Filipinos are fashion aficionados by heart. Admit it or not, we love putting our best foot forward, or rather putting on our best outfit forward, whenever we go out, may it be for a special occasion or just for a simple stroll inside a mall. It’s no wonder why in the recent years, more and more big names in the fashion industry are making its way into our shores, from high-end brands like Vera Wang to casual fashion like H&M.
But before swiping your cards on the stores of these international names, don’t forget that a lot of Filipino brands are also stepping up their game and giving these big guys a run for their money. These local names have been giving Filipinos more fashion options that are affordable and made with great quality material too. And what’s more, because they are made by Filipinos, they know what we want and need when it comes to fashion and style.
This week, we asked you our readers about your favorite Filipino fashion brands and we have the results. Check out who made the list and give them a quick visit on your next shopping spree.
9. Uba Laba
Witty shirts for the Ilonggos by Uba Laba
To start our list is Uba Laba. Uba Laba started as a small t-shirt printing business in Bacolod, but thanks to its owner, Andre Familiaran, he used his wit and humor and turned it into a profitable business that Ilonggos can be proud of. He innovate popular brands and “hashtags” to quirky statements that even non-Ilonggos will love. These statement shirts not only make a great wear but can also be a fun pasalubong especially for your Ilonggo friends who miss home.
8. Bayo, Linya Linya, and MSE
Bayo
Filipinas fell in love with Bayo’s classic and minimalist style
Bayo, Linya Linya, and MSE tied on our eight spot for the top Filipino fashion brands. Bayo started out as a made-to-measure dress shop in Makati and has now grown to over 50 boutiques that offer classic and timeless fashion pieces to every Filipina. From dressing the working women, Bayo now also has Love by Bayo, their newest fashion line that focuses on fashion for the younger ladies.
Linya Linya
From hugot to hashtags, Linya Linya has them all printed on a shirt.
It can be said that Linya Linya started out of boredom of two friends, writer Ali Sangalang and artist Panch Alvarez while still in college. Whenever the two started to lose interest over their professor’s ramblings in class, they drew and created witty comics and banters to pass time inside the classroom. After graduating and spending some time in the corporate world, the two decided to go back to their passion of drawing and creating wordplay that has now touched the hearts and funny bones of many pinoys. Their hugot-filled t-shirts and other items such as key chains, pens, and stickers became a hit among the youth enabling them to expand from a simple online shop to having eight physical stores in Metro Manila.
MSE
Voter’s comment:
“Affordable products suited for pinoy in all ages” – Skyfall
MSE’s wide range of choices has become a Filipino favorite too!
MSE or Marikina Shoe Exchange, on the other hand, is a direct-selling company that has become popular over the years because of their affordable items and wide range of choices. Shoppers need not leave their homes because they can literally shop from their brochures. From men and women’s clothing, they have now expanded to children’s wear and even home products.
7. Kashieca
Kashieca continuously redefines fashion for women with bold patterns and unusual cuts.
Down to our number seven is Kashieca, a women’s clothing line that started in 1988 from the minds of sister’s Karen, Shiela, and Camille Santos. The brand is known for their classic designs with feminine twists of bold colors, loud floral patterns, and a beautiful mix and match of textures. The brand is used to be known to cater solely to working women with their classic cuts and formal tops, but today, Kashieca continuously innovates their collection attracting the younger millennial fashion buffs.
6. Human
Human’s comfortable but edgy style has made them a favorite among the youth.
On our sixth spot is clothing brand Human. Human is a popular brand among Filipinos with their casual style that can be worn in an everyday fashion. What sets Human apart from other brands is their edgier and more modern collection, with a touch of alternative and industrial designs. The youngsters in particular fell in love with their graphic t-shirts and casual denims that can be worn almost every day.
5. Francis M Clothing Co.
Voter’s comment:
“Tatak Noypi!....” – Mhel Odarp
Patriotism doesn’t have to be boring with FMCC.
