IN FULL COLOR

In celebration of pride month, we put together five local designers who are changing the way we view genderful dressing a fashion notion that embraces all identity, representation, and expression

- MARIAN SAN PEDRO

SEPH BAGASAO 

Craftsmanship, intricacy, and balance—Seph Bagasao’s brand pillars rest in artisanal sensibilities, handmade quality pieces, romantic worldview, poetic consonance, contemporary values, and timelessness. For Bagasao, genderful dressing is being free from the limitations of societal views on clothes, to be able to dress in what one believes fits the true self.

“Now is the time that the world strives for more freedom in the language of fashion,” he shares. “Fashion is becoming more generic. People have become more monotonous and open to exploring beyond one’s gender.”

Bagasao notes that over the last couple of years, Filipinos have been more receptive. The people are seeing the light in the fashion industry, especially one that focuses on appreciating contemporary fashion. People are now able to see what local creatives can do beyond the norm. Filipino brands can now move around harmoniously with other notable international labels. His one true dream? That the world will see the intrinsic value of Philippine design.

KELVIN MORALES

Designer Kelvin Morales is keen on breaking the barriers of fashion and disputing society’s idealized beauty standards, as evidenced by his work at his eponymous brand.

“I think it’s about embracing clothing for both genders and accepting the fact that clothes shouldn’t have a gender,” says Morales. “It’s about expressing identity and art.”