Sun Worshippers
MANILA, Philippines - Time to step up your accessorizing game. This season, minimalism takes a backseat as fashion gets in an ultra-playful mood. From highlighter blue to lemon yellow, we spotted colorful lenses on Gucci, Stella McCartney, and Dolce & Gabbana. Meanwhile, the woven hat gets a high fashion makeover as Jacquemus, Blumarine and Sportmax take the humble style and blow it way out of proportion — literally. Statement danglers also get an earful as zingy earrings take center stage. Cases in point: while Saint Laurent’s tasseled take goes way past the shoulders and Rosie Assoulin’s sculptural version depicts the female form, Michael Kors puts the petal to the metal with outsized blanc blooms. Looking to put a spring in your step? Do so with fun footwear, like Loewe’s braided sandal or Christian Dior’s sportif luxe slides.
But hey, if you want to get in on the trend, why not go big and go homegrown? In this YStyle editorial, we put the spotlight on six local accessory labels that give summertime dressing a cheeky (and ultra-colorful) spin. No afterthoughts here — whether you stick to one or pile ‘em on, these sartorial add-ons are sure summer hits.
Sunnies Studios
Sunnies Studios is a homegrown eyewear concept based in sunny Manila. The label boasts a wide range of pairs, from chunky acrylics to skinny metal styles. This geometric pair in particular features an angular frame with a flash mirror lens in the most summery shade of pink. Sunnies Studios is available in stores and online at sunniesstudios.com
Bea Samson
With summer comes one of our favorite accessories — the topper. Throw some shade this season with a straw hat that still holds that old world charm. Designed by the Air Asia 2016 finalist Bea Samson, this particular piece is embellished in pleated silk cocoon fabric, and lavishly wrapped in a blue velvet bow. Prefer something that’s more personalized? The designer can customize one especially for you.
See more of her work by heading to beasamson.com.
Halo Halo
Halo Halo is a sustainable accessory label that riffs mostly on locally available textiles. True to their namesake, the brand infuses modern shapes with unconventional materials; making for an interesting mix of bags and sometimes, millinery. This bucket bag in particular makes the grade for a recycled plastic base, a long leather crossbody strap and a local Ilokano woven fabric for its body. Halo Halo is available online at halohalostore.ph
Aranáz
With 18 years in the industry, it’s no surprise that when it comes to artisinal carry-ons, Aranáz has got it in the, well, bag. Not one to shy away from intricate embroidery, embellishment, and color, the homegrown brand marries contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship. We’re currently crushing on their ‘Clarita Beetle’ bag, a cheery yellow number from their latest summer collection. Shop their selection at aranaz.ph.
PioPio
With an aim to promote and preserve traditional Filipino textiles, textures, and techniques, Piopio’s take on tropical dressing is equal parts indigenous and ingenious. From breezy Ikat-print caftans to fun tikog-weave backpacks, the local label prides itself on their handcrafted, locally-sourced pieces. Our top pick? Their pompom steppers, whose handwoven Inabel fabric gives the colorful slipper a distinctly Filipino touch. Keep track of their next pop-up shop via their Instagram @piopio_ph.
Matthew and Melka
The top bijoux to covet this summer is from accessories designer, Ken Samudio’s diffusion line Matthew and Melka. The Marceau seahorse earrings are 100-percent handmade and created using natural products.
Get your fresh ocean produce while it’s hot at AC+632 and online at ken-samudio.com.
Photographed by FRANCINE GACRAMA
Sittings by MARBBIE TAGABUCBA and MARTIN YAMBAO
