Cover A selection of the brand's popular woven bags
A selection of the brand's popular woven bags
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Here’s a look inside the soft opening of Halohalo’s first-ever physical store, set to open to the public on February 26
To much anticipation, and about a decade since it first established its presence at art fairs and online, Halohalo is finally ready to open its first physical store. Making its home in a brightly lit spot on the second floor of Power Plant Mall, the brick-and-mortar space marks a fresh beginning for the popular fashion and lifestyle hub.
Only a few local brands have garnered the same attention received by Halohalo—the brainchild of siblings Cara Sumabat-Limjap and Rocco Sumabat. Over the years, it has gained rave reviews and developed an avid cult following around its stylish, modernised woven bags, released in drops and usually sold out within minutes. They have also expanded into clothing and home accessories through their offshoots, GoodTimes and Halohalo Home.
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Above The brand is also known for their quirky merchandise decked out in colourful prints
Above The store's interior is inspired by "old Manila" architecture
The brand is also known for their quirky merchandise decked out in colourful prints
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“Our brand is really about finding and sharing aspects of tropical beauty, whatever that means to each person,” shared Limjap. “A lot of our ideas are linked to growing up in the Philippines, but we like to [approach Halohalo] in a way that can be accessible to someone who’s never set foot in the country.”
In the early afternoon, guests and friends descended on the developing premises. They mingled and awed at the small but meticulously curated space, taking pictures while sipping tropical smoothies. The brand prides itself on its distinctly Filipino aesthetic, a sentiment that apparently translates to the store layout, reminiscent of a traditional “old Manila” home.
“We took some time to really think about what we wanted the store to feel like. Whether it reminds you of your grandparents’ house or a museum, our intention is to provoke memories,” said Limjap.
In case you missed it: HaloHalo Home Launches a New Collection and Introduces Bar & Bistro
Above A selection of the brand's popular woven bags
A selection of the brand's popular woven bags
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The siblings were in no rush to open a physical store, having already built a sustainable presence in the digital space. “Obviously, it’s a big jump for us, but now it feels like it’s meant to be.” Limjap regards this new endeavour as a creative exercise. Though the brand is comfortable with its following and already flourishing reputation online, Limjap affirms that “there is still something out there [for everyone].”
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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
