Cover Take a look at these local, sustainable brands for women (Photo: instagram.com/@merakibowy, @apara.studio, @maligayaclothingco; stylised with Canva)
Take a look at these local, sustainable brands for women (Photo: instagram.com/@merakibowy, @apara.studio, @maligayaclothingco; stylised with Canva)
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Take a look at these sustainable, local brands perfect for date nights, errands, and everything in between
Locally made fashion has been gaining momentum in recent years, thanks in part to a burgeoning appreciation for sustainability. These days, searching for the perfect outfit goes beyond the offering of your typical retail brands. While fast fashion dominates the industry, more people are turning to local brands that not only priortise quality, but are distinctly Filipino-made. These brands, often small businesses run by a staff of few, are carving out a place for Filipino culture in the whole of fashion.
Here, we highlight some of our favourite local women’s apparel brands. Each label is proudly homegrown, celebrating Filipino creativity with a distinctive flair.
More from Tatler: Step into the groove with these 9 sustainable, local footwear brands
Áraw
Tropical living calls for lightweight clothing with style to match and a sojourn to the seaside simply isn’t complete without a classic Áraw sundress. The brand delivers unmatched quality, creating pieces made with breathable, premium fabric. Áraw draws inspiration from vintage fashion, apparent in sweetheart necklines and sleek off-shoulder silhouettes.
Kaddadía
Kaddadía embraces inclusivity and body positivity, advocating for style to be accessible to any body type. With a focus on elevated basics, the brand creates clothing that adapts to the natural changes in the body. They have come up with a range of versatile pieces that are as chic as they are comfortable, ensuring that wearers can feel confident in their wardrobe regardless of shape or size.
Alasdos
Alasdos specialises in custom-made, made-to-order clothing, born from an effort for sustainability. Pieces are often adorned with hand-painted patches and colourful embroidery, featuring Filipino motifs like palm trees, flora and post stamps. Each piece is unique and personalised, offering wearable art as bold as it is unconventional.
See also: In the mood for breaking barriers? Check out these 7 local unisex clothing brands
Merakibowy
Sustainable brand Merakibowy is known for their romantic, bohemian-inspired designs with an effortlessly cool edge. Their pieces reflect a blend of grace, confidence and a laidback charm, embodying a bold yet casual flair. Surprising details makes each garment stand out, such as panelled cord stitching on stretchable fabric and items crafted from dead stock material.
Apara
Apara crafts clothing inspired by modern living. They emphasise understated, stylish essentials from sleek maxi dresses to demure poplin button-down shirts, creating a wardrobe nothing short of versatile. The brand encourages their pieces to be worn and loved repeatedly, blending practicality with style.
Our Paraiso
Our Paraiso captures the essence of laidback luxury, with simple clothing that takes inspiration from slow island living. Pieces often appear in bright pops of colour that mirror tropical elements like seashells and flowers. Run by a team of two, the brand celebrates shared experiences basking under the sun.
Maligaya Clothing Co
Maligaya Clothing Co breathes new life into Filipino design with motifs drawn from heritage traditional Filipiniana. Featuring handkerchief patterns and a refreshing take on classic styles, the brand repurposes linens and vintage fabrics to create unique pieces that act as an ode to the past.
Meraki
Meraki offers a contemporary edge to casual wear, tiptoeing the balance between streetwear and workwear. Their pieces feature an amalgamation of mesh and pleated garments, along with sturdy denim and oversized shirts, perfect for those who seek a dynamic blend of comfort and urban flair.
Anika
A blend of sustainability and fashion is at the very core of Anika, a label known for its breezy linen clothes and effortless feminine charm. Established in 2016, the brand produces “infinitely wearable, seasonless keepsakes” fit for tropical weather, no matter the occasion.
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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
