After presenting their vision for the future of dressing with their inaugural collection, young fashion designer Ellis Co, together with his creative director Reika Mayani took a retrospective journey as they bring to life their take on resort wear for their unconventional streetwear brand .Archives. Showcased on July 15 along the beach of Misibis Bay Resort in Bicol, the collection, dubbed “Phases/Faces,” presented new silhouettes, gender-fluid pieces, and a parade of white and neutrals pieces perfect for anyone who dresses on the edge—even while in an exotic destination. Making the collection was a challenge, according to the two creatives. As self-confessed lovers of fall-winter style, they usually incorporate layering, heavy textiles, and dark hues in their works. But what made the process of creating the resort collection easy was their source of inspiration. The collection is called “Phases/Faces” because it is their love letter to the people who shaped them to become the creatives they are today. “It is called ‘Phases/Faces’ because we wanted to give homage to the people who have made an impact in our lives, whether positive or negative,” Reika said. “These people define the phases in our lives, and they are the faces behind those phases.” “If it weren’t because of those people, we wouldn’t be who we are, the creatives we are today,” Ellis added. “Even if the person impacted you negatively, they play a role in shaping your character. We want to make this collection a reminder to ourselves never to forget the people who helped in shaping us.” While it has been raining during the past few days in Bicol, on the day of the runway show, the sky was cloudy, the waves were calm, and the horizon is softly lit, offering the perfect backdrop for the “Phases/Faces” collection.
The show started with the brand’s off-white pieces like the oversized top paired with cropped cargo pants both imbued with teardrop cutouts, a pleated dress with straps that danced to the perpetual wind of the location, and, one of our favorites, an oversized jacket with a notched hoodie styled with a dramatic hat and a pair of oversized shorts with its play on the obi belt—a nod to the two’s passion for Japanese style. Next to grace the runway were pieces in neutral colors. Models wore dresses with sipper details and teardrop cutouts, utilitarian pieces, and the chill coat bearing their signature lapels. While marking the third part of the show were the pristine white looks. Spotted on the runway was rapper Al James wearing an oversized jacket with geometric lapels and billowing pants.
“When I design my clothes, I always try to make sure that it is not too much, that people can still understand it,” Ellis said. “It has to be beautiful, but we have to make sure that it is still cohesive with what we do from our previous collections.” After showcasing their resort wear collection, Ellis and Reika are now working on their next collection, which will be unveiled on July 28 at Midas Hotel and Casino in Pasay City.