Cover Carl Jan Cruz gives the Fred Perry polo a new look (Photo: courtesy of Univers)
Carl Jan Cruz gives the Fred Perry polo a new look (Photo: courtesy of Univers)
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A collaboration that marries heritage with innovation, Fred Perry x Carl Jan Cruz transforms a fashion staple into a contemporary essential for the modern Filipino wardrobe
The white pique shirt—defined by its twin-tipped collar and the iconic laurel wreath—has long transcended its status as a simple fashion staple. Since its debut in the 1950s, the Fred Perry polo has moved through generations of British subcultures—from tennis courts to punk gigs—becoming an emblem of effortless style and rebellion alike. It is a cultural insignia, worn by generations and woven into the fabric of British style.
Now, reimagined for the tropics through Univers, this timeless piece enters a new chapter under the meticulous eye of Filipino fashion designer and Asia’s Most Stylish honouree Carl Jan Cruz.
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Above Filipino designer Carl Jan Cruz (Photo: courtesy of Univers)
Above The Fred Perry x Carl Jan Cruz shirt in black/noir (Photo: courtesy of Univers)
Filipino designer Carl Jan Cruz (Photo: courtesy of Univers)
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Celebrated internationally, Cruz is known for his edgy yet refined approach. He designs with his Filipino heritage in mind, developing the majority of his fabrics locally. He calls his work a collection of visual autobiographies, exploring memory, identity and modernity—a philosophy that informs his signature lightweight pique fabric, breathable and versatile for the tropical climate.
Rather than a straightforward collaboration, the partnership unfolds as a dialogue between two distinct worlds. Fred Perry’s unmistakable British heritage meets Cruz’s intimate, instinctive approach to Filipino dressing—one rooted in nostalgia, subtle play and a refined understanding of modern practicality.
Above One striking detail is the signature lightweight jersey pique (Photo: courtesy of Univers)
Above The Fred Perry x Carl Jan Cruz shirt in white/blanc (Photo: courtesy of Univers)
One striking detail is the signature lightweight jersey pique (Photo: courtesy of Univers)
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The designer found the key in something deeply familiar to every Filipino: the heat. “The double-sided collar and placket allowed for manipulation of the opening, controlling ventilation,” he shared. It’s a nuanced detail that transforms the beloved silhouette into a piece designed not only for style but for comfort in the Philippines’ tropical landscape. In a country where fashion meets climate, clothing must perform as much as it presents. Cruz’s adaptations acknowledge this duality, merging aesthetic appeal with functional design. The effect is effortless—an icon recast for everyday ease without compromising its legacy.
This philosophy guided the entire design journey. Instead of diluting Fred Perry’s signature form, Cruz focused on bridging identities through texture and touch. Enter his lightweight jersey pique, introduced subtly in the placket. Minimal, refined and unmistakably his, it brings a softness and modernity that complements the original structure. “For this collaboration, we took it in a more minimal direction,” he explained, “striking a balance between our design sensibilities and those of Fred Perry.” The result is a collection that feels elevated yet grounded, fresh yet enduring.
Above Different ways to style the Fred Perry x Carl Jan Cruz shirt (Photo: courtesy of Univers)
Above Different ways to style the Fred Perry x Carl Jan Cruz shirt (Photo: courtesy of Univers)
Different ways to style the Fred Perry x Carl Jan Cruz shirt (Photo: courtesy of Univers)
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When asked what part of the creative process excited him most, Cruz reflected: “Expression and restraint. Because we were building on an existing style, we needed to find thoughtful ways to bring in our own spirit while remaining true to the original piece.”
Behind the scenes, Univers acted as the vital connector, bringing these creative forces together and championing a collaboration that reflects the evolving tastes of the Filipino consumer. As a curator of both local and international fashion, Univers has long championed collaborations that celebrate design innovation and cultural exchange. Their involvement underscores a broader movement: a shift towards clothing that is versatile, intentional and elegantly attuned to the rhythm of contemporary life.
Above Different ways to style the Fred Perry x Carl Jan Cruz shirt (Photo: courtesy of Univers)
Above Different ways to style the Fred Perry x Carl Jan Cruz shirt (Photo: courtesy of Univers)
Different ways to style the Fred Perry x Carl Jan Cruz shirt (Photo: courtesy of Univers)
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Ultimately, this partnership mirrors what many Filipinos seek today—pieces that balance aspiration with authenticity, heritage with modernity, design with daily comfort. From casual weekend wear to polished city ensembles, the collection proves that timeless design, when thoughtfully reinterpreted, can seamlessly adapt to the rhythm of daily life.
For Cruz and the brand itself, this is only the beginning. He sees the collaboration as a step towards wider possibilities for Filipino fashion, hinting at a future that may resonate far beyond our shores. “I hope it signals that this is only the beginning—that there are many more possibilities ahead for contemporary Filipino fashion,” he shared.
For now, the Fred Perry x Carl Jan Cruz collection stands as a sophisticated fusion of two style histories—an understated, breezy redefinition of an icon, ready to be worn in the world’s warmest corners.
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Joan—“Anj” to some—first stumbled into the literary world through Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower. From then on, she knew she wanted to tell stories—for everyone to read or perhaps simply for her older self to find again someday.
In high school, her love for writing intertwined with her passion for media and entertainment, drawing her to the glossy pages of magazines and online features about her favourite British boyband and Canadian singer. By college, she had found her rhythm in article writing and never stopped chasing stories worth sharing.
As Social Media Officer for Tatler Philippines, she shapes stories that capture moments in entertainment, culture and society. For leads or inquiries, feel free to reach her via joan.chan@tatlerasia.com or @joanntrc on Instagram.
