This local shoewear brand should be on your radar

You would know I’m a shoe lover if you’ve followed me long enough. I notice what shoes people wear just as how watch aficionados notice what’s on their wrists.

This year I decided to immerse myself in the local shoe market. I’ve been on the lookout for brands that I would love to have and wear. Through this, I realized that the brands I’ve come to appreciate are not necessarily the ones using indigenous materials but those getting their direction and inspiration from our surroundings and way of life. In short, a brand that hinges on creativity and storytelling, not just advocacy.

READ: 5 pieces to help you channel your Pinoy pride—fashionably

I’m looking for brands that can also be in a multilabel store abroad and can hold their own against the best of the best in terms of design and aesthetics.

Yesterday, I visited Jos Mundo. I was with my son Dimitri and we went to their studio in Poblacion. In all honesty, my curiosity was piqued because of an article Lala Singian wrote in March.

READ: Jos Mundo builds an artistic and tropical world that is distinctly Filipino

They had clothes and accessories in the studio from leather and chiffons to lace. It’s always nice to be able to touch and feel the materials used, not to mention I get to see if their finishings are polished—which it was. However, I was mostly impressed by their shoes which are made in Marikina.

I got their Marikina Mule in Langit Lupa—a beautiful raisin shade with a sky-blue cap toe. The heel is two inches, almost like a kitten heel (also in sky-blue), which I appreciate because it makes it much easier to walk in.

It also has quite the old-world charm to it. It’s so chic! What pleases me most about this shoe is that it is a good alternative to Roger Vivier mules if you’re looking for something nondescript.

Story originally from Ria Recommends