Manila, Philippines — Burgeoning Filipino fashion designer Ellis Co recently presented a 22-piece gender-neutral collection in a chic runway show at Misibis Bay Resort in Bicol, inspired by the people he has met at every juncture of his young life.
The collection was called “Phases/Faces” which was meant to be a self-reflection on people who have influenced and shaped Co’s perspective. It is the first resort/cruise collection of high-fashion streetwear brand .ARCHIVES.
“We don’t want to limit our clothes to a specific gender. If a guy wants to wear a dress, why not?” Ellis pointed out. He admits that while the international market still finds it weird to “cross-dress,” it shouldn’t be a hindrance as it’s a form of self-expression.
With this collection, Ellis hopes to break barriers and pave the way for rising designers in the industry. “When they [designers] design clothes similar to mine, it’ll be easy for them to relate and get inspired,” he said.
Ellis and his team collaborated with esteemed fashion director Robby Carmona.
“We wanted to capitalize on the best part of the venue which is the beach area. As for the music, it will be a mix of tribal music and hip-hop,” Ellis explained. “Robby is very open when he conceptualizes the ideas with us. He makes sure our suggestions are heard.”
Exhibiting Ellis’ sharp eye for urban streetwear, “Phases/Faces” is a testament to the design aesthetic of .ARCHIVES. As Ellis puts it, the collection encapsulates his taste for pieces that can withstand the test of time. .ARCHIVES captures the zeitgeist of the moment, “archiving” Ellis’ designs like a collection of historical records—remnants of him as a designer for years to come.
For “Phases/Faces”, he sourced technical fabrics and denim from Japan to create functional pieces such as parkas, jackets, and cargo pants. He also incorporated abaca (Manila hemp), a native product in Bicol, to his accessories.
“This collection is my most personal and most intimate one yet because the show will be held in Bicol, which is my home province,” Ellis mused. “I always fly back every time I’m on break in the summer or the holidays. I use the time to reflect and think about my designs.”
The 22-year-old designer adds that .ARCHIVES creative director Reika Mayani was instrumental in producing and conceptualizing the “Phases/Faces” which is an ode to all the people they have met in their lives.
“It’s a 22-piece collection because it’s lucky for us to use angel numbers,” Ellis revealed. “As the name suggests, the collection will represent the phases that Reika and I underwent and the faces that have impacted our lives.”
Ellis and Reika share a strong and creative working relationship. Ellis, who is also a DJ and a producer, worked with Reika during his foray into music. He also collaborated with her for .ARCHIVES’ debut collection, “Memoirs of the Future” which was inspired by Japanese architecture and brutalism.
Music also played a crucial role in his development of the collection.
“I listen at clubs to pick up energy and motivation to translate a specific design aesthetic. I play the tracks of American rappers Playboi Carti and Destroy Lonely to spark my creativity. How they dress up influences me as well,” Ellis shared.
More than paying homage to the people who have influenced him, Ellis wants .ARCHIVES and his collection to resonate strongly with the younger crowd and Gen Z designers.
“Don’t be afraid to challenge the norm,” he said. “Do what you love. If you want to design winter clothing but the climate conditions say otherwise, go for it. In that way, you create products that are intimate rather than just cashing in on sales.”
Ellis’ headstrong vision and his defiance to what fashion dictates also translate to .ARCHIVES’ gender-neutral pieces.
For more information, follow @dot_archives, @ellis_archives (Ellis Co), and Reika Mayani (@ayareika) on Instagram.