I wanted to create designs that promotes the culture with integrity. Such as Ninoy Aquino, who died for democracy, Katipunan, A society that wanted to gain independence from the Spaniards, Bolos, our weapon against oppression.
There are many recognizable images of the Filipinos, such as the Sun and 3 stars, the colors of our flag, and the map of the Philippines. But i wanted to define them, example: The 8 rays of the sun represents the first 8 region that revolted against the Spaniards, and the 3 stars represents the 3 main region.
Anybody and everybody was making a sun and 3 stars shirts, but we wanted to define them, so when your rocking that design, youll know what it represents.
I made a Ninoy shirt with the glasses and inside the glasses it says, "The Filipino is worth dying for. I walked around the mall and at least 10 people complimented me on the shirt, 5 of them non Filipinos, which gave me an oppurtunity to educate, inform and promote our culture to fellow Filipinos and non Filipinos.
Thats the idea of the brand, we infused history, heritage and culture with fashion and in turn you can pass that information to people by making the design aesthetic to get them interested in a conversation about culture.
When we opened up the JJ Clothing store, after a few months, Shiek, which owns 116 stores all over California decided to carry Filipino Inspired T shirts, and 2 more shop in the Great Mall which is non Filipino owned also started to carry Filipino Apparels.
Monetary wise, it's not really good for me having so many competition, but my tank dont run on greed, my tank runs on passion, so the more the better, but as for the community, its a beatiful thing. Because people are starting to realize that there is a market for the Filipinos.
Also a great example is Hat Club a non Filipino owned hat store, and theyre best selling product was the sun and 3 stars hat.
So to me I'm loving the fact that theres so many more people doing this, cause it creates a competition, and competition means more choices for the community, the products get better, and the community benefits from that. Also our culture will get more exposure.
I suggest if youre a Filipino, you should own at least 1 Filipino t shirt so you can help promote our Filipino community. I'd love for you to buy my apparel, but if you cant find something you like with in KYR Apparel, I have to say theres so many more brands out there that represents you. So take the time to search because the power of choice is in your hand.
