MILKWEAR : A Progressive Youth Fashion

by VESTI

MILKWEAR hopes to create a world full of hope and good vibes, topped on a colorful palette. With conscious statement tees rendered in fun and refreshing tones covering topics on mental health, LGBTQ representation, and activism, no wonder this delicious fashion brand has become the Filipino youth favorite.

VESTI talks to Carlo Chu, founder of MILKWEAR , to take a peek into today’s Filipino youth favorite brand. His inspiration to create a socially aware yet fun and relatable clothing; and how essential it is to put the voice of the youth at the center.

MILKWEAR feels like the breakfast you need everyday! Looking at your gorgeous statement tees reflecting high hopes and self-love, could you guide us through your design process? How do you conceptualise these core values into your collections?

Most of the statements and graphic tee designs of Milkwear are really from the heart. During 2020, when the pandemic was at its peak and everyone was in isolation. We've created the collection Free Hugs Soon, which is an optimistic campaign that someday the pandemic will be over and we will all hug again soon!

Also during that year, there are a lot of celebrities who are being red tagged by saying what's on their mind. People cannot go out on the streets and express their freedom of speech and their frustrations on how the pandemic'd being handled. So we've created the campaign Activism Is Not Terrorism.

Yes we also have a lot of Self-Love tees especially for our Pride collection. We've tied up with LoveYourself organization. It's an org that helps in HIV awareness and it does free testing projects all over the Philippines. We've used the Pride event to send a message of self love to the community - That taking care of yourself/loving yourself is very important especially in this challenging times.

Basically that's the core of Milkwear, it uses the brand as a platform to be the voice of the youth. It creates products that doesn't just promote optimism and good values but it also engages in relevant conversations about the society.

You created your brand in 2020 during the pandemic. What tools or your driving force to succeed amidst the challenges?

Milkwear is a passion project. Ever since college it has always been a dream to create my own brand. During 2020 at the height of the pandemic I was able to reflect and I had an "It's now or never" moment. I pushed Milkwear to happen because I know that there are not a lot of brands that has the same aesthetic and voice. I really wanna use the brand as a platform to express the voice of the youth. At the same time create projects that are helpful to the community. I was very lucky that I have lots of friends who helped me during the building stage of the brand.

The importance of having a voice on what truly matters, what are your plans for Milkwear and your advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

My plan for Milkwear is to create more projects and products that will connect us more to the youth. Also to build a community that shares the same values of optimism and kindness.

My advice for aspiring fashion entrepreneurs is that first, find your core and start building from there. Work in creating a solid brand story and identity. Everything else will come after that - the designs, the marketing plans etc. Second, is that you need to understand that you are not for everyone. So find your community or create a community of like-minded individuals and start talking to them through your products. Third, know your numbers. At the end of the day it is business. So you need to know your numbers in order for your business to grow.

You may discover and shop MILKWEAR here