Vintage continues to reign as a go-to wardrobe tenant. Its movement generates stylishness with hints of nostalgia, amassing a global audience. With present fashion trends seeping onto Philippine soil, acquiring such garments brings accessibility—with the nearby ukay (thrift) and fledgling Instagram stores settling as premier options. Despite the influx of vintage curators in the present, Season Pass purveyed its movement.
Emerging in 2018 as a friendly neighborhood nook in the heart of Maginhawa St., Diliman, the curator tandem, Lean Torres and Red Moraleta, established Season Pass as a streetwear and vintage community inclusive of taste and expression. With their regular flea market appearances across the country, they provide a medium for merchants and fashion lovers, riding the global vintage wave through something proudly Filipino.
Season Pass tells Complex Philippines of their journey as enthusiasts of the culture to establishing a platform for kindred spirits (reminiscent of the “good ‘ol days”) and the joy and nostalgia that comes with it.
Lean: My exposure to the community was in 2016 as a member of The Third World. Two years later, I physically established Season Pass. We began buying and selling streetwear before slowly transitioning towards more vintage pieces.
Red: I started around 2012 as an intern for Don’t Blame the Kids, looking for opportunities in the retail industry, hoping to learn more about manufacturing clothes and building my brand, [Worn Expressions]. In 2018, I joined Season Pass, applying to be a manager of the store then, tada, here we are.
Lean: Now it’s more relatable. The community is more accepting due to the emerging vintage-fashion trend. It’s also how we market ourselves—engaging with the audience through memes, how we sell clothes and interact with people.
Red: Vintage used to be really niche. Wearing second-hand clothes became more accepted. There was a term before in the underground scene: PSG (pang sariling gamit). You’d be able to find more exclusive brands—such as Carhartt and Ben Davis—for personal wear and not necessarily for reselling.
People became more invested in not just the brand but the intrinsic value it brings. Feel ko mas umangat yung identity nila at nagkaroon ng space to wear vintage clothing in that aspect (Vintage fortifies personal identity, given there’s a platform to wear such pieces in the present).
Lean: I think it’s the same as streetwear [where] people wear more uncommon clothing pieces [that are] not easily found in malls or retail spaces. Exclusivity is a prime aspect when looking for clothes, and it’s fun seeing pieces from your favorite shows and movies, which tends to bring you back.
Kung ano yung interest mo noong bata ka, it reminds you kung ano yung nakikita mo sa mga vintage stores na, “Oh, may cartoon tee pala ito” (Whatever you liked as a kid, vintage stores remind you of that like, “Oh, there's a cartoon tee of this”). Then I’ll buy it because it reminds me of my childhood and stuff. That’s the edge vintage holds, showcasing the past and some of the “good ‘ol days.”
Red: I agree. Nagkakaroon ng mga ways to make yourself unique (There are many ways to make yourself stand out), becoming more like a hunt for pieces that people personally resonate with instead of having items that do not present long-term value solely because of their aesthetic. Nostalgia plays a part in people’s outfit choices, gravitating towards being more “personal.”
Lean: Vintage will stay for good, like another wardrobe staple. People are always looking for something unique—and what is more special than something that would remind them of their past? In the next five years, we’ll probably be heading in a similar direction to Season Pass today—organizing flea markets and other community-based events.
Red: Just growing into the direction we’re headed towards now. We consider vintage a lifestyle, open to the wide embrace of art, culture, and nostalgia—revolving around everyday life. We plan to integrate more of these [flea markets], provide exposure to new merchants, and remain loyal to our established community. Having good relationships is one of our most important aspects, as we see vintage as more than just a trend.
COMPLEX participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means COMPLEX gets paid commissions on purchases made through our links to retailer sites. Our editorial content is not influenced by any commissions we receive.
© Complex Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Photography Borgy Angeles
Art and Art Direction Alexandra Lara and James Francisco
Interview and Story Gelo Lasin and Xavi Bautista
Styling Assist Jana Silao assisted by Val Silao
Makeup Nadynne Esguerra
Hair Patrick John
Production Complex Philippines
Location Bulb Studios
COMPLEX participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means COMPLEX gets paid commissions on purchases made through our links to retailer sites. Our editorial content is not influenced by any commissions we receive.
© Complex Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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