What are your favorite US fashion brands in the PH?

MANILA, Philippines – Just one more thing Filipinos and Americans have in common? A love for casual clothes that are stylish and comfortable at the same time.

The American occupation lasted for most of the first half of the 1900s, exposing Filipinos to their culture and tastes.

Who can forget the onslaught of movies and television shows from the US reaching Manila, from the early years of Hollywood up to this day? (READ: Filipinos like the US even more than Americans do – Pew Research)

Needless to say, people-to-people exchanges between the two countries are always on an upswing with the US being one of the Filipinos’ most sought-after destinations. Filipino talent has also made its way to the US the past few years and Fil-Ams continue to make waves in different industries in the States. (READ: Gary V’s son, Gab Valenciano in ‘America’s Got Talent’)

And to celebrate the 2014 visit of US President Barack Obama to the Philippines, here’s a list of some brands from the States that we’ve gotten to enjoy in Manila.

The Gap was established in 1969 with its first store in Ocean Avenue, San Francisco, California. It sold Levi Strauss merchandise, as well as records and tapes but the sale of music was discontinued after 6 months and the company focused on clothing instead.

The brand has been around in the Philippines for quite a while now and has brought in other brands that are under its family tree – Banana Republic and most recently, Old Navy.

Banana Republic started out with safari-themed collections but was later on rebranded as a mainstream luxury clothing retailer. It was acquired by Gap Inc. in 1983. 

Like Gap Inc., Old Navy specializes in comfort-casual wear. It opened the first of the five planned franchise-operated Old Navy stores that are set to open in the Philippines last March at Bonifacio High Street.

All three brands were brought to Manila by Rustan’s group’s Stores Specialists Inc. (SSI) – a Filipino company headed by the Tantocos.

In July of 2010, female shopaholics were thrilled when Forever 21 finally opened its flagship store in Megamall. 

Girls lined up for hours to get into the store and get ahold of the latest floral leggings and lace dresses that were easy on the pocket.

The store was brought in by SM and the brand’s success was followed by more store openings in other SM malls and the management’s decision to bring in more international clothing brands – not just from the States, but from Europe as well. (READ: Watch out! H&M, Pull & Bear, others to open in Megamall)

In 2013, Aeropostale also made its way to Philippine shores. Another store brought in by SSI, the brand opened its first store at Glorietta and was an immediate hit with teens and college students.

Established in 1987, its name comes from the1920s airmail company. It has been known in the States to offer high-quality yet fashionable wardrobe essentials for teens and it remains to be a favorite among the younger set.

Among the 20-somethings, there’s just no way one could forget about the Jansport backpacks that took schools by storm in the early 2000s. Cool kids got to wear the durable backpack that came in different solid colors.

Later on, the brand took in more colors and even prints to diversify their designs and to keep up with the tastes of younger customers.

Here in the Philippines, Jansport is distributed by the Primer Group of Companies and are sold in Bratpack, TravelClub, R.O.X., and SM Stores.

Branded as “America’s favorite denim brand,” American Eagle Outfitters opened in February 2013.

Brought in by Suyen Corporation to the Philippines, the brand’s first store opened in Bonifacio High Street with Shay Mitchell of Pretty Little Liars, who flew to Manila to introduce the brand.

And lastly, who can ever forget Payless ShoeSource which brought in sturdy, afforable shoes to the Philippines in 2010?

A part of Collective Brands, Inc. which is one of the largest footwear retailers in the Western hemisphere, Payless was brought in by SSI and was an instant hit with Filipinos who love fashionable shoes that are worth their money.

Regardless where the brand originates, it’s always great to explore a wide range of labels from different ends of the spectrum. And of course, there are tons of great local options, too. 

What are your favorite US shoe and clothing brands in the Philippines and why? Let us know in the comments section below. – Rappler.com

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