However, they forecast another shoe style to return to its former glory. "Mary Janes also have a major comeback in fashion. The perfect everyday shoe that looks timeless—an iconic strap across the vamp is one of the highlights that makes it look chic."

But classic will always be on trend. The entrepreneurs and shoe enthusiasts quip, "Loafers continue to remain Marquina’s core style and will still be on-trend this year. The shoe works for most people with its huge possibilities in terms of mixing styles. It’s the perfect combination of style and comfort—easily worn with or without socks. Classic black or brown loafers [are the most dominant]- we’ve also launched different colourways which bring a different personality [to] a look. Today, loafers also appear as a style for all genders, just like sneakers."

The ideal body build has become a thing of the past. "The 2023 menswear is about more body positivity and embracing different body shapes," says Kelvin Morales, fashion designer of the self-titled label. Although we still have a long way to go, especially in the local fashion scene, the movement for inclusivity in the industry has gained more and more significant ground. The picture of a macho man with a ripped physique does not have the same appeal as, say, five years ago. Even the rise in popularity of "dad bods" is a testament to that. 

See also: Your Body is a Wonderland: Let's Talk About Body Positivity

Of course, clothing has to follow suit. In the past few years, numerous campaigns featuring a spectrum of body types have surfaced the fashion world. Take Carl Jan Cruz's campaign for its maong collection for example. The fashion darling and Gen.T list 2018 honouree behind his eponymous brand says that menswear this year will be "looking at more chest and covered necks." 

Jude Macasinag names Carl Jan Cruz and Kelvin Morales as part of the local designers keeping the fashion industry "exciting," including Randolf, Bagasao, Proudrace, Nicolo, and Ha.Mu. These brilliant creatives drive the local scene to new heights, and we should keep our eyes on their creations this year.

Finally, one of the biggest trends to have been observed in fashion for the last century is the blurring of lines between what men, women and everyone in between can wear. Macasinag notes, "The definition of what’s 'menswear' would I think also be blurred, as the notion of binaries [continues] to diminish in our society today. Menswear, for whatever it means, will be freer."

Morales agrees, "The silhouette will be more on tight and tailored pieces showing the balance between femininity and masculinity."

Renowned jewellery and bag designer Neil Felipp looks forward to "how menswear has become more gender fluid." "Where details that were predominantly seen as feminine are now shown in the latest shows such as skirts, florals, laces, and more. And lately, I have seen here in the Philippines that men are now open to wearing skirts," he says.

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