The Philippine Online Chronicles

Not too long ago, Filipinos could only read about international fashion brands in magazines, and if we wanted to get them, we had to travel abroad first. Thus, only the wealthy had access to styles unavailable locally. But the growing number of foreign retailers coming in the country has leveled the playing field. Prices have become competitive, and we only have to visit a mall to buy the newest releases that mirrored those abroad.

One such example is Forever 21, which caused quite a stir during its arrival here more than a year ago. Its trend-friendly, low-cost clothes and accessories were and still are a hit for the young style savants, as well as the older generation. Stores Specialists, Inc. brought the no-brand brand Muji from Japan which catered to those who preferred their clothes (among other products) simple, classic, and generic. Like them, two new fashion brands will be joining the local fashionphile’s long list of shopping choices in Manila this 2012.

After much speculation and excitement from its patrons, a Japanese megastore finally confirmed that it will open its first branch at SM Mall of Asia this June. A 1,550-square-meter store will be home to Uniqlo which will no doubt display its numerous collections of graphic tees, specially designed garments, and basic clothes with a contemporary touch.

The brand prides itself with pieces that are made of great quality, innovative technology—all for an affordable price. They “believe that everyone can benefit from simple, well-designed clothesa, especially at a time when the economy is unpredictable and too much trends create confusion. Shoppers can expect clothes that transcend any style; each becomes a component of any wardrobe, able to be mixed and matched with various items.

Some of these can be seen at Uniqlo Philippines’ Facebook page, which announced that the first collection will feature those from their Spring/Summer 2012 Lookbook. Men and women who have playful fashion sensibilities will like the selection of printed tees from the UT Project which showcases limited-edition designs from popular designers, photographers, and even musicians. Dainty blouses and retro-inspired dresses in Orla Kiely and Laura Ashley prints—just one of Uniqlo’s many collaborative projects—will also be available. Others who prefer muted styles have plaid button-down shirts, striped long-sleeved tunics, and knit blouses among others, to choose from.

Then, they can complement their classic garb with elegant shoes from Repetto, a popular shoe brand that began as a dancewear essential in France. Brought to us by Fast Retailing Philippines, Inc., a joint venture between SM Retail Inc. and Fast Retailing, Inc. from Japan, Repetto will open in Greenbelt 3, Makati City, which houses many luxury labels from abroad. As such, Filipinos should expect to shell out several thousand pesos for a well-crafted pair.

A special technique called “stitch and return is the secret to each pair’s lightness and flexibility. But apart from being manufactured with dexterous hands in a French factory and being made of top-quality materials, Repetto’s shoes revel in their celebrity status. In 1947, Rose Repetto designed her first ballet flats in a workshop near the National Opera of Paris, upon the request of her son, choreographer Roland Petit. Prima ballerinas soon took note, and even the style icon Brigitte Bardot championed ballet flats as suitable for daily activities in And God Created Woman in 1956.

The brand has courted style-minded customers by collaborating with notable designers, among them Karl Lagerfeld, Proenza Schouler, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Rei Kawakubo. The Comme des Garçons designer has worked with them on several collections since 2004, and just last 2010, designed an updated version of Repetto’s Zizi and BB ballerina pumps. With a brand that remains faithful to its aesthetic, we can expect a whimsical store stocked with shoes that come in a wide range of colors, prints, and materials, of no less than utmost quality and comfort.

These two new fashion brands enter the local scene to give a refreshing break from the myriad choices already laid for Pinoy consumers, but ironically add to the long list of shopping options. However, their philosophies about putting quality at the forefront reminds us that style need not always mean following trends; sometimes shopper’s fulfillment comes from knowing you have made a smart purchase, one that satisfies your wants and needs. And if more foreign brands come to our shores offering just that, then they would be very much welcome.

Photos were taken from Uniqlo Philippines’ Facebook Page; screen captures from The Independent UK and The Fash Pack.