For its first two lines in 2021, the online platform introduces its permanent collection and a new line with Lulu Tan Gan, Joey Samson, Jaggy Glarino, and Ivarluski Aseron.
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Launched last year, the online retail site The New Mood was a response to a changing world. Its founders Cathy Binag, Dennis Lustico, Puey Quiñones, and Dong Ronquillo gave birth to it to give local designers a digital platform to showcase their craft. Its latest collection, called Shelter, is an extension of that ideal.
The philosophy behind the brand is to connect with an audience that craves both style and substance—and a safe way to have fun with fashion. This is the third collection from the site, following its inaugural Rebirth, and 2020 holiday line Celebration.
Differing definitions
“I want us to go back to what ‘shelter’ means in its simplest form,” says Lustico, The New Mood’s creative director, of the new collection. “’Shelter’ means refuge or protection Like the roof over our heads or clothes to cover our bodies. People use materials like wood, sand, metal, bamboo, leaves and stone for basic shelter. Things that our bodies need from changing weather and varying temperature.”
In the 1980s, the word took on a different meaning and look, Lustico continues. Then, it became a coping, a source of comfort, happiness, and security. This could be anything from a skateboard to a Walkman, to scrunchies or a headband, to a hip belt or leg warmers. Things that make us feel powerful, invincible even, and signaled our belongingness to a tribe.
For this new collection, Lustico says they wanted to juxtapose those two meanings of the word. “We will touch on the surface appearance, texture, color and feel of materials such as wood, metals, pavements, etc. and use bold 80s silhouettes such as oversized tops vis-a-vis skinny bottoms, or wide bottoms with cropped tops,” he says.
When Lustico talks about “us,” he is also referring to members of his own creative tribe, among them Lulu Tan Gan, Joey Samson, Jaggy Glarino, and Ivarluski Aseron.
Each designer brings a unique slant to the theme, whether it’s a billowy pair of pants paired with a structured top or an oversized tailored shirt stamped with a floral print and paired with lounge drawstring pants. It can be a soft and romantic summer dress with an unexpected twist, or an avant-garde deconstructed top that hangs off the shoulder and yet clings like a second skin.
Thoughtful essentials
Alongside the launch of SS21, the platform also debuts its permanent collection—The New Mood Essentials. Through this line, the online retailer wants to be the building blocks of every wardrobe in this new era.
The permanent line offers elevated basics—hoodies, pullovers, t-shirts and sweatpants—and luxe loungewear that you can live in, and are season-less. This means investment pieces—made with cotton pique fabric with a minimalist tone on tone vinyl print with adjustable waistband and hood.
The New Mood co-founder and Lifestyle Asia EIC Ronquillo says the SS21 is characterized by a combination of simplicity and dynamism, executed in an exquisite, chic, and classy manner. “Silhouettes exude comfort and delicately volumized—perfect for that sophisticated summer look,” he elaborates. “We are also excited for everyone to try our Essentials line. It comes in shirts, joggers, pullovers and hoodies that are street chic, made with quality materials and constructed meticulously.”
For more on the collection, visit The New Mood.
