H&M x DBTK: First-ever Filipino-designed collection is now available

The collaboration explores global streetwear

Last month, history was made as Swedish retailer H&M announced its first-ever Filipino collaboration with local streetwear brand Don’t Blake the Kids (DBTK). Now, the long wait is over as the H&M x DBTK capsule drops in stores today.

H&M is a brand that celebrates all walks of life and individuality. With this, the fashion brand reached out to Emil and Vince Javier of DBTK for a tie-up. “H&M has always been in search of Filipino talents who share our values and philosophy,” Frankie Shadbolt, H&M Philippines country head manager, tells Garage Magazine during its launch event in Poblacion, Makati. “DBTK puts importance in inclusivity and diversity which H&M as a brand connects to. Our brand and DBTK also cater to the streetwear market which makes us more in-tune with one another.”

Emil and Vince Javier of DBTK and H&M Country Sales Manager, Frankie Shadbolt

While the brothers took lead on the designs, both sides worked together to make the collection a seamless representation of a shared philosophy. With the theme “The World is My Home,” the capsule offers six unique, fun, and surrealistic designs pressed onto a muted palette of hoodies, sweaters, oversized tees, joggers, caps, and socks.

“The designs that we came up with are a representation of our 10-year journey,” says Emil. “Each of the six designs tells a different story showcasing our passion and the message of our brand. We even reached out to our former designers to come up with authentic and original designs for this collaboration.”

DBTK with Nate and Mikki of BGYO, Adie, and Andrea Brillantes

Our local designers getting recognized by a global brand is remarkable, but beyond this is the process of working with H&M that makes it even more meaningful for DBTK. “What makes this collaboration special is that they gave us the freedom design-wise. H&M also pushed us as a brand by challenging us and giving us the opportunity for a bigger platform,” Vince continues.

Together with DBTK, H&M ambassadors like indie artist Adie, boyband BGYO, and actress Andrea Brillantes, who are self-proclaimed urban clothing fans and are boldly living their authentic selves, can be seen wearing the collab pieces for the campaign.

Starting at P349, the limited-edition pieces from the collection is now available at select H&M stores including SM Megamall, SM Makati, Robinsons Place Manila, SM North EDSA, SM Mall of Asia, Ayala Center Cebu, Festival Mall Alabang, and SM City Clark.