Retailer Grace Palaganas had been in the business of importing clothes from nearby Asian countries for years when she realized there was a gaping hole in the local menswear scene.
That’s when she decided to bring in the Hong Kong brand 5cm to offer Filipino customers not your typical boring casual wear.
5cm targets fashion-forward customers with designs that are mainly casual and comfortable yet unique in style, with attention to details. It comes from the mega fashion retailer known as the I.T group.
Every fashion-loving Filipino knows it’s impossible to shop in Hong Kong without entering an I.T store.
The I.T group carries a unique portfolio of international brands known for trendsetting, unique styles. In order to meet the needs of different age groups who share the same passion for fashion. I.T has two distinct types of outlets, which are differentiated by the capital letters I.T and small letters i.t.
I.T stores concentrate more on sophisticated labels from around the world, featuring cutting-edge and avant-garde brands such as Ann Demeulemeester, Helmut Lang, Hussein Chalayan and Viktor & Rolf to name a few, while i.t shops offer mainly Japanese casual wear, which caters to a younger group.
5cm, which is a homegrown Hong Kong brand, caters to creative types and entertainers. Although primarily a men’s store, women who love wearing their boyfriends’ clothes or menswear can also fit into their smaller sizes.
Bestsellers at the Megamall shop include the season’s cropped pants, reversible jackets, artsy tees and long-sleeve shirts. Apart from trendy apparel and accessories, 5cm offers a new twist to the modern suit using quirky details.
These were showcased in a fashion show and launch under the direction of Robby Carmona of Saga events and stylist Melvin Mojica.
After the show guests flocked to the 80-square-meter store created by Japanese designer Takao Katsuta who was commissioned by the I.T group.
Plans to expand at the Mall of Asia will happen sometime October.
For now, visit 5cm on the 3rd level of Megamall’s Atrium or call 706-5545.