MANILA, Philippines - Putting together an outfit does not mean having to venture into a crowded mall to purchase pricey branded clothes. All one has to do is turn to the many young fashion entrepreneurs emerging supreme in the retail industry.
These new brands are pioneering a movement. Distancing themselves from the statement-tee phenomenon, they are more fashion than fad, and their collections can easily rival those of mainstream labels.
Limited, cheap, proudly Pinoy, and available online — here are five young fashion brands that deserve some space in your little black book:
Vivienne And Knox
By Michelle Pasia, Nancy Valera, Michelle Ledesma, Lynette Cruz, Cais de Geron, and Mir Caringal
Design philosophy: The two personas behind the brand, Vivienne and Knox, represent two varied styles: the former being classic, soft and feminine and the latter, contemporary and edgy.
Contact number: (0916)-5791902
Website: vivienneandknox.multiply.com and facebook.com/vivienneandknox
Olivia And Fifth
By Denise Young and Gem Co
Design philosophy: Olivia and Fifth’s fashion mission is to create classic, well-designed clothing by focusing on the details of every piece.
Contact number: (0917) 7924300 and (0917) 800-8199
Website: oliviaandfifth.multiply.com
The Gallery By Paradox
By Bella Concepcion, Tin Gana, and Pia Rivera
Design philosophy: By creating wearable art, the brand offers its buyers one-of-a-kind classic pieces, all with an eclectic twist.
Contact number: (0916)7069049
Website: withinthegallery.blogspot.com and thegallerybyparadox.multiply.com
Noah
By Anika Martirez, Patricia Pastrana, and Tania Villonco
Design philosophy: Both vintage and novel at the same time, Noah’s collections are aimed at providing women with transitional clothing — those they can wear from work to play, and those that would suit them from youth to adulthood.
Contact number: (0917) 5026452
Website: Search for Noah on Facebook
Tarte: Style, Found
By Tanya Tantuico and Stacey Villanueva
Design philosophy: The brand offers pieces that are up-to-date, but classic enough that you’ll want to wear them over and over again.
Contact number: (0917) 8955284
Website: tarteonline.multiply.com.