Embracing the flow of inspiration is a familiar dance for creative souls. The allure of a fresh direction or a new concept can be irresistible, often leading to a tangle of misdirection. But in the vast sea of creatives, there exists a brand that truly understands the art of cohesion – the Filipino brand known as .ARCHIVES.
In the early stages of their journey, the visionary duo behind .ARCHIVES found themselves drawn to a shared passion – music. This common understanding led to a connection between them and ultimately became the driving force behind their brand. Reika Mayani, the brand’s creative director, confides, “Music is what connected us, and that’s why even with .ARCHIVES, music is still a big influence in the creation and the DNA of our brand.”
While Ellis Co, the designer of .ARCHIVES, worked on his music, Reika poured her creative spirit into bringing the visuals, artworks, and even music videos to life. She not only translated Ellis’ melodies but also embarked on the task of conceptualizing and designing the entire visual identity of .ARCHIVES.
Ellis Co, Designer | Reika Mayani, Creative Director | JV Ardidon, Marketing
The Fuel To Create
Ellis, shares that a lot of his inspiration comes from his discoveries while traveling abroad. The duo’s admiration for fashion powerhouses such as Rick Owens and Yohji Yamamoto fueled their desire to create a brand that echoed their aesthetic. Frustrated by the scarcity of local brands capable of embodying their vision, they took it upon themselves to fashion a brand of their own.
Many have classified .ARCHIVES as a streetwear brand – a label that the duo says as true as it is, falls short of capturing the essence of their designs. Their creations are unconventional, .ARCHIVES believes that their garments are for the future youth.
Building a successful brand is no solitary endeavor, and Ellis and Reika proudly champion a collaborative spirit. Open to criticism and feedback, they value every voice that contributes to their creative process. “We always prioritize the brand,” attest both individuals, a testament to their undying commitment to the collective objective of advancing their brand and its creations.
“We always had a goal in mind to reach that standard of hyper creativity, that’s pure and fresh.” Ellis reflects.
Crafting a New Reality
When they unveiled their inaugural collection in July 2022, the road to success was riddled with challenges. Undermanned and underpowered, they had to learn the basics and maximize their efficiency by seeking guidance from those around them.
Since then, their designs have blossomed with discerning intention. Reika eagerly shares, “Whenever we do a show in Manila, we want it as a blank canvas so we can dress it up.” This blank canvas becomes the catalyst for their ideas, where imagination has the chance to unfurl its wings and take flight.
Their most recent exhibition, aptly named “Digital Oasis,” invited viewers to transcend the confines of time and space. Drawing inspiration from the enchanting realms of anime and video games, they set out to create a world unparalleled and uncharted. With meticulous attention to detail, they sculpted a new reality, complete with social hierarchies, divine beings, and a tangible sense of otherworldliness, all the while ensuring each element remains seamlessly intertwined with the core essence of their brand.
“As an artist, it’s very important that your audience understands your work. So we try to make the collections still relatable, not too hard to grasp, but still in a way poetic.” confides Ellis.
Into The Realm Of Creativity
Aside from their much-awaited show for March 2024, the brand is looking forward to the construction of their forthcoming showroom. This showcase promises a tactile experience, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the garments and forge a deeper connection with the brand. It is an opportunity to foster a community, where like-minded souls can gather, bond, and intertwine their creative energies.
Yet amidst their undeniable achievements, Ellis and Reika remain grounded, acknowledging their fortune and gratitude for pursuing their passion. This path is open to anyone; the key lies in staying true to what you love. Gatekeeping has no place in the realm of creativity.
As a symphony takes shape through the harmonious blending of different melodies, so too does .ARCHIVES embody the beauty of collaboration and the strength born from a shared vision. Their story is a testament to the power of unity and the transformative potential of unwavering dedication.
Inspiration is sneaky, it is often found by those who are deeply involved in their work. For within the depths of our passion lies the dawning of a brighter, more empowered future – a future we create through the sheer force of our unyielding dreams.
Peak into the future by following .ARCHIVES on Instagram and witness the future of fashion.
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