Meraki and Their Mission to Showcase Local Creativity on a Global Scale
To do something with soul, creativity, love — putting yourself to work.
Through generations, fashion has been a form of individual expression. The evolution of fashion has been continuous ever since. With a focus on neutral, earth-toned utility jumpsuits and work sets that include multipurpose pants, vests, and bags versatile enough for all genders and styles, Meraki enters the picture.
A Manila-based lifestyle brand that is focused on durable, functional pieces that aim to promote and uplift the utilitarian work aesthetic. Meraki has established itself as a label that is up-and-coming, yet a force to be reckoned with. Marketing & Art Director — Czarina Toledo, and Finance & Operations Manager — Angeli Gonzalez, set up the brand in 2017 during their college years. Starting from a business project in school, Czarina and Angeli decided to pursue expansion of Meraki after finding captivation in the overall process of handling an apparel brand.
Initially starting off as a streetwear brand that focused on printed t-shirts, the founders naturally found interest in the production cut and sew garments to take their collections to the next level. Considering the lack of representation of womenswear in the local streetwear scene, Meraki decided to mold their brand with a focus on the minority. They began producing plaid tube tops which gained them popularity among women’s streetwear scene. Following this, Meraki would begin to experiment in producing additional pieces such as pants, co-ords, vests, etc.
After receiving several inquiries from men on their designs (especially the pants) and upon noticing a lack of statement pieces produced by local brands, Meraki expanded their collection by including menswear in 2019. The brand moved to establish their line for men with the insight of their visual content creator — Kurt Rebolledo. “Knowing Kurt adored streetwear & had a great working relationship with us, we brought him into the team as one of our partners.”, they said.
The first piece launched together by Meraki was a six-pocket cargo pants that can also be worn as shorts, also known as the Multipurpose Pants. After releasing the Multipurpose Pants, the brand started exploring functionality and durability with their designs. With that in mind, twill and denim became their main fabric choice. Launching Meraki Men & Women started a new journey for the brand.
The brand strives to challenge itself every time they put out a new collection especially with regards to quality, functionality, and design. “The possibilities are endless when it comes to designing clothes and we enjoy exploring them together.”
By producing quality, functional clothing, Meraki’s goal is to inspire individuals to not be afraid to put themselves out there. As a Filipino brand, they also aspire to uplift the local creative scene/community worldwide.
“Thank you for being a huge part of the brand. We truly believe we wouldn’t be here today without the community’s support. We know we are living in tough times, but as long as we create and pull each other up, the possibilities are endless.”, Meraki shared. When asked, what should we look forward to about the brand? “Reinvention.”
People are reminded that anything is possible when you do something with soul, creativity, and love; a mantra which has inspired Meraki’s growth since 2017. With the continuous love and support from the community, Meraki is revered as one of the homegrown brands that deserves to be put out there. Their humble beginnings and dedication have now expanded into wearable art, and it is exciting to see what they have in store for us.
To know more about Meraki, you may visit their Instagram accounts: @meraki.men and @meraki.women, or visit their website: https:// merakiapparel.co.