Filipinos are known worldwide for their creativity. So it comes as no surprise that Filipinos carve their mark in the global fashion scene. From catwalks to department stores to international stockists, Filipino fashion brands stand side by side with fashion’s most esteemed names. But what are these brands exactly?
Let’s take a look at these 8 fashion brands you may not have known to be Filipino:
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Natori
The global giant that is Natori – known for their lingerie, loungewear, and their exquisite silks. Natori came into prominence in the 70’s and 80’s and today, has become a household name in the US.
Natori was founded by Josie Natori, also known as Josefina Almeda Cruz. Born and raised in the Philippines, she moved to the US in the 60’s to attend college. After a successful career in finance, and after having married Japanese Ken Natori, Josie ventured into fashion and delved into loungewear when a buyer from Bloomingdale’s asked her to lengthen the peasant blouses that she’d brought from the Philippines.
Today, 70% of Natori’s production is based in the country whereas the rest of the 30% is based from China. Her net worth is at $150 million, and is proudly named by Yahoo as a “self-made immigrant millionaire.” Josie also received the Order of Lakandula in 2007, which is one of the highest civilian awards in the Philippines.
Website: www.natori.com
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Amato Couture
One of the leading couture brands in Dubai, Amato Couture was founded by Filipino fashion designer Furne One and business partner Rashid Ali. As a young designer, Furne One joined countless fashion design competitions in the country, one of which he won and judged by no other than Josie Natori. Josie was so impressed by Furne One that she invited him to intern at her Paris and New York studios.
Furne then studied at FIT in New York, and while on his way back to the city that never sleeps, he stopped by Dubai and instantly fell in love with the city. He started working for couture shops until he met Ali, a fabrics entrepreneur, and decided to start his very own couture brand.
Today, Amato Couture has become one of the most coveted fashion brands in the UAE. They offer ready to wear gowns, fragrances, and of course, their signature fashion-forward and rule-breaking couture gowns.
Website: www.amatocouture.com
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Rafe
This handbag brand may be based in New York, but did you know its founder and designer is Filipino Rafe Totengco? Established in 2000, Rafe is a favored handbag brand by New York’s elite.
Not the type to shy away from the extravagant and the bold, Rafe’s minaudieres and clutches are seen on the hands of celebrities such as Kate Bosworth, Elizabeth Hurley, and Olivia Palermo.
Website: www.rafe.com
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Fino Leatherware
You see their leather bags alongside the most exquisite international names in leatherwear. Fino, a homegrown leather goods fashion brand was established in 1992 and is known for their classic design aesthetic.
With multiple branches found across the country, Fino’s iconic craftsmanship is so precise that they were tapped to create official gifts for the world’s leaders during the ASEAN Congress in 2016.
Website: www.finoleatherware.com
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Gingersnaps
They have a total of 17 stores in Saudi Arabia alone, and plenty more scattered everywhere in the world, from Indonesia to Malaysia to Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines, of course. With over 31 boutiques worldwide and over 25 department store corners, Gingersnaps is undoubtedly the leading brand for children’s wear and maternity wear in the Philippines and beyond.
Established in 1994, the clothes are all made in the Philippines with European styles but without the hefty price tag of their contemporaries in the market. With a philosophy that children’s wear need to be fashion-forward, as well, Gingersnaps has continued to make their mark in the global market.
Website: www.gingersnaps.com.ph
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Harlan and Holden
With a Scandinavian and minimal aesthetic, you’d think Harlan and Holden is a fashion brand from Sweden or Japan. But no, the brand is actually based in the Philippines.
Owned and operated by a former PR maven, the brand offers loungy, minimal basics that are easily mixed and match. With traveling in mind, the owners use fabrics that don’t crease easily so you can bring them with you wherever you may go in the world; aesthetics that are loose and comfortable; and a general philosophy of comfortable, chic, and fashionable clothing.
Website: www.harlanholden.com
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Eairth
Eairth may seem like a new player in the game but the fashion brand has actually been in the industry for over 10 years. Owned and designed by Vivien Ramsay, formerly known as Melissa Dizon, Eairth is a play of words that combine “earth” and “air.”
Their lush silky camisoles and slip dresses are all dyed using natural pigments, as well as their range of hoodies, dresses, skirts, and swimwear. With a cult following in New York, Manila, and Tokyo, Eairth is the go-to garb for fashionable girls with sustainability in mind.
Ramsay was inspired to create the fashion brand, which is now being distributed by international stockists, after visiting Puerto Galera and seeing a Mangyan (local tribe) girl wearing a faded out AC/DC tshirt with a faded out skirt that was naturally dyed. Ramsay then foraged into the Mangyan dyeing techniques, and thus created the brand’s signature look: faded out fabrics that look like they’ve been worn for years.
Website: www.eairth.ph
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Monique Lhuillier
Monique Lhuillier was born and raised in Cebu City, Philippines, where her love for fashion began as a little girl raised by her socialite and fashionista mother. After having studied fashion at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in LA, Lhuillier met Tom Bugbee, who eventually popped the question.
When Lhuillier couldn’t find the perfect wedding dress for herself, she designed her own dress and that of her bridesmaids and entire entourage, which began her venture into her niche: bridal wear.
Lhuillier has dressed Britney Spears, Blake Lively, Gwyneth Paltrow, and a host of other celebrities that adore her romantic, feminine, and glamorous aesthetic.
Website: moniquelhuillier.com
These 8 fashion brands are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to world-famous brands that are actually Filipino. Just by looking at these names, being creative and entrepreneurial seem to be an innate trait that brings pride to the Filipino name.
