration from ’90s music videos and humor surrounding local pop culture, creating a truly unique identity for each collection. Thought-provoking and humorous at the same time, the contemporary designer’s bold and creative pieces are perfect for the man who likes to make a statement. The brand has also been aiming to reduce waste since its conception by recycling scrap fabrics from different designers and turning their white fabrics into graphic bespoke fabrics, which in turn are then used to produce the collections.
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Viña Romero
With her out-of-the-box designs rooted in structured femininity and masculinity, designer Viña Romero is redefining her pieces to suit any age, body type, and market. Taking apart existing social constructs, the designer combines the clean lines and bold characteristics of menswear with the graceful and delicate features of womenswear to create a refreshing new perspective on gender norms. Tailored for quietly confident individuals, her pieces can be worn on any occasion with a classic timeless look.
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Raquel's Piña Cloth
Aklan-based piña weaver Raquel puts the versatile nature of the soft and diaphanous piña fiber, queen of the Philippine textiles, to good use, creating luxuriant pieces that are as easy to wear as they are beautiful to look at. Crucial and intricate processes make each piece uniquely exquisite, from the weaving process to the meticulous handembroidery. Every step is done with utmost care and precision to preserve the rich texture and delicate quality of the cloth.
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Barong II
Filipino clothing brand Barong II, which has been in the embroidery industry for over 43 years, continues to make waves. Committed to drawing more ideas and styles from the Philippine heritage, it continues to push the boundaries of traditional fashion without sacrificing its distinct brand of elegance and timelessness.
All these brands are available at Rustan’s. www.rustans.com