It’s a world of fast fashion, but upcycling changes the game. At the height of thrift shops emerging online and in stores, local upcycling designers are gaining popularity. Creating an original piece out of reused materials is a mark of craftsmanship. And we’re in for a big haul of talents.
Upcycled streetwear has turned the tides of fashion into a sustainable industry. Every dissection and patching creates a significant detail. Every piece is unique in its garments and seams. One can argue that this niche market has gone mainstream. But for sure, it did shake the scene to a new perspective on our options amidst the climate of fast fashion. That you can stand out with your custom upcycled look.
If you want to get into the local flavor of upcycling, here are some local streetwear brands we recommend.
LISE LABORATORY®
Where to cop: Instagram, Website
This homegrown brand by Daniel Liceralde has made its way from Baguio to overseas. It is best known for its custom North Face and Carhartt puffer jackets decked in paisley patterns. Some may include a touch of nostalgia and pop culture with patches of cartoon characters from Pokemon and Dragonball.
Editor’s note: The shop is rebranding soon. But you can check out the custom pieces that put the brand on the streetwear radar worldwide.
Karma Collective
Where to cop: Instagram, Season Pass PH on Thursdays to Sundays from 1PM to 8PM at 63 Maginhawa st. Diliman. QC.
From the creative mind of Erik Saguiped comes the upcycling brand, Karma. To raise awareness of sustainability in fashion, he creates bigger-than-life clothes. The brand is well-known for its vibrant colors patched together with bulky stitches. So if you’re looking for a one-of-one piece, then cop these exclusives that are both strikingly unique and sustainable.
Stay tuned on their social media for pop-up events like the recent Good Old Days 2, and Manila Sneaker Expo.
PROUDRACE
Where to cop: Instagram, Website
A contemporary brand founded by Patrick Bondoc and Rik Rasos. PROUDRACE focuses on sustainability in fashion, with upcycling as one of its avenues. The streetwear sensibilities in their work infuse Filipino heritage with their use of local imagery inspired by Manila’s underground scene. Even the materials and fabrics are locally sourced. The brand has since caught the attention of the global scene with features in big publications such as Highsnobiety and Vogue.
Editor’s note: The high fashion brand follows a streetwear marketing concept. You can check out their twice-a-month drops on Instagram while the website is under construction.Â
WEARy Studios
Where to cop: Instagram
Davao creative Mark Taojo repurposes discarded thrift hauls to create his original pieces. From working with stencils, silkscreen printing, and hand painting his designs, his brand has since been a fusion of his visual art and fashion sense. If you’re into grunge and edgy fashion, then these deconstructed originals are a must-wear for you.
Editor’s note: Now on its ninth collection, you can shop the MYSTQ collection on their Instagram page.
Art Credit: James Francisco
