Progressive modernity
Fashion retail in the “now” is currently having an unspoken tug-of-war between branding and anti-branding. The pendulum of style is swinging to great extremes to capture a piece of the global commercial market. Under the overcrowded spotlight for decades now is an endless list of designer names in a variety of shapes, styles and forms that have captivated the world. Co-existing in the dazzling mainstream retail landscape are the equally silent minority players whose directive is understated fashion.
In the local scene, some local brands channel this sensibility, and one key mover is harlan + holden. A fairly new player compared to the colossal names in the local retail scene, the “future” Filipino brand has found its distinctive space under the plethora of celebrity-endorsed brands. The brand has captivated the discerning eye of fashion insiders, editors, style setters, discreet A-listers and the like. It’s a contemporary yet distinct ready-to-wear brand characterized by a range of clean, well-crafted design pieces of clothing for women (selective stylish men can be brave enough to wear them, too).
The brand shows a range of everyday wear showcasing clean, simple lines in featherweight fabrication. Modern neutral hues with occasional pastel pieces evoke a code of chicness to create an effortless wardrobe.
Recently, harlan + holden created a stir in Philippine fashion with the arrival of global visionary and Renaissance artist Caroline Issa, CEO of the Tank Group, a renowned creative agency that has an impeccable roster of clientele like Tod’s, Hugo Boss and Nordstrom. Issa and the team of harlan + holden have reinvented the brand for its relevance in this age of nowness.
Issa said, “I was honored to be asked by the team at harlan + holden when they rebranded their young business. It was an opportunity to work with a talented and proven team. I also had a chance to create an authentic and heartfelt brand that is passionate about the quality of life and the quality of clothing it makes.”
harlan + holden is all about fashion in the now. Its distinctly forward-thinking direction and innovation collections have successfully set it apart from most of the brands in the local scene. With the outstanding chemistry of Issa’s brilliant artistry and harlan’s aesthetics comes a refreshing and modern conceptual approach to its branding — the Fig. The design genius said, “The Fig is a symbolism of global design branding that transcends into various cultures.” Void of mainstream letter branding, the contemporary representation is deeply rooted in a variety of cross cultural historical references. Its earthy, organic modern appeal is a summation of a well-thought of artistic process that goes beyond the surface. The “fig” is a progressive design impression that adheres to the concept of beauty and simplicity.
“The current movement in branding focuses on authenticity,” said Issa. True to what it stands for, the successful collaboration re-establishes and expresses the brand direction with clarity of lifestyle. Furthermore, it’s a subconscious response to anti-branding, channeling the soul of harlan + holden and presenting an understated style imprint of progressive modernity.
harlan + holden is moving forward with the times and is an optimistic symbol of a future global Filipino brand. Its inspiring vision has impressed Issa, a respected international fashion fixture and mover.
The future is bright for harlan + holden as it takes the big leap into showcasing relevant clothing to the world. “With today’s dominance of super brands, it’s a pleasure to work on a brand of tomorrow that is set to change the way we think about dressing and our wardrobe essentials,” Issa concluded.
