By: Angelika Twinkle Mae A. Auro and Jed Nykolle Harme
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People these days always want the right kind of fashion, wearing specific types of designs as a way of expressing themselves. And with all these rising brands in Aklan, streetwear is a hype like no other. Simply because more people like hopping on the stylish-classic-but-comfy streetwear lifestyle. And what better place to start than right here on our very own streets right? Here are some of the local streetwear brands in Aklan worth checking out for.
1. The Holiday Crew
The brand's clothing designs are perfect for dope customers who have an obsession with hip-hop vibes. They sell caps and different kinds of bags perfect for those punk, and hella cool individuals!
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| Photo: The Holiday Crew FB Page |
From the brand name itself, The Holiday Crew focuses on the feeling of the holiday vibe. They represent the people's holiday habits, go-to destinations, and hiphop culture. It's a reminder to every individual that it is okay to reward yourself with a holiday rest after a series of hustling and grinding.
How it started
Precious Sundae Prado, an entrepreneur, and John Bonfel Oquendo, a freelance artist and photographer established their brand on January 17, 2022. Way back in 2017, they started to plan a clothing line that leads to their dream becoming true. Way back then, Mr. Oquendo made designs for other clothing lines in Luzon and Mindanao which directed them to the thought of trying to launch their own brand.
A shop that turned into a hub for arts
"We don’t just sell apparel. We sell experience, value, and a positive vibe. It’s always for the love of the crew", said Mr. Oquendo. This is a shop that serves as a pillar in creating programs to support local artists in Aklan. Their initiative "Holiday Hustler of the Week" features different local artists, brands, and entrepreneurs. They also have a lineup of artists for their Canvas Collab program which undoubtedly nourishes Aklanon's dignity in the field of arts.
Visit their Facebook page at here https://www.facebook.com/theholidaycrewHub/
2. Klboomy
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| Photo: Klboomy FB Page |
Shirts can never be out of date. This brand's features are a combination of a modern and aesthetic type of shirt; collaboration of local and foreign styles. If you're looking for good quality tees with dope designs, the Klboomy brand is meant for you.
How it started
Klboomy was established around mid-September of 2020 with a group of 6 friends created its brand name. The formation of the brand name was due to compounding words. KLB is an acronym for KALIBO, the Aklan's center, and BOOMY, which stands for "loud, deep, and resonant."
An artwork that can be worn
The idea of the clothing business was because of the owners' passion for the arts. They wanted their works to be appreciated through shirts when their customers wear their brand. Through their creations, the concept of being aesthetic with some touch of Japanese culture gives color to everyone's day who wears the shirts. The designs are well crafted. The passion applied to the garments is genuine, and the feelings poured into the products are pure. This is what makes the brand special and unique.
Visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/klboomyapparels/
3. Reseta
Reseta, owned by a devoted nurse and enthusiast entrepreneur paved the way for nourishing Aklan's tremendous garment industry with a touch of medical society.
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| Photo: Reseta FB Page |
Their T-shirt designs suit people's tastes in the wide arrays of medical terminologies as it opened the doors for unique clothing designs that are superb for picture-perfect shots for individuals of any age. Bikers, skateboarders, and people who do such kinds of activities are their major supporters and regular customers. Thus, this brand does not just sell clothes because building a community, vision, and culture are the major inspiration they have in running their business.
How it started
Reseta is a Filipino word that means "prescription", which the owners Mr. Al Jordan Lumio and Ms. Lyslie Ann Igat, connected to their T-shirts' brand name. The brand started in February 2021 when the COVID-19 pandemic was at its highest peak. According to the owners, they have found themselves struggling to find new clothes to wear because most shops, malls, and even online businesses were shut due to the outbreak. This resulted in the owners the thought of establishing their own shirt business. "We've been fans and supporters of local clothing for a while now and with the current situation brought about by the pandemic, we decided to push through with the idea and join this industry", said Mr. Lumio.
Since they believe that everyone wants to look good and represent something they believe in, these business owners decided to abide by their passion for shirt making.
Reseta Clothing was made more special because of the people who supported it, gathering more than 25 thousand Facebook followers on their page! Moreover, celebrities like Tawag ng Tanghalan Grand Finalist Jex de Castro wore their shirts as proof of patronage to this brand's products.
Visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/resetaclothing/
4. Calivo
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| Photo: Calivo FB Page |
Calivo clothing offers wide collections of street shirts of different types. Some of the most recognized designs in this brand are those with the touch of punk and hip-hop-type layouts. If you are one of the patriotic Filipinos, this brand is sure to attract you with its exceptional designs for it displays the country's rich culture.
The main concept of the designs revolves around the culture of different places in the Philippines, especially Aklan. They focus on showcasing the Ati-Atihan festival in which Kalibo is well-known in the world.
How it started
RG T. Ingalla, a 24 years old entrepreneur was inspired and influenced at the same time by the already established local brands who represent their places and culture through their products. The immense passion within him became the driving force to make Kalibo, Aklan be known through creating his own brand.
