In the fashion industry, starting your own label is quite a common trend. To promote Filipino creativity, fashion brand owners partner with local artisans and take inspiration from indigenous designs. You may have heard of Piopio and Kaayo yet there are other local fashion brands making waves in the industry. Society figures like Steph Ayson and Betina Ocampo show their creative minds and passion for style into their own fashion labels. In this list, you may get ideas on where to get your new wardrobe staples.
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Stephanie Ayson
She may not see herself as a designer but Steph admits she honed an eye for identifying and designing beautiful things. With encouragement from her mother and a conversation with her cousin Carla, Steph started her own line of demi-fine jewelry, Pranca. She defines its designs as raw and unrefined. Compared to other local jewelers, Pranca’s pieces are minimalist in its effort of production. They are simple yet carry a strong sense of intriguing elegance. Among the prized pieces of the brand are baroque pieces in earrings and necklace forms.
Isabella Fernandez
The daughter of Gabriel and Julie Jalandoni Boschi is setting her own path in the fashion industry. Taking her passion for spending fun times under the sun in toasty weather, Isabella with friend Alexandra Fandiño, started Alba, a swimwear line. Launched in 2018, the local brand delighted people with its promotion for body positivity. In its first catalog, it featured swimwear pieces for different body types. Recently, she partnered with other local fashion brands Sierro and Guppy Shorts to highlight the importance of unwinding amidst a hectic daily schedule.
Cara Sumabat
Cara with husband Marco Limjap started Halo Halo as an experiment. They simply wanted to combine different banig and later on added other local materials. The brand focuses on quality and function while promoting the country’s natural resources. Since its establishment in 2013, Halo Halo has built its catalog to fit different tastes and lifestyles, leading to an elegant and versatile collection of handbags, small leather goods, and home accessories. Likewise, Cara’s RSVP carries a variety of designer gowns and pre-loved pieces for evening affairs. The brand’s designs are not only luxurious; the combination of fabrics, styling, and tailoring is simply unique.
Betina Ocampo
With coveted features in Harpers Bazaar, Forbes, Style.com and more, Betina has certainly established herself in the fashion industry. As the Creative Director of BETINA and Daily Schedule NY, she continues to evolve these labels into lifestyle brands that promote “creativity and expression.” BETINA highlights the designs of indigenous communities in the country and combines it with Western elements. The results are remarkable contemporary pieces in rich textures, signature details, and luxurious fabrics. While BETINA is all about Filipino culture, Daily Schedule creates “fashion-forward footwear” featuring vibrant and unique designs for any occasion.
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Harvey Alumisin
Born out of a need for a bag at a wedding, Harvey set to make his own when he could not find the perfect one. Taking inspiration from the bayong of his father’s hometown San Teodoro in Mindoro Oriental, San Teodoro artisanal brand was born. Vibrant colors and striking patterns characterize the 5″x5″ bags. These are perfect for summer trips and for adding color in your style ensemble during gloomy days. Harvey shares it is still a passion project and thus, the process of selling is not as public as many would hope. Yet if you are a persevering client, you can find the connections and opportunities to get your hands on these unique bags.
Dani Osmeña
From a full-time teacher, Dani has chosen to dedicate her time to her passion for styling. After studying at Slim’s Fashion and Arts School, she continues to hone her knowledge and skills in designing modern apparel for women. The result of her hard work is By Dani Osmeña, an elegant clothing line that balances form with function. Dani’s debut collection features light, hand-selected fabrics that can be paired with any closet staples.
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Anika Martirez
After earning her degree in Ateneo, Anika studied fashion in Los Angeles and eventually came back to the country to work. Yet it was not enough for the empowered woman with a wide imagination and passion for ideas. Anika started her eponymous label ANIKA for women who like to wear beautiful staples, and not avant-garde styles. She describes her clothing line “casual cool and laidback luxe.” True enough, a glance through her brand’s Instagram feed shows timeless, sophisticated, and comfortable pieces, perfect to wear for day-to-day routines.
