MANILA, Philippines – Nestled within a sleek hotel space, SOMA Stores is our local answer to London’s Fashion East or the CFDA design incubator program in New York — albeit, with a pop-up twist. Spanning a total of 2,000 square meters on the ground floor of the Green Sun building along Pasong Tamo Ext., SOMA is envisioned to be a world-class platform in support and promotion of the growth of creatives across local and global industry markets.
Having opened its doors in October last year, SOMA Stores has functioned as a self-propelled incubation space for “burgeoning brands and a creative showcase for renowned labels.” The initiative debuted with internationally stocked street wear labels Proudrace and OS Accessories, as well as a set of young designers such as Esme Palaganas for Basic Movement and Willar Mateo for Salad Day.
SOMA Stores is set to re-launch their concept with a robust lineup of designers (some new, some veteran) and a stable of young independent labels. YStyle delivers a rundown on the 20 brands who made the cut: The Artisan, Asia Coronel, Aware & Present, Bagasao, Basic Movement, Bea Samson, Eliz Marcelo, Enzo Habulan, Euniform, Eve the Label, Liana Rosa, Yuminum, Randolf, Raw Manila, Rica Rico, Rô Sandals, Salad Day, Sune, Viña Romero, 23060 and Luona Concept Store.
SOMA Stores is set to collaborate with Manila-based women’s art platform Heresy for the revamp; the event is designed to elevate the pre-held notions of a traditional fashion showcase with the help of an audio/visual fashion performance — combining both dancers and models to create a fusion of clothing and movement. The launch is set to showcase the 20 new labels today, 7 p.m. at SOMA Stores, Green Sun, 2285 Pasong Tamo Ext., Makati City.