Long before fast fashion became instantly accessible through the internet, one homegrown clothing brand had already been part of many Filipinas’ most memorable milestones. From a girl’s first prom dress to a power woman’s workwear and a tita’s go-to outfit for weddings and graduations, Karimadon has been a reliable style companion for generations.

Founded in 1980 by husband-and-wife duo Richard and Josie Go, Karimadon began as a humble boutique in Virra Mall, Greenhills. Thanks to its commitment to high-quality materials and timeless designs, the brand has remained a strong player in the Philippine fashion scene for 45 years.

In the early ’90s, Karimadon steadily expanded across Metro Manila and key locations in the Visayas and Mindanao. By the 2000s, it found new energy in iconic Filipinas like Marian Rivera and Bea Alonzo, who embodied the brand’s style. As online shopping grew, Karimadon quickly embraced the shift, making its collections available on leading e-commerce platforms.

By the 2010s, the brand successfully blended classic silhouettes with online trends. In 2015, Karimadon expanded its reach, opening locations in Indonesia and participating in trade shows in Sydney and Dubai. It also made waves at Vancouver Fashion Week in 2017, representing Filipino fashion on a global stage. Collaborations with celebrated designers, such as Rosenthal Tee and the late Eric delos Santos, soon followed.

In 2024, the brand deepened its commitment to Filipino heritage by launching “New Weave by Karimadon,” a collaborative collection with Malingkat Weaves. The goal is to spotlight traditional weaving techniques and the communities behind them.

Following the success of its debut “New Weave” collection, Karimadon introduced a second installment in celebration of its 45th anniversary, fusing traditional craftsmanship with its signature ultra-feminine silhouettes. This new lineup offers both standout statement pieces and versatile styles that easily elevate everyday wardrobes.

“The designs are inspired by women empowerment while embracing the timeless elegance of classic Filipina fashion,” said Embi Nicolas, head designer of Karimadon. “The weaves symbolize strength, heritage, and the artistry of Filipino women, blending tradition with modern style.”

Among the standout designs is the Bituin, a reversible puff-sleeve Filipiniana bolero, and Leona, a chic top and pants set adorned with Abra binakol weave detailing that can be worn together or separately. The Gabriela gown offers a bold reinterpretation of the traditional terno, designed with a one-shoulder silhouette.

“These designs also show off how we want to make Filipiniana more accessible and wearable,” shared Rick Go, president of Karimadon. “The silhouettes we’ve introduced, especially for the second collection of this partnership, are versatile. They’re not just strictly for formal occasions. You can mix and match them with pants and skirts. The Bituin and the Kimi can also be used to dress up the Marcela or the Teresa dress.”

Beyond expanding its ready-to-wear collections, Karimadon also launched the Karimadon Custom Atelier, allowing clients to experience bespoke fashion and own one-of-a-kind pieces tailored to their style.

“We’re happy that lately, Filipino products have been getting more support and attention,” said Josie Go, CEO of Karimadon. “We’re looking forward to seeing the local creative market further grow into a world-class industry. We want to stay true to being a legacy brand with great products that people can depend on, but we’re excited to enhance and elevate the customer experience through providing custom services and offering a wider selection of complementary products for shopping convenience, plus highlighting more local materials in our next collections.”

As it celebrates its 45th year, Karimadon continues to redefine what it means to wear Filipino, bringing heritage into the everyday and empowering every Filipina through style.