Do It Yourself 2011

Do It Yourself 2011

Do It Yourself 2011

Every year the t-shirt is reinvented. From baby tees to boyfriend shirts, loud statement shirts to plain v-necks. I think this year it doesn't matter how you wear your clothes as long as they're your own.

It's time we make clothes for ourselves or at least support our friends who try to stick it to the man (a.k.a. mass produced foreign labels) by creating brands of their own. I'm guilty of always shopping at Topshop or Zara and I'm getting bored - luckily a lot of new local brands are popping up.

1. CUT FROM A DIFFERENT CLOTH

Adbul Dimaporo is just starting his venture into menswear. He hasn't decided on a name yet but you have to check out his blog if you want to experience literal D.I.Y. goodness as he documents the beginning of his one man brand, cutting and sewing using his camera's self-timer.

2. THE ARTISAN

A group of young boys started The Artisan because they believe that "Style is not a privilege of a few but a choice that any man should be able to make, and as a clothing line, we want to be able to offer our consumer that choice without the constraints of having to shell out more than what should really be spent for." Each design is limited to 10 pieces per size to provide exclusivity for the consumer.

3. CRAZY EDDIE'S SHIRTS, SLACKS AND WONDER EMPORIUM

Euric Lumanog decided to make his own clothes because he wanted to be able to wear something different from everyone else. Instead of investing in overpriced international brands he thought of investing in his own personal style.

4. SUNDAE

When Angela Gurango shops, she often wants to change a thing or two about the pieces she finds. She figured she would just start her own collection to get exactly what she wants. She's very hands on, too! From selecting the fabrics to approving the tailor's work, Angela sees to it that her designs are all Sundae sweet.

5. WILLOW & JACK

I don't personally know these guys but I've worn a few pieces for my TV show Koreana and their dresses are really comfortable. The girls who make the clothes (Sam and Mai) are based in Cebu and their goal is "to bring the local market well-cut basics that reflect our relaxed vibe and sense of fun."

6. PROUDRACE

I heard about PROUDRACE even before I met designers Rik and Patrick. Their creations fit their style perfectly. "It's all about the use of different materials, textures, details and silhouettes to come out with pieces that are unique and subscribes to no particular trend." They're one of the few local independent brands that are being successfully sold at stores outside of the Philippines (Singapore, Hong Kong and New York).

There's a whole lot more to choose from if you research well enough. If you don't find a brand that suits your style then do what they do - make your own! Who knows, I might even come up with my own label this year! Don't hold your breath though - I love my friends' stuff. I'll probably just buy theirs! Haha!

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