For these young and fashionable Filipino musicians, self-expression isn’t only limited to their music—their unique sense of style plays a big role in their artistry too, and it shows
In today’s music scene, more and more Filipino artists are proving that killer tracks and killer style go hand-in-hand. It’s no longer just about the music—it’s a full sensory experience that includes artful visuals and fashion.
These talented local musicians are redefining what it means to be a modern artist, crafting hit after hit all while pushing the boundaries of style. Get to know more about the artists setting the trends and what they love most about dressing up.
Ena Mori
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This Filipino-Japanese pop artist has an eclectic sense of style that is just as dynamic and quirky as her music. Ena Mori’s fashion is deeply rooted in her Japanese heritage, reminiscent of the ’90s Harajuku style as she mixes and matches vintage pieces that are normally sourced through ukay. “I strive to be an antique kawaii librarian,” she says, citing Japanese stylist Yuri Nosho and Icelandic artist Björk as her style icons.
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For Mori, fashion plays a huge part in her live performances, with her colorful, sometimes outlandish clothing being a vital source of confidence and energy during gigs. Think big tops, velvet fabric, fun headgear, and vibrant skirts—only fun pieces for a fun artist.
Paul Pablo
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If you’re on the lookout for the next big local pop star, Paul Pablo is it. Proudly queer, this Davao-born singer is a huge fan of showcasing his vivid personality via his clothing choices, mentioning that fashion is vital to his artistry. “Whether it’s a bold outfit or a simple printed shirt, my style reflects who I am. I love a Y2K revival with a modern twist,” Pablo shares.
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When it comes to his stage outfits versus his everyday style, Pablo’s daily wear still mirrors that of his more curated and thoughtful performance wardrobe, albeit being more relaxed. His statement piece of choice? Printed shirts with loud messages. “I wore a shirt with ‘bayot’ printed on it when I won my second Awit Award,” he says. “It was a bold reminder that a ‘bayot’ or gay artist made it.”
Zild
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What makes Zild one of the most exciting young Filipino musicians to follow right now isn’t just his evolving sound but his style as well. We’ve seen him grow from his ’70s disco roots during his IV of Spades days to his all-black gothic fashion from last year’s “Medisina” album release. With yet another new album coming next month, Zild now dons colorful track jackets and jerseys a la Blur. After all, he does describe his own sense of style as “inconsistent and impulsive.”
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Contrary to popular belief, there is no deep meaning behind his erratic fashion. Zild simply wears what he wants, being a fan of constantly shifting his wardrobe. Style-wise, he also collaborates often with photographer Shaira Luna, whom he enjoys shopping with at ukay-ukay stores or receives clothing recommendations from over Carousell.
August Wahh
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R&B artist August Wahh, also known as Abs Haw, finds herself drawn to streetwear and loud prints, textures, and colors—items that make a statement and hit as hard as her soulful music. Recently, she hasn’t just been putting her creativity into songwriting but also into creating her own pieces, such as chopping up her old pants and using the bottom ends as leg warmers and sleeves.
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“I kind of build around [my style] with accessories and layers. I still definitely need to be comfortable, so I like pieces that I can move around in,” says Abs, whose fashion is the perfect blend of chill yet chic. Currently, Abs enjoys getting her clothes from local artisanal brands and loves chokers and belt chains.
Kindred
The first time anyone watches a Kindred show, it is 100 percent guaranteed that the general reaction will always be something like, “Damn, these guys are pretty f*cking cool.” All eight members make one hell of an entrance every time, donned in bright jumpsuits. Kindred member Jaime says, “We’re like the Generation Z (+1 Millennial) Power Rangers. On stage, we morph into our colorful alter egos and combine to become a Popstar Megazord.”
Kindred’s one-of-a-kind stage outfits are actually custom made by local designer Salad Day, working with their stylist Paul Jatayna. They accessorize their clothing further with their own personal add-ons like bracelets crafted by member Punzi’s younger sister, rings they’ve bought at gigs and events, and shoes gifted by brands like Nike. Their secret to cool fashion? Authenticity. “We dress for ourselves the same way we make music for ourselves,” says Jaime. “We want to be as authentic as we can.”
