Discover six local brands that translate Filipino heritage into fashion, blending tradition, culture, and modern style.
The publishing and editorial world has undergone significant changes over the last two decades. Various approaches to connecting with readers and audiences have been explored and tested. Two months ago, I attended a talk led by local beauty editors and writers who helped contextualize the recent changes in the publishing industry. One recent change discussed was the shift in editorial voice from an authoritative figure to a more collaborative relationship with readers, which has become more evident.
To connect with its audience, Lifestyle Asia introduces a new series called Monthly Musings. The series features articles in which the legacy brand’s editorial team shares their favorites and current interests each month—from fashion and art to music, or whatever else the writer or editor happens to be obsessed with at the time.
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August Muse Is Local Fashion
This August, in celebration of Buwan ng Wika—a tribute to the richness and beauty of the Filipino language—we spotlight six local brands that speak volumes beyond words, telling their stories through the language of fashion and style.
Fashion is its own form of language, an unspoken way of expressing traditions, experiences, and beliefs. In the hands of local brands, this silent dialogue becomes distinctly Filipino, shaped by their own lived stories and cultural insights, and translated into the medium they know best: fashion.
Apara Studios
Apara Studios is designed for everyday living. The brand’s design ethos is thoughtful and intentional—each curve, line, and silhouette draws inspiration from a modern Filipina’s real-life conditions and lifestyle. It’s perfect for the girl who lives in a uniform, who seeks style yet finds solace in structure. It’s for those who like to repeat outfits, and don’t give a damn what you think about it.
Idyllic Summers
Led by Steffi Cua, Idyllic Summers is a brand that expressly and unapologetically amplifies the Filipino culture. From working with indigenous weaving communities to collaborating with Filipino artists for a collection, Idyllic Summers is never afraid to push boundaries and uplift communities. It is fashion with a purpose. Their recent collection—Eartbound—is a collaboration between Geraldine Javier, Marionne Contreras, and founder Steffi Cua. The collection is composed of eco-printed workwear inspired by the slow, yet intentional practice of tending to one’s land.
PLNGKE
PLNGKE turns the chaos and color of everyday Filipino life into design statements that demand attention. Drawing from the grit of the palengke and the geometry of the city, the brand transforms familiar textures and forms into unexpected shapes—architectural, playful, and distinctly urban. Each piece feels like a collision of memory and modernity: a reminder of where we come from, and a vision of where we’re headed. PLNGKE is for the ones who blur the lines between streetwear and statement wear, unafraid to make the ordinary extraordinary.
ARAO Fine Jewelry
ARAO Fine Jewelry is rooted in the golden light of the Philippines—quite literally. Named after the Tagalog word for “sun,” the brand works exclusively with locally sourced South Sea pearls, known for their rare, warm glow. Founded by Mirabel Rosar, ARAO is a love letter to heritage and the sea, merging ethical craftsmanship with refined, modern design. Each piece is made to be worn beyond special occasions—meant to move with you, to be passed down, and to shine in any light. It is jewelry that carries a story, and in wearing it, you become part of that story.
Nobela Jewelry
Specializing in fine, made-to-order pieces, Nobela Jewelry invites you to bring your stories to life—whether through an heirloom-inspired diamond ring or a constellation of gemstones that mirrors your own. Each design balances classic elegance with quiet drama, creating treasures that feel both deeply personal and timeless. Nobela is for the romantics, the dreamers, and the storytellers—those who understand that jewelry is more than adornment; it’s a keepsake of who you are and where you’ve been.
A to Z
A to Z is grounded in grit and built for movement. With an industrial design language that fuses function and style, the brand’s accessories are made to work as hard as you do. Structured silhouettes, utilitarian hardware, and durable materials give each piece a toughness that still feels fresh and wearable. It is for the ones who navigate the city like a well-mapped grid—decisive, efficient, and always ready. They’re not about delicate dressing, but about gear that carries you from one challenge to the next, without ever slowing you down.
