In 1972, Marilyn Ongkingco opened a custom made clothing store when she was just 18 years of age which grew into what is now known as the MEGI Group. Catering to Filipinos need of tailor-fitted clothing with over 40 years of premium tailoring under its fine-leather belt.
Today, one of its younger brands Suit it Up Manila, created by her son, Franco Ongkingco who now leads the MEGI Group as its Chief Operating Officer (COO) still carries on the stylish principles set by Marilyn way back pioneering the bespoke suit industry in the Philippines.
Culminating its nearly five decade run, Suit It Up Manila celebrated the best bespoke suits with their event, Suit Social, held at Revel at the Palace last September 21. The first annual gathering of luxury suit enthusiasts, the event jumps off from similar luxury suit socials such as Pitti Uomo in Florence, Italy, and Suit Walk in Taipei. Suit Social featured the most dapper and stylish suited men and women alike from snake skin tuxedos to Vitale Barberis Canonico Italian fabric, many of which were dressed by Suit It Up Manila. In attendance was company COO, Franco Ongkingco, who shares, “I have always envisioned more and more Filipinos suiting up. We really want to create and identify reasons, places and experiences where one can wear a coat or suit in both casual and formal settings. That is #TheSuititUpLife. To look good, feel good as well as to provide a platform for self-expression that resonates to all.” Expressing the cultural need for bespoke suits in the Philippines as they not only represent class, but also one’s character and self expression.
By the end of the night’s festivities, Franco thanked the crowd and expressed his excitement for the next Suit Social in 2020. Promising that it’ll be grander than this year’s. From its humble beginnings in the 70s to pioneering tailored fashion today, with the growing taste for bespoke luxury suits in the country, one can only be excited as to what Suit It Up Manila is sewing up next.
Suit It Up Manila’s flagship store is located at 2nd Floor, Unit A1, 1018 Antonio Arnaiz Ave, Makati, 1223 Metro Manila. For orders and inquiries, contact (02) 844-7651.
Photos from Suit It Up Manila
