Genderless technical wear ruled the runway for Archives’ resort 2024 collection
Ellis Co presented ‘Phases/Faces’ in the tropical paradise of Misibis Bay in Bicol
Technical wear, oversized silhouettes, and a plethora of intimate reflections—these elements helped shape Archives’ resort 2024 collection titled “Phases/Faces.”
On June 29, 2023, designer Ellis Co previewed his resort collection at the Midas Hotel in Pasay City, where he presented two dystopian looks in beige. Two weeks later, he fully unveiled “Phases/Faces,” showcasing the 22-piece collection at Misibis Bay Resort in Bicol.
“Phases/Faces” is a love letter dedicated to the people who matter most to Ellis Co, the designer of Archives, and Reika Mayani, the creative director of the streetwear brand. “We wanted to pay homage to the people who have made an impact in our lives,” shared Reika. “These people defined the phases in our lives and they’re the faces behind those phases.”
“Even if a person impacted you negatively, that still played a role in how they shaped your character,” Ellis added. “We wanted to make this collection as a reminder to ourselves to never forget about the people who helped shape us.”
The collection featured gender-neutral pieces in oversized silhouettes, championing deconstructed elements like intricate cutting and cut-outs, along with the brand’s signature irregular shapes on the label of the jackets. Notable looks include technical outerwear such as blazers, vests, and cargo pants, as well as accessories made with abaca—a native product of the province.
In addition to making the collection familiar, Ellis also aimed to resonate strongly with the younger crowd, hence the genderless style and defiance to our country’s weather conditions. “Don’t be afraid to challenge the norm,” said Ellis. “We don’t want to limit our clothes to a specific gender. If a guy wants to wear a dress, why not?” Ellis shared.
With the success of the launch and presentation, Ellis plans to launch a ready-to-wear pop-up on Archives’ website, where Millennials and Gen Zs can access his designs. Ellis also plans to open flagship stores in Manila and Tokyo and consign his pieces in Europe in the near future.
For more information, follow @dot_archives, @ellis_archives (Ellis Co), and Reika Mayani (@ayareika) on Instagram.
