One person trying to add spice to the day of the disgruntled Pinoy shopper is Albie Sia. Not your ordinary businessman, he would rather be called an entrepreneur. "Someone who starts from scratch and develop something with heart and does not really cash in on trends or join the bandwagon of ‘get rich quick’ schemes," he says with utter conviction. And that is what he is doing.
That is why he started his own brand named Blade. The entrepreneur that he is, he was able to spot an opportunity that many people may have overlooked, and that is a large void or gap in our local men’s line. "Blade is a combination of all the many years of dabbing in fashion, frustration and disappointments on not being able to feel completely satisfied with anything in the market most especially men’s wear as a whole. There just is not much choice, no alternatives available. Just the boring basics," he says.
At first glance, Albie would strike you as the wacky type, but a deeper knowledge would reveal depth and creativity. Be keen during a conversation with him and you’ll get an insight or two. He’s one of those who can see beyond, who give us boring and normal individuals a bit of excitement. His shirts are not just pieces of cloth sewn together; they are works of art – from a brand with a punch.
He divided Blade into three categories: Sparks, these are mostly young, vibrant and casual tees for guys 16 to 25 years old. The Sleek line is composed of black, neutral, sexier and trendier clothes suited for special occasions and are bit more pricey. Then there’s the Savage line for ladies.
And the brand is not just about clothes per se. It is also trying to make a difference socially. Blade is also an acronym for Bridge Linking Animal Defenders and Educators, for Albie Sia is a staunch animal welfare activist. "I wanted to let people see that fashion and animal welfare can go hand in hand. And hopefully soon, some proceeds of the sale can go to animal rescue," Albie says. But he too has a special cause for creatures who walk on two feet.
Albie adds, "Sad to say we are fast becoming the only Asian country that is moving backward in terms of people’s openness to try new ideas, products and the boldness to make a statement as a whole. The Pinoy male has too many obstacles, pressures and excuses for not engaging in another form of that heightened sense of rejuvenation called shopping, simply for fear of being labeled as "sissy."
And the statement is so true. How many people out there are sick and tired of too much conformity? Especially guys who cannot really wear what they want, afraid that the clothes they are wearing would get branded as being "too loud," "too gay," "too body fit," "too pink" and an all-time favorite side comment among people, "Where’s the fashion show?" and "You look like a call-boy." (The Pinoy mind can think of the most creative form of in-your-face remarks.)
In other words the Pinoy male has too much pressure – too many people minding other people’s business including the ones they are wearing.
Blade designs are definitely different from the regular tees, maybe even a bit loud for some. But it is exciting nonetheless. It’s certainly a brand that cries out "I don’t really care what other people think."
The clothes can be as cheap as P628 or an eye-popping P5,888. The price maybe a bit above average due to the high costs of research and product development, yet there are moments you are thankful you have bought a pricey shirt at least once; at least it does not give you an itchy sensation when it gets too humid.
The clothes are made abroad but the brand is produced by a Pinoy. And the brand is not really for mass consumption. Each design has limited stock for we do not want to have a repeat of the "I’ve-seen-that-shirt-five-times" scenario, do we? And we at least deserve a little of luxury from time to time.
And what is next in line for Blade? It’s a secret for now. Last Christmas, I got a Blade shirt. At first I thought it was some foreign brand because the design looked really different from other local brands. I was surprised that it was a Pinoy who conceptualized it. Indeed, Blade is a brand that can give anyone a good surprise. Definitely a brand with substance, and we do not have to look abroad for exciting stuff.
Check other Blade designs in Store With No Name at the third floor of Robinsons Galleria and Tonic at ground floor of Astoria Plaza, Escriva Drive corner Shaw, Pasig. Or e-mail at blademadeinhell@ yahoo.com.