8 Local Fashion Brands Owned By LGBTQIA+ Entrepreneurs
Give them a follow!
Pride could mean a lot of things like self-affirmation, gender visibility, and equality but for us it goes way beyond that. The celebration of Pride should also radiate towards uplifting and supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals no matter which industry they belong to. In the fashion industry where the most inspiring creatives thrive, Pride extends from rainbow-themed merchandise to artful pieces of clothing that can fully express gender-defying narratives. There's no better feeling than donning a piece designed and created by LGBTQIA+ individuals. For us, wearing pieces from Randolf Clothing, Carl Jan Cruz, Just Bonita, and the like, would feel as if we're rooting for these designers and entrepreneurs on a far greater scale, as well. Like a pride flag on its own, the graphic tees, barongs, ribbed bags, pique shirts, corsets, and statement trousers from these brands are like badges of Pride you can wear all year long.
From the eclectic Issa Pressman and her take on art wear, self-confessed gay intern Martin Yambao and his work with his grandmother Owa Sylvia, to the aforementioned creatives above, and more, we give you 8 local fashion brands that are proudly owned by Filipino LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs. Simply click the photocredit link in the gallery down below so we can directly take you to their Instagram page.
Local LGBTQIA+ Owned Brands
Local LGBTQIA+ Owned Brands
I S S A
There's no bad vibes on sight whenever we have pieces from I S S A around. The brand features of Issa Pressman's take on art wear. Each 27” x 27” scarf is made with love and thought, just like all of Issa's creations! Style your I S S A scarves as a head piece, a top, or a short skirt on your future beach trips.
Photo Credit: Photo from @issa___thebrand
Librea
JV Librea rethinks the classic bucket bag silhouette with a boxy figure, a flap, and a shoulder strap for her namesake brand. If you're a sucker for ostrich and crocodile leather bags, this brand is for you.
Photo Credit: Photo from @librea__
Randolf Clothing
Anyone who doesn't know Randolf Clothing yet hasn't been styling the barong the modern way. Helmed by RJ Santos, Randolf Clothing creates 'tattooed' barongs, tulle sandos, and other printed ensembles. If we could get married in his pieces, we would!
Photo Credit: Photo from @randolfclothing
Carl Jan Cruz
It's hard not to stan Carl Jan Cruz's creations especially when all of his designs hit home, literally. Heavily inspired by pangbahays and pangokasyons, trust that you will always be at your best with his ensembles on.
Just Bonita
If we could name our obsession with corsets, the perfect pair of wide leg trousers, and skin-tight skirts, we would name it thirst fashion. As a fashion stylist and a makeup artist, Bonita Penaranda knows a thing or two on how to ace this. Her brand Just Bonita has become a one stop shop for everything you might need to feel sexy and powerful!
Photo Credit: Photo from @justbonita8
Owa Sylvia
Owa Sylvia became an instant success ever since Martin Yambao and his grandmother Mrs. Borja started creating colorful PPE suits for fashion professionals and the like. Just this year, the brand ventured towards creating indoor dresses that mimic the fit and look of a classic daster!
Photo Credit: Photo from @owasylvia
Kandama Collective
If you’re looking for more dressed up ensembles, Victor Baguilat Jr. has got you covered with his modern take on the Filipiniana. Victor takes pride in Kandama Collective and how much it has grown through the years. Kandama has waved the Philippine flag proudly in premiere fashion events in Hong Kong, Melbourne, Paris, and more. It's never too late to get yourself a bespoke piece!
Photo Credit: Photo from @kandamacollective
The Gay Agenda
For all your rainbow-themed fashion needs, let The Gay Agenda help you out! From face masks, caps, statement tees, to several versions of the LGBTQIA+ flags, Cal Lim Tolentino has definitely made it easier for anyone to express their pride through rainbow-themed pieces.
Photo Credit: Photo from @thegayagendaph
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