Third World Picks: Top Local Brands 2023
With the year coming to a close, one thing that remains constant is the growth of Filipino-owned brands and their creativity in creating homegrown collections and pieces that celebrate local craftsmanship while catering to diverse palettes and refreshing your closet and space.
In no particular order, here are The Third World team’s picks for the top local brands this 2023.
ISLA
Originating in Manila and now based in Los Angeles, the ISLA Project pays tribute to the stunning Philippine islands by actively collaborating with independent Filipino brands, artists, and creative ventures.
Where to Shop: https://www.theislaproject.com/
SUOT
Founded by Karl Guerra, Suot offers an array of chill everyday wear that maximizes comfort with its oversized fits made for every shape and shade, and designs influenced by the Filipino climate and culture.
Where to Shop: https://suotnatin.com/
Hysteria Supply
Inspired by modern, and Philippine pop culture, Hysteria Supply goes wild with its graphic shirts, and caps that are witty, relatable, and stand out.
Where to Shop: https://shopee.ph/hysteria.co
Anabeza
Celebrating women's empowerment and gender inclusivity, Khirsten Anabeza shines with her namesake label, Anabeza, and its lineup of contemporary and minimalist, deconstructed pieces that are all-inclusive and a definite head-turner.
Where to Shop: https://anabeza.com/
NOBODY
Fueled by a deep love and understanding of t-shirt printing, Finn Santos, Zei Tacasa, and Kyle Salindong started NOBODY Clothing. Initially based at the renowned Cubao Expo, the trio later expanded their team to include artist Laraine Gazmen and brand photographer Roy Cabugao to grow the brand.
Where to Shop: https://www.madebyabunchofnobodies.com/
FORTUNE WWD
Fortune is a menswear brand founded by Pau Martinez, Aren Pe, and Isai Araneta. The brand seamlessly blends style, functionality, and conceptualization by crafting top-notch garments of superior quality.
Where to Shop: https://fortunewwd.com/
Sports Paradise
Known for their iconic vintage ‘Sports Paradise’ patches, Sports Paradise started selling breathable shorts that are sustainably crafted being made from stock fabrics that have been left at a warehouse for decades.
Where to Shop: https://instagram.com/sportsparadiseph
Marquina
Marquina Shoemaker walks its talk of embracing local heritage by honing Philippine shoemaking through its sturdy, and handcrafted classic dress shoes made with modern, high-quality materials and the craft of Marikina shoemakers.
Where to Shop: https://marquinashoemaker.com/
SUNKI
Stylish and sustainable, Sunki was created by four girl friends who wanted to make waves by focusing on circular fashion and dressing for impact with versatile body-inclusive staples designed with love and eco-friendly materials that contribute less waste.
Where to Shop: https://sunki-label.com/
Charlotte Folk
Established in 2018 by Jan Charlotte Venzon, Charlotte Folk stands as a thriving local streetwear brand. At just 22, she established a clothing line that embodies her fashion instincts and reflects her generation's love for streetwear by creating distinctly cool pieces.
Where to Shop: https://charlottefolk.co
ABKDCO
Abakada Clothing is a brand designed by Filipinos to honor their heritage through fashion by featuring iconic Philippine symbolisms, and phrases, and even using our local writing script, Baybayin.
Where to Shop: https://abkdco.com/
LEON DENIM
Channeling the timeless style of mid-century Americana clothing, Leon Denim, the first Filipino-made selvedge denim lifestyle brand in the country that crafts jeans locally using premium Japanese raw selvedge denim bringing a unique touch of denim culture to the Philippines.
Where to Shop: https://leondenimph.com/
Ilyang Ilyang
Led by one woman wonder, Daphne Chao, Ilyang Ilyang has proven that crochet is cool with its playful, out-of-the-box pieces that are eccentric, fun to wear, and most importantly, handmade with love.
Where to Shop: https://www.instagram.com/ilyang.ilyang/
Thank You by Thank You Gift Shop
Thank You by Thank You Gift Shop is a progressive brand that promotes gratefulness through its meaningful garments that are curated with love.
Where to Shop: https://www.facebook.com/xthankyouph
HOOLIGANS
Drawing significant inspiration from the skateboarding community, Hooligans regularly unveils seasonal collections and graphics as part of its offerings. They also periodically share skate videos from their crew members on their feed.
Where to Shop: https://instagram.com/hooligansyouth_
Andanté
Built from the concept that good things take time and always last, Andanté curates and creates timeless leather footwear that is well-handcrafted and designed by seasoned shoemakers for modern times.
Where to Shop: https://andante.shop/
MIDCENTURY MANILA
Founded by Ken and Isa Mishuku, Midcentury Manila, also recognized as MCM, is a local venture dedicated to art and furniture that specializes in both selling and restoring mid-century modern furniture pieces.
Where to Shop: https://objetspace.com
Meraki
Renowned for its collection of functional workwear, Meraki made a statement with its latest unisex collection of the year - reimagined tailor-made denim pants and multi-purpose utility wear perfect for those who love a clean, stylish look.
Where to Shop: https://meraki-menandwomen.myshopify.com/
UNFSD Studio
Known for its iconic Welcome Stools, UNFSD Studio consistently engages its audience through collaborations with local artists. The brand's ongoing exploration involves crafting timeless pieces that cater to inquisitive minds while remaining inherently useful.
Where to Shop: https://unfsd-studio.com/