When it comes to formal wear, the tendency is to go for the classic suit and tie. While this is a classic look that can be pulled off in different styles, why go the same route when you can spice up your wardrobe with homegrown Filipino pieces? Break out from the monochromatic box with unique outfits from the freshest barong brands designed by emerging designers at Rustan’s.
Through his creative and premium garments, Kelvin Morales breaks barriers by contesting society’s idealized standards of beauty, focusing on artistic narratives and highlighting peculiar forms in clothing.
The Manila-based designer constantly experiments with local fabrics and materials while maintaining an interesting balance between modern and traditional techniques through his eponymous brand. His collections boast hand-embroidered designs and unconventional silhouettes made from silk cocoons that allow the wearer to stand out from the crowd.
With its bold colors and witty designs, designer RJ Santos’s Randolf draws inspiration from 90’s music videos and humor surrounding local pop culture — creating a truly unique identity for each collection. Thought-provoking and humorous at the same time, the contemporary designer’s bold and creative pieces are perfect for the man who likes to make a statement while looking stylishly cool.
Sometimes, to create an eye-catching piece, you have to think outside the box. With her designs rooted in structured femininity and masculinity, Designer Viña Romero is doing just that as she redefines her pieces to suit any age, body type, and market.
Taking apart existing social constructs, the designer combines the clean lines and bold characteristics of menswear with the graceful and delicate features of womenswear to create a refreshing new perspective on gender norms in the sartorial world.
You can never go wrong with a classic. Aklan-based piña weaver Raquel utilizes soft and diaphanous piña fiber to create luxuriant pieces that are as easy to wear as they are beautiful to look at. The crucial and intricate processes are what make each piece uniquely exquisite — from the weaving process to the meticulous hand embroidery, every process and step is done with utmost care and precision to preserve the rich texture and delicate quality of the cloth.
Filipino clothing brand Barong II, which has been in the embroidery industry for over 43 years, continues to make waves in the market today. Committed to drawing more ideas and styles from the Philippine heritage, the brand continues to push the boundaries of traditional fashion without sacrificing its distinct brand of elegance and timelessness.
Without sacrificing quality or style, the designers behind these brands ensure that each of their crafts flaunts their artistic flair while still embodying the Filipino culture — making a perfect piece fit for the modern man to wear every day.
Men from all walks of life will surely love the elegant silhouettes and rich colors of the newest barong brands in Rustan’s that will bring out the fine Filipino gentleman within themselves.
