Her name was Lola

Rummaging through my mom and aunt’s closets is something I’m totally fond of doing. It’s a win-win score for me in two ways: I nab unique vintage finds and, best of all, they’re free of charge. I love the look of vintage goods but am hesitant to scour flea markets since the thought of wearing someone else’s old clothes totally puts me off. Ideally, I prefer to know the previous owners of the items I’m donning. Finding new pieces that are vintage-inspired is more my thing.   That’s why my hat’s off to Len Cabili and sister team Akiko Thomson and Julia Thomson-Fontana.

One New Year’s Eve on the tropical island of Maui, the trio dug through Akiko and Julia’s mom Hiroko’s closet for some threads to wear when they came across loads of fun finds carefully stashed away. After getting ready for the evening, they noticed how fabulous their outfits were and this immediately paved the way for a grand business venture, Lola’s Closet. These creations are not the typical, stuffy archaic finds you’d normally come across in your granny’s closet. While the silhouettes are patterned after the pieces found in Hiroko’s closet, they have been reinvented with fabrics globally sourced for a fresher, more updated look and have been tweaked with interesting materials to jazz up old favorites. Classic with a twist, if you will.

Heavy emphasis is put on tops and dresses for this feminine collection which can be tied to fit snug or worn loose so whether you are feeling svelte or bloated, you can always look gorgeous.

Completely versatile, the creations can go from day to night. For dressier affairs, Lola’s Closet offers a delicate mini-caftan in piña with sweet buttons that trim the shoulders or a delightful floor length caftan in Thai silk with a real pearl-embellished band that is sure to spark up conversation. Bold hues and rich prints in paisley and floral are signature marks of the brand made into A-line dresses, wraps, halters and tunics. Special to the brand are bullion-embroidered tops which take an average of three days to make by hand.  

Mainly sold by word of mouth, the triumvirate maintains strict quality and quantity control. Since only a few pieces of every style in each print are churned out, you’re pretty much guaranteed not to run into someone in your clique mirroring your outfit. Although prices are in dollars on the website, the gals extend a special discounted price for us locals. Coming out of the closet has never been this easy. 

* * *

For more information, e-mail lolascloset.manila@gmail.com. Got comments? E-mail me at jcantonio@gmail.com.