Filipino-American Owned Clothing/Accessory Brands
spotted: kaels in fil-am brands
There are many ways that I feel connected to my Filipino culture and heritage - one of them being through fashion, whether it’s clothing or accessories. I love supporting other Filipinos and Filipino-Americans and discovering different brands.
Below are some of my favorite Filipino-American owned clothing and accessory brands. Each of these brands share their own unique story and showcase Filipino culture in their own way. The founders love what they do and it’s portrayed through their pieces.
Clothing
1. Abakada @abkdco
Abakada is a streetwear brand that has seasonal/special releases throughout the year, so be sure to follow or join their newsletter to stay up to date! It’s driven through “para sa kultura”, so you can showcase Filipino culture with their high-quality clothing.
2. Sago Studio @sagoxstudio
Sago Studio, most notably known for their Pilipinas jerseys, is a Bay Area owned (shoutout the bay) streetwear brand. Ranging from jerseys to t-shirts to denim, each piece is worth the addition to your wardrobe.
3. Nostalgia @enternostalgia
Nostalgia is a Bay Area owned streetwear brand. Co-founded by two friends who started selling outside of their car, they’ve created this brand deeply rooted in who they are and where they’re from. This brand is Asian-American, with a Filipino-American and Chinese-American founder, and obviously deserves a shoutout for their clothing and intentionality that surround them.
4. The Mestizo LA @themestizola
Mestizo La is inspired by multiple cultures, hence its name Mestizo. Each piece has Filipino-Spanish roots and is Chinese-inspired, with influences from western fashion. As stated on the website, “The Mestizo promotes each individual’s choice of self-representation whatever your taste may be”. The founders wanted to create products of a rich cultural heritage showcased through the beauty of integration in every unique creation.
5. Narra Studio @narrastudio
Narra Studio sells clothing ranging from Filipiniana blouses to barongs to malong. Each piece is devoted to tradition and brought to life to showcase Filipino identity. In addition to clothing, check out their jewelry and home goods, too! You can also make an appointment to visit the studio in NYC!
6. Kadiwa @kadiwathelabel
Kadiwa is a clothing brand that looks and feels like an intended art form, made to feel beautiful and ethereal. Each piece is rooted in culture and art, carrying “object and memory” and “utility and desire”. This woman-owned business (by Cheska Torres Ibasan) is “inspired by the women who came before her”. Each piece is something unique and worth the addition to your wardrobe.
Jewelry
1. Sunkissed Pinay @sunkissed_pinay
Sunkissed Pinay can be pinpointed by their heart, integrated with the Filipino sun branding. This is easily one of my favorite and most worn jewelry pieces. Ranging from necklaces to cufflinks, there’s an accessory for everyone!
2. Fleurenz @shopfleurenz
Fleurenz creates high quality, long lasting jewelry accessible for everyone. This woman-owned business (by Fleurenz Villar) is committed to women empowerment and sustainability. With their 14k gold filled metal, they are guaranteed to be long-lasting; not to mention, they are hypo-allergenic!
3. Abel @abelstudio_
Abel “weaves Filipino heritage into modern, everyday design”. Each piece showcases timelessness and versatility, inspired by Filipino roots. This woman-owned business (by Daphne Mangahas) is committed to Filipino culture, creating intention with each piece, “made to be lived in”.
4. DBL Jewelry @dbljewelry
DBL is inspired by the Philippines, by the islands, culture, and ancient traditions. With that, they’ve created modern and spiritual jewelry. This woman-owned business (by Liv Portio) carries pieces to empower the mind, body, and soul - it’s meant to bring positive energy into everyday life, blending Filipino tradition with modern style. Did we mention that their jewelry is waterproof?
5. Jzl Crafts @jzl.lttrsandcrfts
Jzl Crafts showcases Filipino culture through their statement earrings. These polymer clay creations are perfect for everyday or for a statement piece. There are beautiful pieces for everyone whether you’re trying to showcase culture or are in need of a statement earring.
Additional Accessories
1. Bahay Kubo @bahaykubo_
Bahay Kubo is a hair accessory brand, selling headbands and scrunchies. This woman-owned business (by Christina Nadin) is inspired by her mother, who always wore hair accessories. These timeless pieces are meant to be effortless, completing every look. The brand name is also a symbol of unity, representing the Philippines. This brand also “partners with grassroots NGO, Lokal Lab, based in Siargao, Philippines”.
The list doesn’t end here! I encourage you to do your own research and find brands that you love, all while supporting the Filipino-American community. Feel free to share any other Fil-Am owned brands that you love!
mahals,
kaels
too bad ain’t me<3
(mahals: our abbreviation for “mahal kita” translating to “i love you” in Tagalog)
RELATED POSTS:
