Pinoy pride

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine fashion today is moving forward. With the growth of retail fashion towards diversity, its strong presence in the online community is of great importance in style-setting tomorrow’s existence and survival. In an endless sea of blogs and e-commerce proliferating as the days, weeks and months pass by, there exists one that promotes and aesthetically prides itself on strengthening and supporting local fashion — Vito Studio.

Home to Philippine fashion’s best of the best in design, the highly edited and curated site is the epitome of contemporary luxury. The only home of luxe Filipino designers boasts of its roster of global names, which include Lulu Tan Gan, Randy Ortiz, Jojie Lloren, Dennis Lustico, JC Buendia, Barba, Rhett Eala, Joey Samson, Ivarluski Aseron, Jun Escario, Patrice Diaz, Tippi Ocampo, Hindy Weber-Tantoco, Yvonne Quisumbing, Rajo Laurel, Ronaldo Arnaldo, Mitzi Quilandrino, Louis Claparols, Maureen Disini, Rosanna Ocampo and Veejay Floresca.  

From clothing to accessories, glittering top-of-the line creations of Aranaz, Malou Romero of Joanique, Nicole Whisenhunt, Beatriz by Carissa Cruz- Evangelista, TDLG by Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez, Jul B. Dizon, Destiny diamonds, FahLux by Macky Fah and Celine Lopez and Maco Custodio (men’s accessories) sparkle and shine in the most dazzling display of artistry.

Vito Studio also opens its doors to the next-to-watch-out-for Pinoy brands like Carabao by Carl Garcia, Maja Jewels by Janina Garcia and Bijoux Arf by Celine Hermoso.

Vito Studio is the brainchild of fashion  geniuses Corine Alegre and Bianca Salonga (both having extensive experience in magazine publishing) to address the need of local fashion to be seen as luxury goods online. What makes the studio different from its contemporaries online is that it has an advocacy of promoting Filipino design, talent and artisans, and the support for local fabrication and weaving industry.  

The fashion-for-a-cause idea also redefines “Pinoy” creations or products as luxury goods, which they truly are in essence, because they are at par with global designer brands. These one-of-a-kind pieces can only be found at Vito Studio and are unavailable anywhere else. In addition, the studio has access to runway and editorial pieces, making them available to a broader audience. With a growing clientèle of fashion and style followers in the local and international scene, it has currently expanded its range of products and is now moving into accessories for both men and women.

Today, Vito Studio is establishing a refreshing online perspective of Philippine designer retail. It has opened a new gateway of fusing e-commerce, modern Pinoy fashion and a conscience in developing responsible shopping. More importantly, it supports the design community and promotes the country’s pride to the world.

Photos courtesy of VITOSTUDIO.COM • Photography by SARA BLACK • Styling by CORINE ALEGRE • Makeup by BOBBY CARLOS, national makeup artist of Max Factor •

Hairstyling by ROWENA SONIDO • Production assistants: AISSA FLORES, JOY MERETE and RACQUEL LABINDANAO • Models: JESSICA YANG and WENDY TABUSALLA of Mercator Models and Celine Le Neindre  • Nails by Manos Nail Lounge • All shoes by Janilyn