Streetwear Brands You Didn’t Know Have Filipino Roots

Fashion and culture are two worlds that are undeniably interconnected. For every culture, fashion or the way certain people dress are best associated with their daily lives, habits, beliefs and perception. Nonetheless, this develops a strong sensibility of associations, references and patterns created along with the way that built-in unison. At times, this is being countered by others who may see things differently and express themselves in a way that best describes them.

Subculture per se is often described as a group of individuals who share common interests that variance with a larger culture. To a point that it sometimes breaks norms, practices or even traditions. Every generation has something to offer, to see or to believe, to create and express. And output comes to its best if it’s something very innate to you.

As the world unceasingly evolves, the streetwear culture has taken us by storm. With its rising popularity, it is continuously conquering every part of the globe and we often find a connection to the brands we best resonate with. Asian Americans who made it happen in the global stage with the likes of The Hundreds’ Bobby Hundreds, Staples’ Jeff Staple and Braindead’s Kyle Ng to name a few have made big waves and major impact to what streetwear culture is today and beyond. And we are happy to share that Filipinos in the US and as part of Asian Americans are making contributions as well. Excelled in a lot of fields creative pursuits and professions, Filipinos have excelled in their respective sectors. And to find connection and interests with likeminded people or even the same background as yours is sort of relief and a reaffirmation of a sense of belongingness regardless of race or colour of skin.

We have listed brands that were built from the ground by Filipinos who were either born and raised or moved to other countries—mainly in the USA. This further cultivates, we have to dig deep a little.

Crooks and Castle

Founded in 2002 by Dennis Calvero & Rob Panlilio, have carved their mark in the streetwear scene. Being an icon, the brand is, they believe that in every castle, there is a crook who made things happen to achieve the goal. The brand’s made for the hustler’s, entrepreneurs and young moguls doing ways to win and make it to the top.

Notable representation is the medusa head, the cartoon hand-gun and the tower and chain monikers. Conceived the idea of an aesthetic union of the hip-hop lifestyle with a luxury receptivity. And not to mention, have also landed in the #9 spot, this brand was also handpicked and included in Bobby Hundred’s 50 greatest streetwear brands. You may check out their IG or web for current releases.

Illest

born from the creative pursuits of Mark Arcenal, founder of Illest and Fatlace, this brand has started way back, 1999. What was started as a blog, Fatlace, gave birth from its conception of love for hip hop, arts, fashion and motorsports. Eventually, Illest was created and reflected the core pillars of Fatlace that echoed through its designs and merch being recognized globally.

They live by their mantra—“None but ourselves can free our minds” giving life to take courage and practice simplicity and strengthen self-empowerment. The brand is supported by acts like Kendrick Lamar, Meek Mill, The Weekend, Joey Badass and Far East Movement and Jo Koy to name some. With a presence in the US, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines, surely Illest staying the realeast and freshest up to date. By the way, they just released their medicom bearbrick collection along with shirt merchandise.

Black Scale

founded by Michael “Mega” Yabut and Alfred De Tagle in 2007, brand leans on the black and monochromatic colour palette creating an avant-garde, mysterious and edgy feeling. The brand emancipated from an idea being conceptualized when two buddies still working with HUF, a renowned brand and store in San Francisco run nonetheless by, an industry legend and skater, Keith Hufnagel.

Romanticizing this dark vibe gives the narrative of dichotomy in life. For every night, there is day, for every dark is to light. For every negative, there is also positive. Embracing this gothic and cult imagery, they have prospered and highlighted a spot reppin with ASAP Rocky. And to note, they were also included in Bobby’s 50 list landing 38 in the spot. Notable, joint works with Adidas, Stussy, Timberland, A Bathing Ape and yes, HUF.

ROKIT

Based in LA and founded by Bam Barcena, Ryan “Rionism” Barcena and Nico Guardalabene in 2016, the brand knotted the worlds of street basketball and skateboarding. Though it may sound they just recently started, the founders are no stranger in the scene as back in early years, they were the same forces behind the brand, “GPPR” (Gentleman, Philosopher, Pervert & Rebel,’), a streetwear brand of modern renaissance man and brotherhood actively present around 2010 to 2014.

ROKIT has been very active in doing notable collaborations with, Nike, recently with Converse, Pleasures and not afraid to take colours and effective aesthetics particularly their iconic orange circle logo. Their motto, From the paint to the ledge, on and off the court, ROKIT has transcended not only to the visuals and designs they have made but is being reflected to their audience and its lifestyle who live in diversity and authenticity. And, it is what it is, if you know, Real.Ones.Know.It’.True.

HLZ BLZ (Hellz Bellz)

bringing girl power and women empowerment in the scene, the brand is founded by talented and creative soul, Lanie “Miss Lawn ” Ablanza-Barcena. She worked as a graphic designer and soon became art director to Legendary Hip-hop icon JAY-Z’s urban label—ROCAWEAR.

She has also done work with Rihanna. HLZ BLZ was founded in 2005 in New York City and raised in LA. Inspired by the song Hells Bells by ACDC, she decided to reference the song as being the name of the brand. With the line that stuck in her, “if goods on the left then I’m sticking to the right.” Inspired by fashion, arts and music, these influences reflected in the pieces that they put out. The brand continues to support female empowerment with a flare of spice and a kick of trailblazer attitude.

Rhude

Created in 2015, and brainchild of Rhuigi Villasenor, who was born and raised in the Philippines and moved to the US at 9 years old. Rhude combines American Iconography and Nostalgic references balancing luxury techniques, ready to wear collection and influence and elements of streetwear all combined holistically. The brand though maybe a little high fashion hitting runways in success, the brand is notable for releasing pieces as a visual commentary on the culture and style of LA.

Putting H in the brand Rhude is a tribute and homage to their family whose names got H on it. Basically, a typical naming fave technique of Filipinos. Hence, the name Rhude. With no formal training in garments and fashion, he attributed a big chunk of learning to Shaun Samson, another designer and an understudy of Kim Jones. Rhuigi being a designer was also attributed by Virgil Abloh as the future of Fashion. Earlier this year, Rhude collaborated once again with Puma and hit the runways Paris Men’s Fashion Week for the Spring/Summer 2020 Collection. Rhude has worked with The Weeknd, Adam Levin, Bella Hadid, Lebron James.

Anti Social Social Club

Founded in 2015 by Neek Lurk also known as Andrew Buenaflor. Having worked with a pillar brand, Stussy, Neek Lurk started to be known in forums such as NikeTalk. The brand started to print out 12 shirts posted via Instagram and took things to the next level. Next big thing happened and history unfolds, it was repd by icons like Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Travis Scott and Ian Connor to name a few.

With melancholia being part of its narrative and inspiration and struggle with mental health and heartbreak, the brand bank on being true to the owner’s self and boomed out up to now. With infamous phrases printed in their merch like “get weird”, “f*ck everyone it’s just you in the end”, the controversial, “eye hate neek” Combined with its wavy logo and such phrases, pastel and bright colours utilize, the brand has surely claimed an undeniable success.

Bet you didn’t know Neek is Filipino thus it surely gives you hint about this matter through past releases. In terms of joint work, they have collaborated with BAPE, Mastermind, DHL and even Panda Express to name some.

Final Thoughts

The potentiality of one thing can be truly utilized through hard work, continuous learning, development and having a passionate heart when an opportunity comes to you. We have enlisted these brands to shed inspiration and motivation to the enthusiasts like us and served as a reminder that nothing is impossible. For whatever background or town, you are from, always remember that the world is yours to take. Seize that day and make things happen.