Homegrown Fashion Labels for Casual Wear
When we’re hunting for new fashion pieces, we often opt for our usual go-tos — sometimes all sourced internationally. There really is nothing wrong with patronizing a brand made overseas, as most of them are of high quality. However, we tend to forget (or sometimes even disregard) that the Philippines is home to some of the best fashion labels, too.
Some local brands emerged to prove that you really didn’t have to look that far to score high-quality, casual wear pieces that are 100% made by Filipinos, for Filipinos. Whatever your personal style is, the country has got you covered with a plethora of locally-made brands. Here are some of the best homegrown fashion labels every Pinoy fashionista should try if you want to upgrade your casual wear wardrobe.
BLANC BASICS
When people hear the word basic, they often associate it with plain, simple, and even boring. Is it the safest fashion choice? Perhaps. But it isn't the easiest choice either; it takes exceptional elegance and knowledge to assemble pieces perfectly to pull off a basic look. And for BLANC BASICS, owning enough basics allows you to create a reliable foundation for your wardrobe.
BLANC BASICS works with local artisans and practices ethical working conditions and fair wages. This is enough reason to support a homegrown brand that is committed to ethical production. It just so happens that they use only premium fabrics as well — and, as the brand put it, “you won't find any cheap polyester blends here.”
Follow BLANC BASICS’ Instagram page to check out some of their products, and visit their website for more details.
FRESHWIND
FRESHWIND is a fashion label mostly catered to men, though women could definitely join the conversation with the brand’s gender-neutral designs. Delivering fashion-forward pieces with comfort in mind, several celebrities are seen sporting FRESHWIND products, including the likes of Enchong Dee and Donny Pangilinan, as well as "Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition" alums Will Ashley, Emilio Daez, Michael Sager, and Rave Victoria.
Some of the brand’s most popular pieces include the Choco Cargo Belt Trousers, Choco Long Tie Shirt, Ecru Long Tie Shirt, and Powder Long Tie Shirt — all priced at P3,450. The brand also features jackets, button-downs, ribbon polos, shorts, and vests, all reasonably priced for their quality.
Visit FRESHWIND’s Instagram page and official website for more details.
Dear Agatha
Although we all love to explore different styles from time to time and perhaps play with layers, the Philippine climate (especially during the summer) makes it difficult to do so. And it has been Dear Agatha’s mission to offer women’s clothing designed for a tropical country like the Philippines.
The designs are intentionally simple, but sophisticated enough to warrant a second glance. If you’re looking to establish a Clean Girl capsule, Dear Agatha might be the perfect option for you. Made only from locally sourced fabrics, the clothing brand is also committed to supporting the local community by partnering with local artisans and suppliers.
Visit their Instagram page and website to check out some of their products.
Miu The Label
Miu The Label curates clothing pieces for all the cool girlies out there, who take personal style and individuality a little more seriously. The brand doesn’t follow a single aesthetic; instead, it offers a mix of styles, from minimalist and timeless pieces to designs with a more distinctive flair.
If there's one thing we can see from their other designs, it could make a perfect ensemble for anyone trying to replicate Zara Larsson's aesthetic for her “Midnight Sun” era. And the brand is also heavy on early 2000s-inspired designs, so that makes for an ideal Y2K look. Miu The Label is just a perfect brand for girls who refuse to stick to one style, those who like to experiment, and those who are still discovering their style identity.
Check out Miu The Label's catalogue here. You may also follow them on Instagram.
Muni Muni Studio
With the abundance of fast fashion, Muni Muni Studio dares to take it slow. From the Filipino word “munimuni,” which means to ponder or reflect, the brand believes that rapid production not only compromises quality but also affects the planet. That said, all their products are handmade, and they take their time for each piece to ensure quality and for artists to incorporate their distinctive art style through traditional techniques.
Muni Muni Studio’s designs give off a laid-back, artistic vibe (almost fairycore-leaning), with a specific flair for sustainable fashion. More than just a fashion brand that aims to protect the planet, it’s perhaps their way of telling consumers to take their time, munimuni a little, and embrace life as it is.
Follow them on Instagram and visit their official website to check some of their designs.
SUOT
SUOT, a Filipino word which means “to wear,” delivers clothes that are suitable for everyone, and that anyone can wear their products regardless of gender, shape, and size — proving that you’ll never go wrong with a baggy ensemble, complete with a little touch of color here and there.
Some of their pieces have a particular retaso (scrap pieces of fabric) style, giving them a mark that’s unapologetically their brand. Check out SUOT’s Instagram page and website to learn more about their products.
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