By Bella Omar Asst. Arts & Features Editor Unbeknownst to most, Filipino Americans make up the third largest Asian-American group in the country. In light of October being Filipino American History Month, here are two of my favorite emerging Filipino fashion brands that you should consider for your closet. Bago (@bago.la on Instagram): The Tagalog word “bago” has several meanings including “new” and “change,” and this LA-based brand is embodying that by utilizing traditional Filipino textiles and techniques to create modern, wearable art that pays homage to the community’s heritage. Brandon Comer founded the brand in 2021 to “build upon the legacies of those who came before us and serve as balikbayan (a way to return home) to our heritage.” Beautiful cotton neutral toned T-shirts, hoodies and dresses - ranging in price from $15 to $265 - almost all showcase pieces of hand-woven Pinilian and Binakol textiles. The complex weaving technique gives them a three-dimensional quality, traditionally used to showcase nature inspired motifs. These weaves, which are indigenous to Ilokanos and Itnegs communities of the Philippines are all ethically sourced by partnering with ANTHILL Fabrics, an organization that works directly with weavers. This provides the weavers compensation more than 10 times the national average to ensure fair wages. Each product page on Bago’s website has a detailed description of its origin, makeup, and design - my personal favorite piece, the HERITAGE Hooded Pullover Jacket in Lilim Charcoal features a Habi (diamond patterned) Pinilian brocade textile hood, antique brass buttons, and angled welt pockets. Abakada (@abkdco on Instagram): This Filipino streetwear brand was founded in Chicago in 2018 by co-founder Arvin Boyon with the intention of educating more people on Filipino culture - the name “Abakada” is the Tagalog alphabet, leaning into that theme. Relaxed fitting graphic T-shirts and lounge co-ords represent the community by featuring Baybayin text, Philippine eagle illustrations, and the “+63” country code. Faded dye-jobs and ultra wide hoodies give the classic pieces an elevated look - making this brand a true phenomenon in the very saturated cultural streetwear space. In true rising star fashion, the brand just announced its first major collaboration with Toyota to release merchandise for Complex’s Family Style Food Festival. This project features anime-style Toyota motif hoodies in a heavyweight fabric in the tried and true Abakada fit. As this is Toyota’s first collaboration with a Filipino streetwear brand, Abakada is paving the way for other pinoy-owned brands to step into the spotlight.