Likha Philippines is one of the newest local brands to enter the online shopping world. Amidst all the other stores found on the lovable and addicting app, they certainly stand out for really embodying Filipino pride. Their first collection Bagets features basic blouses named after what we presume to be historical Filipino women. Maria? Clara? Gabriella? Juana? They definitely ring a bell.
They definitely got our attention there and so to know more about the brand, we had a chat with the owner Chesca Marcelino.
I’m Chesca Marcelino and I’m a 17 year old entrepreneur student at the University of Santo Tomas. I chose the field of fashion because ever since I was young, I’ve always been fascinated by how people express themselves through the way they dress. Through this experience I am slowly learning more about how the culture of fashion in the Philippines works. As of now, I own the store Likha Philippines which promotes local products made by Filipinos. I was also inspired by the success of our Filipino fashion designers that used local materials in promoting the talent of [other] Filipinos in the skill of garment making.
What made you want to start a clothing brand?
I believe in our capacity to produce world class garments. As I mentioned earlier, I was inspired by our local designers whose work I’ve always admired, such as Inno Sotto and the like. At the same time, I wanted to help and share my blessings to the less fortunate.
The word likha means a thing produced by intelligence and skill, so I want my brand to speak for itself; that it is [also] indeed a local brand from the Philippines. I want to share my talent and creativity to other people and inspire them as well to express themselves through the way they dress. I also want people to know how competent Filipinos are in the skill of garment making thus uplifting the Filipino spirit.
Why did you choose Instagram as your selling platform?
The generation today is more involved in social media, and Instagram is one of the most influential social media sites. And since people can bring their smartphones everywhere, it has already been a habit especially for the youth nowadays to check on their personal accounts every hour or so on what are the latest trends in fashion (since it is constantly changing). Instagram is a good site for start up a business like mine to also reach out to different countries around the world.
My pieces are basically inspired by a 90’s meet modern type of style. I want to bring old fashion back with the mixture of Filipino fashion. They are sewn by Filipino sewers, and I ensure that the quality of my pieces are impeccable.
What do you think is unique about your brand?
My brand is unique since it does not only showcase the Filipino talent, but it also is a way to share my blessings by having a portion of the sales go to an educational fund to support indigent students and other charitable organizations.
Do you think it's important for young people to appreciate local brands more? If so, why?
Yes, because I believe that the raw materials used in our garment manufacturing can compete with the best brands in the world. This in turn will contribute to the growth of our economy.
What can we expect from your future collections?
People can expect an edgier style and more timeless pieces that will [again] promote Filipino designs using local materials.
facebook.com/likhaphilippines
instagram.com/likhaco
- Reign Gonzales
all photos courtesy of Chesca Marcelino (Likha Philippines)