Asian Identity: Why Singaporean Brands Are Thriving in the Philippines
With styles tailored for Asian women, these Singaporean brands are turning Manila into their new playground
If your wardrobe has been feeling a little stale lately, fret not: Singapore’s most stylish exports are making Manila their runway. Singaporean brands—Beyond The Vines, The Editor’s Market, Cheak, and Love, Bonito—all brands that have mastered the art of contemporary, size-inclusive, and ridiculously chic fashion. But why are they setting their sights on Manila?
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Fashion That Speaks Fluent Asian
For years, the Western aesthetic—sharp tailoring, muted tones, and Eurocentric beauty ideals—was marketed as the apex of style. It catered to taller, slimmer frames and often felt out of sync with the diversity of Asian bodies and lifestyles.
Singaporean brands sprang in like sartorial saviors, delivering designs that feel a little closer to home. With silhouettes that flatter a range of Asian body types and an aesthetic that toes the line between cosmopolitan and cozy, these labels are a nod to the modern Asian woman. After all, it’s an identity tethered to something we created.
These brands understand the assignment in a region where 90% humidity is the norm. Their collections feature breathable fabrics, lightweight tailoring, and versatile layering pieces, making them a lifesaver for Filipinas finding themselves in the ever-sweltering heat of the metro. Airy dresses are ideal for the daily hustle and bustle, whereas practical classics are designed for efficiency and sweat-proof chic.
Beyond The Vines’ utilitarian minimalism? Perfect for the no-nonsense Filipina who knows her way around a power move. The Editor’s Market’s polished looks? Ideal for that meeting-to-martini transition. Cheak’s inclusive activewear? A reminder that style doesn’t take a rest day. And Love, Bonito? It’s practically a rite of passage at this point—your starter kit for looking put-together.
Colonial Hangover, Meet Your Match
It was a not-so-distant past when our fashion choices were filtered through colonial lenses. For too long, the idealized image of beauty wasn’t Asian, and neither were the clothes that came with it.
Singaporean brands are turning the tables, offering us a chance to see ourselves in the designs we wear. It’s no wonder they resonate with young Filipinas who, after centuries of being shaped by someone else’s standards, are finally embracing what it means to look like us.
Neighborly Love—And Competition
It’s heartwarming to support our neighbors, and it’s also practical. Singapore is just a short hop away, which means quicker shipping, better inventory management, and more accessible customer service. Plus, the added choices mean that your style options just exploded. Sick of the same old mall staples? Now you can spice things up with The Editor’s Market’s sleek blouse.
This also works in reverse: If Singaporean brands can thrive here, who’s to say Filipino brands won’t return the favor? Call it retail diplomacy. While they bring their curated collections to Manila, we dream of a future where our own powerhouse brands—Patton, Jos Mundo anyone?—might someday grace Orchard Road’s gleaming storefronts.
Globalization: The Good, The Bad, The Fashionable
At its core, this Singapore-to-Manila pipeline is a tale of globalization done right. These brands didn’t just parachute into our malls; they’ve tailored their strategies to cater to our tastes. The result is a meeting of minds—and styles—that’s as seamless as a well-made wrap dress.
Beneath the chic veneer is a deeper story—one of empowerment and representation. Singaporean brands are championing a message: to make Asian women feel seen, celebrated, and capable of anything—even while wearing palazzo pants.
The Final Stitch
Singaporean brands are here because we’re ready. Ready to embrace more choices, celebrate our Asian identities, and demand styles that feel modern and rooted in our own identity. It’s fashion, and it’s also a reflection of our cultural growth—a wardrobe evolution that’s as empowering as it is exciting.
If Singaporean brands can take a chance on the Philippines, maybe it’s time Filipino brands stepped into their own global moment. Until then, we’ll be here, stuffing our closets with every Beyond The Vines tote and Love, Bonito midi dress we can get our hands on. Why not look good while waiting for world domination?
Photos: BEYOND THE VINES, THE EDITOR’S MARKET, and LOVE, BONITO
The post Asian Identity: Why Singaporean Brands Are Thriving in the Philippines appeared first on MEGA.Asian Identity: Why Singaporean Brands Are Thriving in the Philippines
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