Kuya Istilo: Redefining Filipino style with unconventional flair
Exploring authenticity through fashion, content creator Willie Fortes shares his journey from traditional barong to trendsetting Pinoy styles
“I think there is something very honest about wearing clothes that makes you feel vulnerable,” shared content creator Willie Fortes during Garage’s conversation with him about personal style.
We encountered Willie, also known as @Kuya_Istilo on Tiktok, and were captivated by his unique style. His videos elicited varied reactions as he converted an old, unusable barong into a sleeveless crop top. While some viewed this an inappropriate for the traditional garment, others applauded his creativity. To Willie, it represents a significant moment in his journey of exploring heritage through style.
Willie, a California native with roots stretching from La Union and Pangasinan in the Philippines, works as a creative in Los Angeles. His style reflects the vibrancy of his heritage.
“While many view the United States solely through the lens of Western culture, I see it as a captivating collage of immigrant values, flavors, traditions, and styles from around the world. Growing up in California, I found myself drawn to the streetwear vibes of West Coast early 2000s hip-hop, yet simultaneously I was enamored by the traditional attire of my father’s homeland,” shared Willie.
With content focusing on traditional Filipino garments, Willie aims to showcase the barong as a piece that can be worn outside of formal occasions. “My mission was and still is to draw it out from the shadows of formal Filipino events and showcase it in the public eye, transforming it into more than just a dress shirt and breathe new life into its cultural significance,” noted Willie.
Throughout this interview, Willie delves into his style influences, his affection for ‘70s fashion, and the process of acquiring sewing skills.
Garage: Do you have any style icon?
Willie: Most of my inspiration for fashion isn’t necessarily drawn from any style icon in particular. I find myself more inspired by people I meet on the street or at events who are wearing clothing that exudes authenticity and flavor. I love when I see someone rocking a fit that I’d be too scared to wear. It pushes me to break my rules and experiment with my style. I think there is something very honest about wearing clothes that makes you feel vulnerable.
G: How did you decide on the username @Kuya_Istilo?
W: As the oldest in my family, “kuya” is a term/name that suits me, and my goal to inspire or mentor others in their sense of fashion made the name “Big Brother Style” just feel right. I mean, Tito Istilo would make me feel too old! Haha! I don’t want anyone trying to mano po me! Haha!
@kuya_istilo Thrifted this vibtage suede jacket for $7 and decided to test my sewing skills with a DIY crop! What do you think? #SewCreative #StitchingMagic #ThreadAndNeedle #SewItUp #DIYStitch #FashionStitch #SewingTime #HandmadeFashion #SewWithLove #FabricFiesta #NeedleAndThread #SewInspired #CraftyHands #SewInStyle #TextileTales #SewEasy #SewingSundays #ThimbleTherapy #SewcialSkills #FabricFantasy #ThriftyFinds #SecondhandScore #ThriftHaul #SustainableStyle #VintageVibes #ThriftingTreasures #UpcycledFashion #ThriftedThreads #EcoChic #BudgetStyle #ThriftedTreasures #FashionFinds #HiddenGems #ThriftedAndGifted #PrelovedFinds #OneMan'sTrash #ThriftingAdventures #ShopSecondhand #SavvyShopper #SustainableLiving #StreetwearStyle #UrbanFashion #StreetFashion #StreetwearTrends #HypeBeast #StreetwearDaily #SneakerCulture #StreetStyleInspo #CasualFashion #StreetwearOOTD #PinoyFashion #PhilippineStyle #ModernFilipiniana #BarongTagalogStyle #PinoyStreetFashion #FilipinoOOTD #PhilippineCouture #ProudlyPinoy #PinoyFashionTrends #PhilippineHeritageFashion #FilAmFashion #FilipinoAmericanStyle #FilAmOOTD #PinoyFashionista #CulturalFashion #FilAmStreetStyle #FilipinoAmericanTrends #PhilippineHeritage #ModernFilAm #ProudToBeFilAm #BarongTagalogFashion #FilipinoStyle #BarongWedding #TraditionalFashion #BarongEmbroidery #PhilippineCulture #BarongModern #PinoyFashion #BarongTagalogOOTD #culturalattire👸 ♬ original sound – Your fave Kuya 🇵🇭
G: Why and how did you learn how to sew?
W: I initially wanted to learn how to sew simply so I could make the clothing I envision or at least make small alterations to clothing, like cropping the barong, for example. My auntie Susan actually taught me to sew and even gave me a sewing machine. She was excited that I was the first nephew or niece to ask her to teach me, so she’s given me a lot of guidance and advice.
G: How did you take the criticism about flipping barong?
W: Although my unconventional approach has offended some who view it as a disrespect to tradition, I draw inspiration from Filipino researcher Carl Lorenz Cervantes (@sikodiwa), who says, “There is no hierarchy of culture. Culture transcends, it goes beyond limitations of time, space, and geography… How do we cultivate our shared cultural garden?” Embracing this philosophy, my vision is to cultivate our shared cultural garden through fashion, hoping to inspire others to do the same.
G: Can you show us your favorite way to style a barong?
W: Currently, I’m really into the aesthetic of tucking in a barong, paired with high-waisted pleated wide-leg trousers and using a stylish scarf as a tie. It’s winter in Los Angeles, so I’d also pair it with a cropped jacket. Some loafers, dress shoes, or even sneakers.
@kuya_istilo Another customized barong tagalog styling! #streetwear #streetstyle #hypebeast #sneakerhead #fashion #streetfashion #outfitoftheday #streetculture #urbanfashion #menswear #womenswear #streetstyleinspo #streetwearbrand #streetwearcommunity #fashioninspiration #PinoyFashion #PhilippineStyle #ModernFilipiniana #BarongTagalogStyle #PinoyStreetFashion #FilipinoOOTD #PhilippineCouture #ProudlyPinoy #PinoyFashionTrends #PhilippineHeritageFashion #FilAmFashion #FilipinoAmericanStyle #FilAmOOTD #PinoyFashionista #CulturalFashion #FilAmStreetStyle #FilipinoAmericanTrends #PhilippineHeritage #ModernFilAm #ProudToBeFilAm #BarongTagalogFashion #FilipinoStyle #BarongWedding #TraditionalFashion #BarongEmbroidery #PhilippineCulture #BarongModern #PinoyFashion #BarongTagalogOOTD #culturalattireseo ♬ original sound – Your fave Kuya 🇵🇭
G: Where do you like to shop for your barongs? Do you have favorite Filipino designers?
W: My favorite is Vinta Gallery. They have gorgeous barongs, and the thought and detail they put into their designs are amazing. Some of my favorites include Caroline Mangosing, HubaderoStudios, Randolf Clothing, Kelvin Morales, Ched Studio, Glyn Alley, Kermit Tesoro, Rhuigi Villaseñor, Nostalgia.
G: Why do you think ‘70s style resonates well with you?
W: I love the inherent androgyny that allows me to play more with masculine and feminine aesthetics. Plus, there’s something fun about wearing an outfit that looks great but also feels like a costume. I just think it’s fun. That’s part of exploring authenticity through style. I want more people to ask themselves, “What kind of clothing or style brings you joy and makes you feel good when you wear it?”
G: What can we expect from @Kuya_Istilo soon?
W: There are so many amazing opportunities in the works for 2024. I’m currently hoping to continue conversations about collaborating with established Filipino brands to design a Kuya Istilo Barong tank and also style a few Filipino celebs on the red carpet here in LA.
Images courtesy of Willie Fortes
