From trash to trendy
Brands and firms on a mission to push for sustainable fashion
Text: Christian Jay B. Quilo
As the saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Today’s ambitious creatives combine sustainability, function and style in taking upcycling to a whole new level. Going beyond merely aesthetics, these brands and companies have made it a mission to promote sustainable fashion.
The best part about these products is that they are handmade and in limited quantities, so you can expect impeccable quality from a piece that’s not mass produced. Some of these are also made in partnership with local communities as a means for their livelihood. Check out these concept stores in Cebu that champion this fashionable eco-advocacy:
Anthill Fabric Gallery
Location: Pedro Calomarde Street corner Acacia St., Gorordo Ave., Cebu City
This social and cultural enterprise is all about wearing your tribe and wearing it with pride, tapping local weavers to make products from ethically-sourced textiles. Pushing for zero waste, the excess from the weaving process is not disposed; instead, they are re-purposed into other lifestyle items such as bracelets, turbans and pouches.
SEPA Cebu
Location: 25 Visitacion St., Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City
As a proudly Cebuano accessories label, SEPA’s designs are unabashedly quirky and very much tropical—utilizing natural elements such as wood and shells in vibrant colors. Recently, SEPA collaborated with Anthill for a couple of earrings made with Anthill’s scrap fabrics.
A.T.E. by Tatah
Locations: #16 Pres Quirino St., Villa Aurora, Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City; F219; 2nd Floor, Axis Entertainment Avenue, Vibo Place, N. Escario St., Cebu City; and Level 2 of Robinsons Galleria, General Maxilom Ext., Cebu City
Hailed Best Fast Fashion Shop in 2018, the clothier has revolutionized the way we shop for clothes with the A.T.E. approach (Alter To Enhance). Instead of using plastic or paper bags, every purchase is put in a fabric tote made from its own scrap fabrics. A.T.E. is also working on a shoe line made with excess materials in collaboration with local artisans.
Nest Home and Fabrique Shop
Location: 38 Gorordo Ave., Cebu City
Nest is a lifestyle concept store that showcases how creative Filipinos can be with the seemingly mundane and unusable. At the store, one will find a comprehensive selection of locally made arts and crafts, from home ware such as stools made from made from glass found on the ocean floor.
HoliCOW
Location: Crossroads Mall, Kasambagan, G. Cuenco Ave., Cebu City
This concept store has become a home for many eco-conscious brands to showcase their products, mostly furniture and home ware. Cases in point: A serving tray by LUISA Home drinking straws.
