I’m always trying to support local as much as I can. Lately, I’ve been trying to incorporate more Filipino brands into my wardrobe. Shopping fast fashion might be easier but it just feels good to buy something made locally. A lot of brands are popping up and sometimes it’s hard to keep track because of lack of exposure. However, that shouldn’t be an excuse for us not to make an effort. If you do some digging, you’ll find that there are so many options out there. Recently, I’ve been looking more at shoes and trying to find what Filipino labels I should consider. After some digging, I found labels that sell different styles like sandals, sneakers, heels, and espadrilles.
Bumgarner Studios
In case you missed it, Mark Bumgarner opened a ready-to-wear store last month. Aside from clothes, he also released a few shoe designs. These range from heels to flats and sneakers. My personal favorite are these slingback pumps that come in a variety of colors. They’re made of leather and have an ankle strap. Available at Greenbelt 5.
Cora & Bear
Cora & Bear offers handmade shoes from Manila. If you’re into strappy shoes that have small block heels, check out what they have. These candy-colored ones are perfect for summer. I also love the square toe, they definitely do their research when it comes to trends. Available on Instagram.
Hue
Hue has a different design for every style you can think of. There are heels for special occasions, animal print for parties, flats for casual days, and sneakers for when you’re running around the city doing errands. Go through their catalogue and you’re bound to find a pair for whatever you have planned throughout the week. Available online.
Rȏ
When I first saw Rȏ’s glove shoes, I was intrigued. The shape was different from anything I’ve seen before. They looked so soft, comfortable, and easy to wear. Their shoes are made of leather and have a cushioned insole. They also have different styles like the closed mule, which comes in this muted green color. Available at Aphro Living.
Habi Footwear & Lifestyle
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpGeCuzHIcT/
Habi sells “lifestyle products sustainably and ethically made by partner communities from the Philippines. These include shoes that use different local weaves and textiles. They are applied to different kinds of shoes like espadrilles, sandals, and heels. An ideal finishing touch to a linen outfit or ensemble that features the same materials. Available at Roots Katipunan.
Block Parade
Block Parade is also into square toe, strappy sandals but, there is one pair that stands out. The Sabrina pairs are a mix of patent material and feathers. These come in nude and blush tones that will easily make your outfit so extra. And who doesn’t want that? Available at Mercer St., Uptown Mall.
Studio Josanna
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Haven’t heard of Studio Josanna? It’s time to familiarize yourself. Their styles are updated versions of archival designs and each pair is handmade in Marikina. So far, they have three designs. The Alat Slide is my favorite and it’s made or braided fish skin, cow leather, and a mango wood heel. Their Fettuccine Sandal comes in three colors with long flat straps that you can tie however you want. The Method Mule is a green and white combo with a square toe. Available online.
Photo courtesy of Hue Shoes’ Instagram account
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