EXCLUSIVE: Inside LAKAT and Nazareno/Lichauco’s Must-See Collab

The sustainable footwear brand and the design duo have crafted a collaboration that intersects style and eco-consciousness

Creativity and purpose can make waves, and sometimes they start right at your feet. In the space of sustainable fashion, the collaboration between conscious footwear brand LAKAT and dynamic design duo Nazareno/Lichauco has shown how two forces can come together to create something truly distinctive. For LAKAT founders Mike and Banj Claparols, footwear has always been about more than just shoes. Each pair represents a step towards a more sustainable future, and this partnership was no exception—an intersection of style, sustainability, and a whole lot of colorful waves.

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^{LAKAT collaborated with Nazareno/Lichauco in a new shoe design}

When CITEM Calls

It all began when the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), approached LAKAT in 2023 with an invitation to join their Manila FAME Design Commune program. Now, when someone throws out names like Rita Nazareno and Gabriel Lichauco, hesitation is not on the menu. As Mike put it, “It was a no-brainer. We decided very quickly on that.” The values of sustainability, innovation, and a shared vision made this collaboration as smooth as the ripples they would later design together.

^{Rita Nazareno and Gabriel Lichauco of Nazareno/Lichauco}

But, of course, no great creation comes without a bit of time and dedication—nearly a year, in fact. From the initial concept to final production, the design process was a long but fulfilling journey. As Banj shared, “The design process took 10 months from concept to translating into the production process.” 

Patience wasn’t just a virtue; it was a necessity. Preparing the materials alone took a solid six months, followed by another month for producing the final designs. Yet, even with the attention to detail, Banj emphasized the ease of working with the duo. “It was very easy working with them,” she noted. “They adapted to what we could do and pushed us just enough without making impossible demands.”

Where Waves Meet Well-Being

As for Nazareno and Lichauco, their approach to this collaboration was grounded in a post-pandemic world craving a return to nature and simplicity—a nod to utilitarianism. They envisioned a collection inspired by the very essence of the outdoors, where the waves of La Union meet the ripples of a quiet lake, and the colors of the earth are reflected in every piece. “Utilitarianism,” Rita explained, “is about one’s well-being; you kind of get that when you go back to nature, back to lakes and beaches.”

^{The collaboration is inspired by utilitarianism}

The final product—a six-piece collection that adopts sustainability with high design—speaks to the melding of both parties’ strengths. Seeing their designs come to life was the highlight for the duo.

Nazareno and Lichauco didn’t just stick to LAKAT’s signature solid hues. They brought in new shades, two-tones, and even a splash of pink for good measure. 

^{LAKAT founders Mike and Banj Claparols}

“I think that’s always been our approach to things where we want to challenge the user to take it in or not.” Gabriel shared. “But because it’s a brand that is trying to introduce itself to the market as a very usable wear, we also had to have a good mix of colors.” 

^{New colors take in the LAKAT brand}

The collection embraced color in new ways, whether it was the subtle linen-look canvas or the unexpected pop of merlot in the back.

Local Strength, Global Ambition

For LAKAT, this collaboration is a stepping stone to what they hope will be a global brand. “This is just one of the few steps that we’re taking,” Mike shared. The dream is big, but with such strong foundations, it’s a dream that feels entirely within reach. 

Banj echoed this sentiment of the importance of local support: “We want to see this is Filipino, this is local, this is sustainable.”

^{The founders and designers aimed to move to a sustainable future that’s distinctly Filipino}

In the end, this collaboration forged connections—between designers and makers, between nature and fashion, and between what’s possible and what’s next.

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Photographed by GRANT BABIA

The post EXCLUSIVE: Inside LAKAT and Nazareno/Lichauco’s Must-See Collab appeared first on MEGA.

EXCLUSIVE: Inside LAKAT and Nazareno/Lichauco’s Must-See Collab
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