The culture of his place is the inspiration behind every piece of the brand's designs. Prior to creating his own business line in 2020, his family already had a printing enterprise. From there, given his eagerness to tell the rest of the country how amazing Aklan's culture is, he created his brand. Thus, Calivo resembles the name of Aklan's center municipality — Kalibo.
"I don't design just to sell, I design for a story to tell", said Mr. Ingalla as his inspiration on establishing his brand Calivo. This brand believes that the culture and history we have are the blueprints of every masterpiece every one of us creates.
Visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Calivo.Clothing/
5. Juvenile
Do you want to start a fire? Juvenile Apparel Co.'s garment products are here to astonish you! Their headwears are sure to lure you with their lovely hats. Juvenile's wide range of captivating garments has opened opportunities for modeling and street fashion in the province of Aklan. Its clothings and designs are perfect for youngsters who love the teenage vibe with what they're wearing.
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| Photo: Juvenile FB Page |
A profound meaning behind its creation
Owned by the couple Jason D. Briones and Nichole Jane Vasquez, the brand Juvenile was established in February 2020 inspired by some adolescents' lives. Juvenile with its tagline “Good People, Bad Habits” was inspired by the balay dalayunan (home for teenage boys in conflict with the law). Some time ago, Ms. Vasquez worked with these kinds of boys and realized that not all of them were guilty of the crime they committed. She carried from then on, that there are stories that the world needs to hear, so she took it as an idea of the brand of the business she has.
A brand that serves as a voice
This brand is not just all about being trendy. It has advocacy that promotes awareness which is shown in every design they make. Their "naguba sang naguba" design is about sexual harassment which sometimes turns to victim-blaming. Thus, the concepts of the brand's designs are all about the untold truth behind stories.
Visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Juvenilelocal/
6. Reteo
Are you one of those simple-shirt lovers but want to look shawty as well? Reteo's clothing designs are the ideal brand for you! High-class tees with uncomplicated designs are the notion of this brand. With designs not aggravating to the eyes, you can rummage to their vast set of garments available.
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| Photo: Reteo FB Page |
How it started
Reteo clothing brand is owned by the married couple Louie Reteo, a graphic designer, and Jobelle Reteo. Mr. Reteo was an avid tattoo design artist. He has loved designing shirts since he was in high school and used to design T-shirts for events in schools and uniforms for sports clubs and basketball teams. Because of his talent, he found himself interested in creating his own brand.
A unique mindset
What sets this brand special is that it isn't attempting to be hip like other generic brands that promote the unlawful use of a substance. In fact, their tagline “Do more of what you Love”, emphasizes their aim to develop youths' talents and skills.
"I don’t want kids to wear my brand and do things that will ruin their lives. We wanted to get away from that and instead", said Mr. Reteo.
Visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/reteodesigns/
7. TADCO
TADCO's designs are more of a combination of science and myth, resisting in world of fiction and reality. The thing that made this brand special from other brands is that people who wear it may experience tough vibes while living a light life.
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| Photo: TADCO FB Page |
How it started
Located at Numancia, Aklan, TADCO was originally possessed by a partnership and is now solely owned and managed by a 26-year-old firefighter Mr. Larry Jose M. Sim.
In 2015, the Team Alas Dos, Mr. Sim's group of friends planned to have a designed shirt to wear during “sadsad” every Ati-Atihan festival. "With so many shirts that we have designed and worn we became inspired to have our own clothing brand", Mr. Sim said. TADCO's shirts release started in 2020 with the brand name short for Team Alas Dos inspired by his group of friends.
Mr. Sim's love for local shirts since college brought him into this kind of business. In 2017, he posted on his Facebook account "Gusto ko sa buhay ay magpatayo ng sariling clothing line", and now the stars lined up for him resulting in his dream becoming a reality.
Visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TADCO5604/
8. Istayuti
Istayuti's T-shirt designs are always ready to satisfy Aklanon's craving for original style. From their tagline "Embrace Local", native citizens love wearing their products with pride.
The word "Istayuti" is an old Aklanon term that means "small". Aside from the brand name itself, the graphic designs, shirts, and prints are all locally produced. Thus, it is 100% made in Aklan.
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| Photo: Istayuti FB Page |
Located at 193 Laguinbanua East, Numancia, Aklan, people from different parts of the province patronize their products by frequenting there as their favorite local brand.
It is not just a T-shirt business, it also has opened doors for local modeling and arts. The concept of this brand is that the shirts are all about tiny things and how it relates to our daily lives. Their snail design implies people's aim for success, that even how small our steps are, we will eventually get to reach our dreams.
How it started
Vep Vega, a public school teacher, and a musician ventured on his journey as an entrepreneur in the field of clothing business. He opened his brand in August 2017 because of his fascination with art. He is an artist which led him to discover his talent in shirt printing. "Since mahilig man ako mag drawing, nai-connect ko imaw sa printing business", he said.
Mr. Vega decided to launch his brand because he is in a band. "Usually indie bands promote local clothing so why not promote my own brand and sell it as well", he added as his inspiration in establishing Istayuti.
Visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/istayuti/