Qurio, a new Makati concept space, brings together independent labels from across Asia for a constantly evolving edit.
Anyone who has wandered a Bangkok night market or shopped along a Seoul side street knows the thrill of finding a piece that no one back home will recognize. Manila has plenty of appetite for that kind of discovery, and until now, not many places to satisfy it. Online shops selling niche labels are abundant, but the city has few physical stores built around the same instinct. Qurio, a new multi-brand concept space, opens this August at One Rockwell in Makati City to change that.
READ ALSO: Idyllic Summers Launches “A Local Production” Capsule Collection
A New Destination For Independent Design
The store gathers clothing, footwear, and accessories from 20 independent labels across Asia, spanning Bali, Bangkok, Jaipur, Jakarta, Manila, Seoul, and Tokyo. Filipino designers have also contributed exclusive pieces made specifically for the concept.
Qurio grew out of years of travel. Co-founder Shar Cabigas, who also runs Suki Jewelry, spent that time visiting studios, meeting designers in person, and building relationships that outlasted a single buying trip. Some of the brands she found on the road; others she discovered through social media, tracking down makers whose work stood out in a crowded feed.
“When we choose a piece, the first question isn’t, ‘Will this sell?’” Shar says. “It’s, ‘Is this worth discovering?’ That question guides every decision we make and shapes every brand and piece you’ll find at Qurio.”
The Who’s Who On Qurio’s Roster
That standard shows up in the range itself. Balm wears, Isa Boulder, and Sanje Wear arrive from Bali, each with its own take on relaxed, tactile dressing. Bangkok sends a wider haul, including Archibald’s Shoes, Bob’s Your Uncle, Muunsan, Oabo, Pipatchara, and SEIRE Collective, a group of labels known for playful construction and a sense of readiness to experiment. HARAGO represents Jaipur, while ANW and SAJA come from Jakarta.
Manila’s own roster includes Gloriae, Maligaya Clothing Co., Tagpi, Viña Romero, and Ziv Rei Alexi, five names that show how much range exists within the local design scene alone. Marge Sherwood and Seen-Nees round out the Seoul selection, and Hosu.Atpd brings a Tokyo perspective to the mix.
A Shared Set Of Values
No two brands look alike, but a shared set of values runs through the collection. Several work directly with artisan communities. Others produce in small batches, favor responsible methods, or simply take the time to make things that last past a season.
That approach puts Qurio at odds with most of retail right now, where volume tends to win out over point of view. The store bets on the opposite: a smaller, more intentional range that rewards a second look.
The edit will keep moving. New brands will rotate in as Shar continues to travel and scout. This means a visit to Qurio in a couple of months may turn up an entirely different set of names than a visit in August.
Photos courtesy of Qurio
Frequently Asked Questions
Qurio is a new multi-brand concept space at One Rockwell in Makati City featuring clothing, footwear, and accessories from 20 independent labels across Asia.
Qurio opens in August at One Rockwell in Makati City, bringing independent Asian design into a physical retail space in Manila.
Qurio features labels from Bali, Bangkok, Jaipur, Jakarta, Manila, Seoul, and Tokyo, including exclusive pieces from Filipino designers.
Qurio’s roster includes Balm Wears, Isa Boulder, Sanje Wear, Archibald’s Shoes, Bob’s Your Uncle, Muunsan, Oabo, Pipatchara, Seire Collective, Harago, ANW, SAJA, Gloriae, Maligaya Clothing Co., Tagpi, Viña Romero, Ziv Rei Alexi, Marge Sherwood, Seen-Nees, and Hosu.Atpd.
Qurio focuses on independent labels, artisan communities, small-batch production, responsible methods, and pieces selected for their value as discoveries. Its brand roster will also change as new designers are added.
