Last week, adventure and sports enthusiasts gathered at the NBC Tent for the launch of Republic, the latest one-stop shop that brings fresh, cutting-edge gear and apparel for the “skurban” set who skateboard, wakeboard, wake skate, kite board and surf. Braving the weird and rainy weather, the girls showed up wearing tights and leggings to keep warm. They took the opportunity to do a bit of layering, like wearing a jacket and scarf over a tank top. The fierce ladies also wore enough baubles to add glitter to the festive night.
Republic is more than just a destination for water sports enthusiasts. Skurban is an emerging phenomenon influenced by the skate and street lifestyle originating in Los Angeles and New York. The style features heavily branded graphic tees, hoodies as a layering piece, skinny, tapered or baggy jeans, flat-billed, “new era” baseball caps and skate shoes. Circling the urban and hip-hop culture is Republic, fusing two cultural phenomena into one vibrant sphere of energy.
Joan Gotanio
Joan wears a flapper fringe top from Topshop, baggy denim shorts from her brother’s closet, accessories from Aldo and Chocolate, fedora from Bangkok, beige slouchy boots from Hong Kong and a vintage bag. Her fashion mantra is, “I am not a ballerina, I’m a rock star!”
Anna Faustino
Anna wears black Topshop tights with an oversized deconstructed charcoal top she got from a thrift shop. Her accessories are a gold horseshoe necklace from Thailand and a vintage charm from her mother. Her shoes are gold gladiators from a bazaar.
Renee Puno
Renee wears an Old Navy tube dress, a shirt from Zara, shoes from Topshop and a Mango bag. Her accessories are bangles by Happy David and hoop earrings from Guess.
Nikki Santiago
Nikki wears a DKNY top, jacket from Plains & Prints, leggings from Blingfinds, shoes from Substance, a scarf from Ilana and a clutch from Esprit. Her style is feminine but edgy, using a mix of soft and intense colors.
Danielle Gonzalez
Danielle wears a RVCA tee from Republic, a vest she made herself, tights from Leg Love by Kate Torralba, and vintage brown ankle boots and a vintage Chanel bag. Her locket necklace is from a bazaar, the bangles are from Forever 21 and rings are from family collections. Her fashion pegs are rock band, military uniforms and model Erin Wasson.
Bernice Bautista
Bernice wears a denim jeepney jacket from Duerr with a white shirt, shorts and purple tights from Petit Monde, and a colorful cuff from Promod. Her fashion style is urban street chic.