Filipinos are known for so many things, from our love of karaoke to our amazing cuisine. But now we’re also slowly getting recognized for our fashion. Names like Michael Cinco and Francis Libiran are slowly infiltrating the international fashion scene, proof that our love for style deserves to be seen by others too!
But one does not need to go too far or contact designers like Cinco and Libiran to perfect a proudly Pinoy outfit of the day (OOTD). Last week, we asked our fashion-savvy readers their favorite Filipino fashion brands in the country and the results are in. Check our list and see if your favorite brand made the cut.
7. Kamiseta
Kamiseta offers clothes that are cool, casual, and classic. (Images: Kamiseta)
First on our list is Kamiseta. Kamiseta has been in the fashion industry for over 25 years and follows the triple C: cool, casual, and classic. Hence, you’ll see these three traits evident in every outfit which they design and carry. They are also among the first Filipino brands to have international stars as endorsers. Through the years, Kamiseta has worked with stars like Alicia Silverstone, Kate Hudson, and Katie Holmes.
Recently, they also went beyond fashion and opened Kamiseta Hotel in Baguio City.
6. Karimadon and Maldita
Two brands tied at number six, and they are Karimadon and Maldita
Women can be formal but still fierce with Karimadon. (Images: Karimadon)
Karimadon started in 1980 as a small clothing stall in Virra Mall at Greenhills Shopping Center, a haven for affordable shopping in Manila. Today, it’s known for their collection of formal wear that is fit for every Filipina’s milestones. When attending formal events like prom, debut, or a wedding, you’ll find something to wear at Karimadon. Aside from formal wear, they also produce cute and casual dresses perfect for a date night.
Maldita is for the edgy and sexy modern Filipina. (Images: Maldita)
Maldita, on the other hand, is somewhat the opposite of Karimadon. Established in 1999, Maldita caters to the sexy and modern Filipina. Their signature style is targeted towards women who are not afraid to bare some skin and be on the edgier side of fashion. Aside from women’s clothing, they also have a menswear line called Maldita Man.
5. Bayo
Bayo is elegant, effortless, and 100% made in the Philippines. (Images: Bayo Clothing)
The fifth on our list is Bayo. Established in 1992 as a made-to-measure dress shop in Makati, Bayo today is known for their casual, ready-to-wear pieces that are simple yet elegant and effortless. This year, Bayo celebrated its 25th anniversary by teaming up with renowned designer Francis Libiran for their “Made in the Philippines” campaign. The collaboration featured pieces inspired by the Philippines and also highlighted the people behind the brand.
Bayo also caters to the younger generation through their line Love by Bayo. The line is perfect for cute and bubbly millennials who are fond of posting their OOTD.
4. Unica Hija
Unica Hija is for the working woman who wants to stay hip and fashionable. (Images: Unica Hija)
The brand which claimed the fourth spot is Unica Hija. Like the other brands on our list, Unica Hija also started small as a stall in Greenhills. Today, it is one of the most known clothing brands in the country for working women. The brand specializes in timeless designs with a twist. They match their classic designs with pops of color, unique patterns, or modern cuts. If you’re a fan of Sarah Geronimo, you know that this is the clothing line that she loves to wear.
3. Penshoppe
Lucky Blue Smith wearing youthful and trendy pieces from Penshoppe (Images: Penshoppe)
The third brand on our list is Penshoppe. Originally a Cebu-based brand, Penshoppe has been producing hip and fashionable pieces since 1986. Aside from their youthful and trendy outfits, it also became a favorite of a lot of Filipinos because of their lines of accessories and perfumes. Penshoppe is also among the first brands in the country to have worked with international stars as their endorsers. Some of the names Penshoppe have featured include Lucky Blue Smith, Mario Maurer, and most recently, Kaia Gerber and Cameron Dallas.
2. Kultura Filipino
Voter’s comment:
“Apart from clothing, it also offers local crafts, products, and souvenir items perfect for Christmas gifts!” — MK
Kultura also makes modern dresses aside from traditional Filipino wear. (Images: Kultura PH)
On the second spot in our is Kultura Filipino. Although Kultura is most known for being a souvenir shop for all things Filipino, the fashion line of the brand is not to be ignored. They produce high-quality barong (embroidered formal shirt) and Filipiniana dresses. They also create contemporary pieces fit for the modern Filipino and Filipina. You’ll find outfits with modern cuts which still have that traditional Filipino design. Aside from clothing, they also have bags and accessories which can complete one’s look.
1. Bench
Voters’ comments:
“Their products are affordable, and they always have a sale or offer discounts. The products also have good quality!! :D” — Erning Tattoo
“Affordable and high quality.” — Skyfall
Readers vote Bench as the best Filipino fashion brand. (Images: Bench)
The brand which claimed our top spot is Bench. What started out in 1987 as a small T-shirt and jeans shop for men in SM Makati is now one of the most famous local brands in the country. Bench has expanded their line from men’s apparel to women’s clothing too through HerBench. They also carry accessories, fragrances, undergarments, and even cosmetics. Bench has also extended to the beauty industry through Bench Fix Salon. They also sell hair care products under the same name.
Bench is known for partnering with international stars as their endorsers including Adam Levine, Korean star Park Shin-hye and most recently, Cole Sprouse.
Did your favorite brand make it to the list? Let us know at the comments section below which brands you are most proud of!
Results are based on the Filipino Fashion Brands in the Philippines 2017 Poll posted at the home page of ShoppersGuide.com.ph from October 9 to October 15, 2017.
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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