Halfway through our list is Francis M Clothing Co. The famous brand is co-created by Filipino rapper Francis Magalona and his three other friends who identify their brand with “urban patriotism.” The clothing line became famous among Filipinos with their concepts that hit close to home; from designs inspired by the Philippine flag to words that represent our social issues. Some of their well-known trademarks are the three stars and a sun design and Francis M.’s silhouette on their t-shirts.
4. Kultura and Rusty Lopez
Kultura
Voter’s comment:
“Traditional native apparels” – Butch
Tribal patterns made fashionable by Kultura
On our top 4 are Kultura and Rusty Lopez. Kultura is a well-known Filipino brand because with one look at their stores you’ll immediately feel at home. The company that has started in 1958 continuously keeps our fashion and culture up-to-date by using our classic patterns and craftsmanship as inspiration to their pieces. Who says barong and filipiniana are outdated and can never keep up to today’s trends? They also provide beautiful accessories and bags designed by Filipinos and inspired by our culture. Other items that can be found in Kultura are home decors and souvenirs that are perfect as gifts or pasalubong.
Rusty Lopez
From heels to sneakers, Rusty Lopez knows your shoe needs.
Aside from clothing, Filipinos also has a shoe brand that they can be proud of and that is Rusty Lopez. From a small shoe store in Cubao Expo by husband and wife tandem Lolito and Lily Lopez, Rusty Lopez is now a well-known brand that can be found in almost every mall and department store in the country. The quality of their products and wide range of choices make Rusty Lopez at par with international competition. From formal shoes to even boots and sneakers, Rusty Lopez is now a favorite shoe option among pinoys.
3. Folded & Hung
Folded & Hung is every fashion-forward Filipino’s dream.
Folded & Hung makes it to the third spot on our list. Although F&H is quite young having started only in 2008, their trendy pieces and modern design immediately impressed Filipino shoppers, making them one of the favorites of every fashionista in the recent years. Their out-of-the-box designs and edgy prints and concepts make them appeal to the younger generation of today. But despite being fashion forward, F&H still makes sure that their items are wearable and flexible for everyday use.
2. Penshoppe
Voter’s comment:
“I like their graphic tees!” – Ron
Gigi Hadid, one of Penshoppe’s international brand endorsers
On our top two is Penshoppe. This popular brand originated in Cebu in 1986 and started to make waves in Manila as early as 1991. Penshoppe is now one of the biggest retail companies in the Philippines and has been a favorite among the Filipinos with their simple yet trendy pieces. Aside from their hip clothing products, they are also known for their accessories and perfume lines. Recently, Penshoppe continues to expand their brand by conquering the global market and by having international models as their endorsers like Cara Delevingne, Gigi Hadid, and Kendall Jenner .
Bench’s casual and wearable pieces made them the top Filipino Fashion Brand.
Finally, our winner for the top Filipino Fashion Brand is Bench. This lifestyle and clothing brand started way back in 1987 selling only men’s shirts. Fast forward to today and they are now one of the biggest local brands in our country, offering a diverse line of products from clothes, shoes, accessories, and even cosmetics. Bench became a favorite among Filipinos with their fashionable pieces that perfectly fits the style of every one, may you be a fashion maven or a casual chick. Their affordability also makes them marketable to every age and any class; it’s no wonder why they won our list of top Filipino Fashion Brand.
Results are based on the My Recommended Best Places for Christmas Shopping Poll posted at the home page of ShoppersGuide.com.ph from December 6 to 12, 2016.
Click the store names to see their branches, exact addresses and contact numbers.
Images are from the official websites and Facebook pages of featured establishments.
About Patricia Marie Prado
Patricia came from the field of business and accounting but is now pursuing her dreams of being a writer. She is a self-confessed introvert and is passionate about reading, travelling, writing, movies, coffee and God. When she's not writing, she loves discovering new coffee shops/cafe and doing TV-series marathons.
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