Manila’s stylish set will surely love the luxurious basics from this clothing label.

Singaporean brand Beyond the Vines (BTV) recently opened its very first store in Manila.

For married couple Daniel Chew and Rebecca Ting, leaving their corporate jobs to start their own clothing company was the best decision they’ve made. Daniel handles the financial side while Rebecca oversees the brand’s aesthetics.

“We wanted to create an apparel line that is classic, timeless and functional, ” Rebecca said.

“Vine is an informal word for clothes. We named our brand Beyond the Vines because we want to go beyond just selling garments. From the choice of fabrics and the feel of the material to the way our clothes complement the form of a woman and our incomparable customer service, everything comes to play in giving our clients the utmost in shopping experience,” Daniel added.

The initial collection includes wardrobe staples like tops, shift and shirt dresses, skirts and maxis. Inspired by the couple’s love for architecture, the collection features clean lines, basic cuts and understated elegance. The subdued colors like white, gray and pale blue echo the sophistication and quiet ease of the label.

“We are not a super trendy brand. Our clothes are not limited to a season,” lead designer Johanna Lau said. “They can be paired with a client’s existing wardrobe, worn from day to night, are appropriate for the office and even for after work hours. Our clients love to take us on their travels!” Materials used include premium cotton, jersey, linen and suede so clothes do not wrinkle easily.

Dress-up

At the private launch, guests had fun playing dress-up. The pleasure was in choosing pieces to mix and match. Some opted for color-blocked dresses while others reached for single-hued maxis. The more adventurous put their fashion savvy to work and created looks fit for the runway. A flurry of excitement permeated the air as enthusiastic shoppers selected from the racks and made their way to the dressing rooms.

“The fabric feels so cool and luxurious. I love that it’s breathable yet the fit is superb,” said one guest.

Socially responsible

Customers can expect new designs every month but beyond the fresh fashion drops, it is noteworthy that the business is socially and environmentally responsible. The BTV team made sure that all packaging and labels are biodegradable.

Stringent checks are also in place to guarantee that their Chinese manufacturers observe fair labor practices so dressmakers work in a clean and safe environment.