Reimagining Streetwear: Blurring Style Boundaries with DBTK, PMC, and AGLXY

Streetwear has always reflected culture — bold, rebellious, and unapologetically real. As fashion evolves, so does streetwear, expanding to appeal to larger audiences — sometimes to different countries.
Streetwear, as a culture, goes beyond the confines of boundaries, and Southeast Asian brands DBTK, Pestle & Mortar Clothing, and Ageless Galaxy showcase this message through their latest collaboration titled, “S.E.A. No Bounds, S.E.A. No Borders.”
Unveiled at a dynamic and intimate launch held at the Saikou Bar & Café, the “S.E.A. No Bounds, S.E.A. No Borders” collection exhibits cultures representing the three countries these brands come from — the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia — and their united front of showing what Southeast Asia is all about.
For someone who does not typically wear streetwear, the collection (or streetwear in general) may appear intimidating to try, style, and wear. But you’d be surprised to know that streetwear is one of the trendier fashion styles Filipinos wear daily.
Elements of streetwear can be seamlessly mixed into any kind of wardrobe or aesthetic; you may not even realize that some of your go-to fashion items could even fall under the “streetwear” category.
So, with that in mind, here are a few ways we’d style the “S.E.A. No Bounds, S.E.A. No Borders” collection regardless if your style is streetwear-focused or not — all Philippine/Southeast Asian weather-friendly, of course.
Minimalist

Minimalist streetwear is already a sub-culture on its own, characterized by sleek lines, monochromatic color palettes, and a more subdued take on graphics. This style combines the aesthetics of streetwear with the simplicity of colors and an eye for versatile pieces.
All T-shirts from the “S.E.A. No Bounds, S.E.A. No Borders” collection all seem too loud to be considered for a minimalist take on streetwear but hear us out. The “National Fruits” tee designed by Ageless Galaxy is the one to go for if you’re looking for a piece that’s not all “in your face” with the design.
Featuring the national fruits from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, the shirt is vibrant and rings true to “what Southeast Asia is all about.” To keep with the minimalist aesthetic, pair this top with a polished, plain bottom (whatever you want), layered with a blazer of the same color (or in the same color palette), and a pair of sneakers.
The 90s Era - Grunge

The 90s were an era filled with a variety of fashion trends, from the carefree and feminine glamour and preppy styles to the rise of grunge fashion and flannel shirts being commonplace, the 90s were an era worth all the nostalgia.
With the fashion trends of the 90s being revived almost every year, streetwear elements can easily find their place with them. The “S.E.A. No Bounds, S.E.A. No Borders” tee in Black Sandwash designed by DBTK is your best bet if you’re trying to achieve a mix of grunge and streetwear. The shirt has a “Unity Bridges Culture” print on the left chest and a sun and stars graphic on the right at the front. More symbols for Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines can be seen at the back, all in neon colors.
To give this shirt a grunge twist, pair it with a pair of faded or distressed wide-legged jeans, layered with a plain long-sleeved top inside (of thin material), some fishnet if you feel it, and a pair of combat boots (doesn’t have to be Doc Martens, but us 90s kids will tell you to go for it).
Loungewear

Most people nowadays want to blend comfort and style in their fashion choices, and loungewear is just the solution. However, this trend isn’t just about putting on outerwear over home clothes, pairing it with trendy sneakers, and calling it a day — it’s about choosing comfy fabrics, relaxed silhouettes, and refined basics.
Incorporating streetwear into the mix can seem like a break into the homey vibe that loungewear gives, but it can elevate the look and give it a different mood.
The “Triple Threat” T-shirt designed by Pestle & Mortar Clothing is a good choice for the “loungewear but with some prints” kind of feel. Now, it may look a bit like our minimalist take on streetwear too, but the fabrics and silhouettes are what make these two styles different. The characters symbolizing the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia are seen at the front, paying homage to these countries’ cultural unity and craftsmanship.
For a loungewear streetwear look, pair this shirt with a black, relaxed loungewear set and a pair of sneakers with a loud color, and you’re good to go. Being comfy doesn’t mean you have to be slouchy.
Cottagecore

Wait, what? What do you mean by Cottagecore and Streetwear looking good together?
At first glance, these two fashion styles don’t seem to complement each other; cottagecore is whimsical, nature-inspired, and vintage, whereas streetwear is urban and edgy. However, when you put these two together, they make an unlikely but surprisingly cool pairing. The contrast between the flowy fabrics of cottagecore and the structured element of streetwear creates a new take on “opposites attract” and allows creativity to find its way into fashion.
The “S.E.A. No Bounds, S.E.A. No Borders” Coach Jacket is the perfect example of this, with the graffiti-inspired graphics making a bold statement, while still leaving some room for a dynamic look. Perfect for the Southeast Asian weather, this Coach jacket can be dressed up or down, depending on the look you’re going for.
A style tip: Try to match a flowy dress and chunky boots with the Coach Jacket. Make sure to put the jacket as the point piece in your outfit by pairing it with earthy and neutral tones. Plus, accessorize appropriately with the boots and jewelry, of course!
Streetwear as a Personal Statement
Streetwear, like every other fashion aesthetic, is an expression of one’s personality. The logos and graphics on your chosen articles of clothing reflect who you are, what you stand for, and how you want others to perceive you.
Fashion is all about experimenting, collaborating, and breaking boundaries. DBTK, Pestle & Mortar, and Ageless Galaxy showed how streetwear transcends borders, providing a space for cultural appreciation while remaining true to their roots.
The “S.E.A. No Bounds, S.E.A. No Borders” collection is made for anyone, whether you’re a die-hard streetwear fan or prefer a different aesthetic. From clean lines and refined fabrics to bold graphics, fashion can be redefined to reflect how you wear your culture on your sleeve.
DBTK (Don’t Blame The Kids)
Check out their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram
Location: DBTK, 40 Shorthorn St., Proj 8, Quezon City (Headquarters) | Ronac Art Center, San Juan (Satellite)
Pestle & Mortar Clothing (PMC)
Follow them on Facebook and Instagram, and visit their website
Location: Pestle & Mortar Clothing, 3A-10, Block C Phileo Damansara 1, Jalan 16/11, 46350 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Ageless Galaxy (AGLXY)
Check them out on Facebook, Instagram, and their official website
Location: Ageless Galaxy Headquarters, Jl. Bangka Raya No. 10, Unit C, Pela Mampang, Mampang Prapatan, Jakarta Selatan 12720, Indonesia
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