6 Filipino Inspired staples for your fall fashion wardrobe

Written by Niko Del Rey

I think co-CEO and head designer of Prada, Miuccia Prada, put it best when she said "What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today, when human contacts are so quick. Fashion is instant language.” When you step out the door, you are instantly communicating who you are, how your day was, what activity you are about to, or if you have any activities planned at all. Well, fall / winter is around the corner and it’s the perfect time to throw on your best layered looks and present yourself to the world, so why not add some Filipino culture to show exactly who you are, at first glance. Let’s get into 6 Fall Fashion Trends were loving, with Filipino flair, of course.. 

1. Modern Barong (@enternostalgia)

2023 has been the year of embracing the barong and Filipinana which I am all on board for! And not to say that the classic barong needs a makeover, but a lot of brands have been adding such tasteful and unique twists to the barong and I think it’s earned its place in modern fashion. A perfect example of this is Nostalgia's Paisley button-up which is a perfect blend of a traditional barong and modern streetwear. Playing on the see-through barong characteristic by creating space with the paisley pattern is one of the hottest looks this year. Trust me from personal experience, I get compliments everywhere I go whenever I wear this out and best part of all, this can be worn for both men and women!

2. Barongorak Pullover Jacket (@illamanila)

It’s almost winter and the need for a water resistant jacket is a must. Our friends over at Illa Manila have designed a stylish pullover jacket with a hidden kangaroo pocket but the focal point to this garment is the detailed embroidered Barong design on the front. Of course you wouldn’t wear this to a formal gathering but what a fun way to add a little dapper detail to a rainy day outfit. 

3. Vintage Band Tee (@kuyateco)

One of the biggest trends of 2023 (if not THE biggest trend) has got to be the vintage band tee aesthetic. We have seen so many of our favorite groups from our teenage years resurface and even my Tik Tok feed is flooded with creating custom vintage band tees with your significant other's face. Of course the main function is to look fashionable but for a lot of fanboys / fangirls, showing off who you listened to growing up is a fun conversation starter. And we love what Kuyate has done to represent our Filipino roots by showcasing a few vocal groups that I loved to listen to growing up: Devotion, Kai, and Pinay. Such a fun garment to wear oversized or layered to complete a trendy fall look that will make all your friends jealous. 

4. Commonwealth Chapter Tees (@commonwealth)

Being featured on hypebeast as one of the top brands owned by members of the Filipino community, Commonwealth has been making a name for itself globally. As described on their website, Commonwealth is an award-winning, multi-brand retail concept that offers a global experience in Manila through an expert curation of world-class brands, top-notch service, exclusive brand collaborations, and a wide network of stores in premium locations. Although they are known for their tastefully curated brands, they have also teased on their instagram about Commonwealth Chapter Tees that they will be releasing under their own name! 

5. Multi Logo Sherpa (@mondaysuck)

Mondaysuck has also been featured on hypebeast as a top Filipino owned brand and for good reason! Their approach to modern fitted clothes while honoring 2000s and 1990s fashion has been a hit that constantly sells out of stock time and time again. I want to focus on their upcoming fall / winter line, they have a Multi Logo zip up Sherpa that will keep you warm and turn heads at the same time. The bold sherpa texture paired with the mondaysuck logos gives a nice pop to this winter staple.

6. Uniform Baybayin Hoodie and Sweatpants (@abkdco)

Abakada has been one of the most popular Filipino American clothing brands heralded in the fashion community. Praised by the likes of Hypebeast, GQ Magazine, and Complex, Abakada has a true talent of weaving Filipino culture into the fabric of modern streetwear fashion. Their Half A Decade line that just dropped has a Uniform Baybayin Hoodie & Sweatpants set that looks cozy enough to wear at home but also stylish to wear out and about. Choosing earth tones that have a nice muted aesthetic with Baybayin Filipino script on the back with the phrase “never forget your roots”, this might be one of my favorite looks for the 2023 fall winter season. 

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Written by Niko Del Rey

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