A funky tee party

MANILA, Philippines - Anthem has been a haven for young fashionistas since 2006. Now its diverse collection of branded tees include Tokidoki, Paul Frank, Harajuku Lovers, Angry Little Girls by Lela Lee, and Affliction.

The Japanese-inspired lifestyle brand Tokidoki has some of the hottest-selling tee collections today, thanks to the almost cult-like following of Italian artist Simon Legno’s iconic and artistic characters have gained. These include The Cactus Friends, The Moofia, Adios & Ciaociao the Grim Reaper, and Sumo Baby — which you would not only find in shirts, but on lifestyle items as well.

Another popular iconic lifestyle character is Julius the Monkey by Paul Frank, a brand that has become famous for its bright color palette and unique style sensibility.

Bright and unique are the kawaii (that’s cute in Japanese) apparel of singer Gwen Stefani’s lifestyle brand, Harajuku Lovers. The brand takes inspiration from the edgy fashion spirit in the Harajuku district of Japan.

Cute with a unique twist is the Angry Little Girls tee collection. The brand started out when Lela Lee developed the character Kim, the Angry Little Asian Girl while she was a college sophomore in 1994. Today, its list of characters includes a diverse mix of “girls” — Deborah the Disenchanted Princess, Maria the Crazy Little Latina, Wanda the Fresh Little Soul Sistah, and Xyla the gloomy girl.

Another hot brand these days is Affliction, whose contemporary take on fashion has been an instant hit with celebrities, musicians, and UFC fans since it was launched in 2005. Affliction embodies the lifestyle of the current generation — fast and loud.

These brands are available at Anthem shops at The Power Plant Mall in Rockwell, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, and Greenbelt.