Cover Construction Layers reinterprets historical workwear with a modern twist (Photo: Courtesy of PHx Fashion Group)
Construction Layers reinterprets historical workwear with a modern twist (Photo: Courtesy of PHx Fashion Group)
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In partnership with PHx Fashion Group, Kendrick Cay and CP Garcia of Construction Layers reinterpret historical garments through Collection III.V, on view at Comme Çi from April 10 to July 8
For co-founders CP Garcia and Kendrick Cay of Construction Layers, an endeavour into retail is more than a logical step. It builds upon a vision shared between the two of them, rooted in collaboration and an open dialogue about design. “We like to take on new opportunities every chance we get and explore new things,” says Cay. After all, this mission reflects the very foundation of their brand: less about chasing trends and more about pushing their own ideas forward.
Comme Çi, a small retail space nestled in Makati’s Power Plant Mall, has hosted its fair share of independent Filipino design talent before, from the likes of Seph Bagasao’s eponymous label to Renz Reyes’s abstract denim ensembles. It’s a notable departure from Construction Layers’ usual presence in historically rich and artistic venues. Previous activations found the duo setting up shop in Intramuros and Escolta.
More from Tatler: Renz Reyes’s ‘Codex of Design’: Crafting a future for Filipino fashion
Above Looks from Collection III.V by Construction Layers (Photo: Courtesy of PHx Fashion Group)
Above Looks from Collection III.V by Construction Layers (Photo: Courtesy of PHx Fashion Group)
Looks from Collection III.V by Construction Layers (Photo: Courtesy of PHx Fashion Group)
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Garcia and Cay met as students in the same college industrial design course. The brand was conceived around that time, before which they had originally plannd to launch individual labels. The duo eventually decided that joining forces would be a better move. Balancing growing Construction Layers with full-time jobs, including long-term stints at Zalora and Univers, helped them gain experience in backend operations, campaign execution and retail strategy—skills that would later be channelled into their growth.
The vision behind Construction Layers, admittedly, is an ambitious one. In a country where fast fashion continues to dominate, few brands aim to build their identity around craftsmanship—and stick to it. After all, it’s a tedious process, one that involves careful sourcing and design decisions that prioritise detail and quality. ‘Embodiment of progression’ is their tagline, a tactfully twisted irony considering an oeuvre that heavily alludes to 1700s to 1900s garments.
See also: Meet the emerging fashion designers poised to become household names
Above A look from Collection III.V by Construction Layers (Photo: Courtesy of PHx Fashion Group)
Above A look from Collection III.V by Construction Layers (Photo: Courtesy of PHx Fashion Group)
A look from Collection III.V by Construction Layers (Photo: Courtesy of PHx Fashion Group)
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This historical reverence is not merely aesthetic. The label’s premise explores what clothing “meant to people” during that time, as the industrial revolution and the rise of workwear inform the structure and spirit of their aesthetic. Bloomers, waistcoats and pageboy hats are given the 21st century treatment, in addition to a pleated smocked shirt inspired by the ones farmers wore in the 1800s. “Construction Layers revolves around the idea of reinterpreting these very classic and functional pieces of clothing while making sure to honour and develop them into newer ideas.”
Their latest release, Collection III.V, reinterprets existing silhouettes into what they describe as a “fresher look.” The devil is in the details, including buttons sourced from Japan reveal a bronzed patina upon closer inspection. They also maintain an intentional 50/50 sourcing model—half local and half-overseas. Though primarily unisex, Construction Layers is also actively exploring the female form, an avenue PHx Fashion Group encouraged them to pursue in this showcase. This special attention to new proportions and silhouettes still retain the brand’s structured and architectural ethos.
Above A look from Collection III.V by Construction Layers (Photo: Courtesy of PHx Fashion Group)
Above A look from Collection III.V by Construction Layers (Photo: Courtesy of PHx Fashion Group)
A look from Collection III.V by Construction Layers (Photo: Courtesy of PHx Fashion Group)
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While conversations grow more and more rapidly surrounding sustainability and slow fashion, Construction Layers is eager to herald the cause. The duo’s stance is realistic but committed. “It’s definitely an effort for us to be a lot more sustainable,” they comment. Deliberate measures are put in place, as they prioritise natural fibres and avoid synthetics wherever possible. Textiles are carefully selected and tested to ensure it meets their standards. On the production side, they intentionally limit volume, aware of the garment industry’s tendency for overproduction.
It’s clear that Garcia and Cay are stepping into something new without losing sight of what’s always driven them. It’s apparent in their attention to sharp design, informed by a steady perspective and inspired by clothes that carry meaning. Settings may be different but the brand’s message still remains in the value of taking things slow.
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About
Julianna has been interested in leading a literary life since she first read Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess at eight. Before working with Tatler, she was an archive intern at The Center for Fiction in Brooklyn, New York. She is a textbook Pisces who devotes most of her spare time to her crochet projects, watching classic films, and going through her never-ending pile of unread books. She studied creative writing, global literature and art history at Sarah Lawrence College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2022. Toni Morrison, Nora Ephron, Clarice Lispector and Jia Tolentino are among her all-time favourite writers.
Work
Julianna writes about fashion, beauty, sustainability, and the arts. She is always keen on conducting interviews with talented women who are changing the game in their respective fields.
For event invites and story leads, hit her up at julianna.cabili@tatlerasia.com
