Maritess De Ocampo

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YARI - R Studios

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:958px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785328255996The YARI Pop Up last July at Open Studio in Legazpi Village.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>The YARI pop-up last July at Open Studio in Legazpi Village</em></span></span></span></div><p>The creativity journey is both enriching as it is challenging, especially when you are a young, aspiring designer or emerging brand. There is the question of identity and differentiation especially in a highly competitive market space. Who are you as a designer? What makes you different from the rest? Apart from creative hurdles, some of the most talented, promising makers in the fashion space are often inundated by financial and business pressures. Production, sourcing, rent, and labor require significant funding. And like any start-up, support plays an integral part in growing a brand during its nascent stages.</p><p>These are just some of the most basic realities that have inspired young designer collectives over the years. Under one shared platform or collective umbrella, up-and-coming talents are able to pool their resources, exchange industry knowledge and expertise, while fostering a sense of community and identity.</p><p>In the 90s, the Young Designers Guild (YDG) of the Philippines was founded as a by-invitation-only incubator for emerging fashion designers in the country. It was a training ground that prepared a new crop of fashion talents for the global stage. Among those who marked the start of their stellar careers with the collective were: Jojie Lloren, Dong Omaga Diaz, Dennis Lustico, Patty Eustaquio, Joey Samson, and Ivarluski Aseron, just to name a few.</p><p>Master couturier Jojie Lloren, who is also a co-founder of fashion school FAB Creatives expounds: “YDG was founded to give young designers a platform to be seen and recognized. It opened doors to media features, fashion shows, and other opportunities that were otherwise difficult to access.” Back then, most of the media exposure was focused on more established names in fashion. “YDG helped change that by giving a new generation of designers a chance to be noticed and to prove themselves.”</p><p>As a collective, YDG partnered with institutional brands and cultural initiatives, which promoted a distinctly Filipino approach to unconventional, modern, and innovative design to the mainstream. The platform did not just launch the careers of today’s master couturiers, it also helped start the dialogue on Philippine identity within the context of modern and contemporary wear. There is no clear record of when or how YDG became defunct. But suffice it to say that its members have each pursued their own unique paths that have ultimately shaped Philippine fashion as we know it today.</p><p>The next generation’s crop of young designers have also found their way into their own creative tribes. Theirs is a coming together forged by mutual respect, endless curiosity, love for craft, and the shared desire to create safe spaces for creativity. Energized by the proliferation of designer competitions and trade fairs, today’s designer collectives have sprung up in the form of weekend pop-ups, independent exhibitions where art and fashion meet as well as creative workshops. </p><p>During the first half of 2026, for example, the YARI Edit and FORMED mounted their own weekend pop-ups. That new designer collections find their ground and footing in these selling spaces indicate a hyper-awareness, or at least an eagerness, to build a fashion brand within the ever changing framework of retail. </p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/health-beauty-fashion/2026/7/29/designer-who-started-with-ukay-ukay-wants-to-change-ph-fashion-1530" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Designer who started with ukay-ukay wants to change Philippine Fashion</a></div><div><strong>YARI</strong></div><p>YARI is a young designer collective founded in 2026  by Alser Lumawag, André  Plaus, Gil Salazar, Jorem Biadoma, Karl Nadales, Marc Carcillar, Renee de Guzman, Sandro dela Peña, and Steph Verano. Their creative journeys crossed at the Bench Design Awards in 2025 where all founders were finalists. They recall, “After the competition, the idea of possibly doing a year-end pop-up together was presented. Collectively, we decided to try it out. After the two-week pop-up, it was clear to us that we all complemented each other in many ways. That’s when the group realized that YARI could potentially become a tradition or regular thing.”  </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:611.992px;display:block" width="611.992"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785328334157YARI 3.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="611.992" style="width:611.992px"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Steph Verano, Peach Garde, Nadalé </em></span></span></span></div><p>As a collective, YARI is focused on creating a safe and nurturing space for creative entrepreneurship and craftsmanship. Members are bound by a deep sense of mutual respect. “Everyone is different, but also unique. We see the value in each other’s work,” the founders affirm. “All designers have their own individual things and events, but YARI is kind of our annual or bi-annual event as a group to showcase our products.” Apart from pop-ups, they also endeavor to mount product launches, exhibitions, workshops, and even performances. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:530px;display:block" width="530"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785328369914YARI 1.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="530" style="width:530px;display:block;height:528.369px"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Adam Pereyra, JOREM</em></span></span></span></div><p>Last July, YARI took over Open Space in Legazpi Village, Makati for a three-day pop-up market. This second edition showcased a total of 14 designers and creatives including: Adam Pereyra, André Plaus, Alexie, ALSR, Gil Salazar, JOREM, Kim Montes, Krizia Jimenez, Marc Carcillar, Nadalé, Peach Garde, R/Studios, Sandro dela Peña, Steph Verano. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:631.992px;display:block" width="631.992"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785328489936YARI 0.