Life is a constant search for who we are. We are always looking for answers about their purpose, our place in the world, and, more importantly, what truly gives our lives meaning. As we go through different chapters—or eras for today’s generation—what we unearth isn’t just our authentic selves but also the beauty found in knowing and discovery.

That is the inspiration behind Kelvin Morales’ latest menswear collection. For the Filipino designer, this process of becoming mirrors a pirate’s life on a boat adrift in the middle of the ocean—uncertain, yet always moving forward in search of that elusive treasure. But in this case, treasure hunt means finding a version of ourselves we can be proud of.

“It’s more about the journey—an exploration of life from childhood curiosity to adult discovery.” Kelvin tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “That evolving perspective really shaped the spirit of the collection.”

Dubbed “Pirate Bae,” the menswear collection is part of Kelvin’s 2025 lineup. After months of trend forecasting and textile research, he produced a line that is “romantic, a little worn, and filled with emotion.”

“This collection focuses on soft tailoring and relaxed silhouettes,” the designer says. “While the shapes are simple, I added depth through textile craftsmanship, like laminated feathers embedded inside yellow silk, and using silk cocoon material for our barong pieces.”

While a pirate’s life is the central metaphor for the collection, Kelvin wanted to move away from the dark tones typically associated with it. Instead, he chose a warmer palette of yellows and browns, evoking nostalgia. To add a touch of wonder and playfulness, many of the pieces are adorned with ocean-inspired elements like shells and pearls, giving a sense of found treasures, as if stumbled upon during an underwater exploration.

Through “Pirate Bae,” Kelvin aims to present a poetic reflection on self-discovery. For him, life isn’t just about reaching the destination, but about how we navigate uncharted waters along the way. “Now that I’m older, I realize how childhood memories and past experiences shape who I am,” Kelvin muses. “Some are difficult, but they also become part of my inspiration.”

The pieces of the “Pirate Bae” collection will be available soon on Kelvin’s website and select pop-ups. Visit @kelvinmmorales on Instagram for updates and pre-order.