LOOK: There’s A Hidden Meaning Behind The Fashion Of NYLON Manila’s First Covers

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Some easter eggs you might have missed.

Thought you’ve seen it all? While you enjoyed the reveal of our first roster of cover stars, there’s a bigger inspiration that played a pivotal role in the direction of the shoots—actual cultural symbols of the Philippines.

The whole ethos of NYLON is to tell our storiesto be seen, felt, heard, and understood and another key player in this particular narrative was the fashion. But who are we? Who is NYLON Manila, and what do they look like? In the pursuit of our identity, we needed to dive deep into the voyage of our culture.

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BLYTHE AS THE SAMPAGUITA: OUR SYMBOL OF PURITY AND LOVE

Being in the spotlight at a young age, Blythe bloomed in front of our eyes. No wonder she was the perfect muse for a flower so pure. A national icon of natural beauty, romantic frocks in sheer and tulle best mirror its spellbinding aroma. She was swathed in pastel hues, but edged out in hints of leather—finally unafraid to show the world her thorns if needed.

KAKIE AS THE STO.NINO: OUR SYMBOL OF HEALING AND FAITH

Our country boasts to be the only Christian country in Asia and religion is an important factor to most Filipino families. As one of the voices of today’s youth, Kakie is no saint even after the beginning of the #HijaAko movement, but she makes it clear that she’s also just a sinner full of faith like any of us. Emulating the iconography that you see in cathedrals, she was dressed mostly in embroidered pieces, corsets, and modern Victorian silhouettes.

YANYAN AS THE IBONG ADARNA: OUR SYMBOL OF REBIRTH & POWER

The Ibong Adarna is a tale of a mythical bird that’s parallel to Yanyan’s rise to superstardom. In our high school textbooks, it was a magical creature that could enchant anyone to sleep, turn into stone, or heal from the brink of death. As graceful as the Adarna, Yanyan went beyond his dancing skills and proved to everyone that he possessed the same transformative qualities too—almost like a chameleon. He wore vibrant Filipino ethnic prints, patchwork, tie-dye, woven elements and fringe to reference the bird’s colorful wings. And who could ever forget how he rocked that salakot?

KOKOY AS THE PERLAS: OUR SYMBOL OF WISDOM AND THE SEAS

The Philippines is known for its many beaches, so it’s no surprise that we have quite a few pearls tucked beneath the ocean. We’re not called Pearl of the Orient Seas for nothing. But there’s another gem that rose above the shore. The world is his oyster as the pearls hold the same power as Kokoy’s emergence as one the best actors of his generation. He keeps it clean in shades of white, wearing a mix of delicate lace and daring sheer, all while accessorized in strings of pearls—an ode to ancient royalty of our pre-colonial years.

(All photos courtesy of Pinterest, Google images and Instagram)

This Is The One Shirt You’ll Be Seeing All Over Instagram Soon

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You heard it here first.

Sorry we don’t make the rules. With NYLON finally landing in Manila, we can’t help but appreciate its simple and iconic logo printed on a tee with the country’s capital underneath. It’s been a while since an international publication has entered the islands, so what better way to join the club than wear it on your sleeve? We even sought the help of our cover stars in case you’re curious how else you can reinvent ways to wear the shirt.

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  1. GET YOUR FROCK ON WITH A LITTLE TULLE DRESS
nylon manila shirt blythe

As the sampaguita in this particular tale, Blythe wears ruffles to emulate the national flower’s petals. A more casual look? Layer your NYLON shirt underneath some sheer and tulle. (Metallic gloves and flower stems optional if you dare.)

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2. PAIR IT WITH PANTS THAT ARE LARGER THAN LIFE

nylon manila shirt yanyan de jesus

Slip into some statement patchwork trousers, throw some tie dye and your NYLON Manila shirt for that stamp of cool.

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3. WEAR IT WITH CHAINS. NOPE, NOT THEM RAPPER CHAINS.

kakie pangilinan nylon manila shirt

Wear your shirt with a chainmail headpiece similar to stained glass windows in cathedrals, red leather pants, crucifix necklaces and sheer sleeves with embroidered angels.

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4. KEEP IT CLASSY WITH PEARLS AND A HEAD WRAP

kokoy de santos nylon manila shirt

Be the girl (or boy) with a pearl earring and wear a lace headscarf to match your NYLON tee for a street yet classy vibe.

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Special thanks to Tri-Art for printing all of NYLON Manila’s ethically made shirts.