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="631.992" style="width:631.992px;display:block;height:auto"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>R/Studios, Kim Montes, Krizia Jimenez</em></span></span></span>The founders relate, “This was our second time and we are still experimenting. Last July was interesting because we worked with several new people for the first time: jewelry designers Adam Pereyra and Krizia Jimenez and shoe designer Gellie Nethercott. Kim Montes is also exhibiting some of her fashion photography, in addition to her promotional shot for YARI this season.” The last show also featured designer-artist collaborations, namely, Gil Salazar with Adha Dita and Siynici as well as JOREM with Denver Garza. </div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:735.99px;display:block" width="735.99"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785328525134YARI 2.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="735.99" style="width:735.99px;display:block;height:auto"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Alexie, ALSR, Sandro dela Peña </em></span></span></span>The group is currently planning a Christmas pop-up. They disclose, “Possibly with two new designers. We consider different things depending on theme and location. Mainly, we focus on product type and style.”</div><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/health-beauty-fashion/2026/7/28/how-this-designer-turned-his-thesis-on-living-traditions-into-collaboration-with-a-global-brand-2310" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: How this designer turned his thesis on living traditions into collaboration with a global brand</a></div><div><strong>FORMED</strong></div><p>FORMED was founded by Carla Zhang (of Le Ngok) and Angelie Alexie Nethercott (of Alexie Studio Arte) in early 2026. Three years prior, the two designers shared a room at the MaArte Fair. “We realized that we had a lot in common—we love art, color, and design.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:616px;display:block" width="616"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785329731004FORMED 2.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:616px" width="616"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Le Ngok, Idyllic Summers</em></span></span></span></div><p>We had such a fun time working alongside each other that we kept saying, ‘One day we should do something together.” That conversation would later bring together a new crop of young brands and designers that carry the mark of craftsmanship,” the founders explain.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:595px;display:block" width="595"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785332192523FORMED 0.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:595px" width="595"/><span class="fr-inner">Ottoman, Art Toys PH</span></span></span></div><p>Just last June, FORMED mounted its first ever designer pop-up at a space dedicated to art functions called Xception in the Biltmore, Makati. The exhibition featured brands like ArtToysPH, Alexie in collaboration with Rô, Bida Loca, Idyllic Summers, Ottoman Collection, and Le Ngok. Zhang explains, “We wanted a mix of brands with different aesthetics but overlapping audiences. That’s why the collective includes apparel, footwear, accessories, furniture, and art toys. The contrast between disciplines makes the experience more interesting and allows visitors to discover connections they might not expect.”</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:590px;display:block" width="590"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785329825663FORMED 3.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:590px" width="590"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Bida Loca</em></span></span></span></div><p>FORMED draws largely from the idea of becoming. Its founders knew from the onset that their pop-ups and exhibitions would be a platform “where individuality takes shape together.” Zhang expounds that, “We looked for brands with a strong artistic voice and a genuine point of view. More than the final product, we were interested in the ideas, the process, and the way each designer approaches making. We wanted people whose work felt personal and intentional, while also contributing something unique to the larger conversation. The goal was to create a group where different materials, disciplines, and ways of working could sit together naturally and inspire new connections.”</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:485px;display:block" width="485"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785329904446FORMED 4.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="485" style="width:485px"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Le Ngok, Rô X Alexie</em></span></span></span></div><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people-culture-events/2026/7/18/jo-ann-bitagcol-thirty-year-fashion-journey-1041" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Jo Ann Bitagcol looks back on her 30-year journey in fashion</a></div><p>For the young founders and designers behind FORMED, milestones lie in the moments when they create as a collective. “From planning the layout, designing and printing the posters, setting up the music, and helping behind the scenes, everyone played a part. It truly felt like a collective effort, and that&#x27;s what made the experience so rewarding.” They have yet to determine when the next FORMED pop-up will take place and where. &quot;But one thing is for sure, says Zhang.&quot; “We want to build on what we’ve learned and improve the experience. We’re also open to new brands and ideas.” </p><div><em>Photos courtesy of the brands.</em></div>

<p>From the Young Designers Guild in the 90's to YARI and FORMED, Filipino designer collectives are creating spaces where emerging talents can collaborate, experiment, and build the future of contemporary fashion together.</p>

From the Young Designers Guild in the 90's to YARI and FORMED, Filipino designer collectives are creating spaces where emerging talents can collaborate, experiment, and build the future of contemporary fashion together.

To be young, creative, and free: Designer collectives shaping Philippine contemporary fashion

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To be young, creative, and free: Designer collectives shaping Philippine contemporary fashion

Bianca Salonga

Published July 29, 2026 09:45 PM PHT

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YARI

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