Misha: F@$hion Killah

We caught up with Misha, a current graduate of the Organizational Communication program in De La Salle University with regards to her approach in streetwear and urban culture and how social media helped her identify the uprising of street and urban culture in the Philippines. A true advocate for local brands here in Manila, we sat down with her as she shares with us her insights on how the rise of how young Filipinas bring their own flavor to the game, as well as explain to us the craze with DLSU female undergrads on how they got themselves into street fashion as their preference in style.

Name: Sophiya Misha Salud

Nickname: Misha, Somi (stylized as SOM1)

Location: BF Homes, Parañaque.

Currently an: Managing Director of KORNER, Freelance Photographer & Model. Creator of Infomuros App.

Brands Currently Into: Buzzhype, Quatro Los Baños, Thy Origins, Royalty

Windbreaker by: Quatro Los Banos

Long Sleeve T-Shirt: Supreme

Mon: So, for the people who aren't to streetwear, especially Filipinas, what made you get into it? Why do you like about it and what don't you like about it? Why do you choose streetwear as your style?

Misha: So streetwear for me, goes beyond fashion and style. It's has to do a lot with comfort but more than that, it's because of the vision of each brand on what they want to show the world. Because if you've noticed, in each brand, they have this certain philosophy that they want to share where they want to influence society whether it's about the individuality or whatever. So, it's a culture that you know, that you want to grow and for people to know about, so you wear it. It's how they put (the work) and how they communicate this vision through their art, which is streetwear fashion.

Mon: Do you wear streetwear often? How?

Misha: I wear streetwear on a daily basis, most of them are t-shirts, diba? (right?)

Mon: Yeah.

Misha: So (for me), it's easier to mix and match pieces when you got out. You can mix and match them with pants (jeans) or if you want to go classy, you can wear it with slacks. So, it's very versatile actually. I wear it on a daily basis and it's so fun because you can play with different brands, colors. You can either go black or at times, you can add so much pop of color. It's something I enjoy doing.

Shawn: Would you consider streetwear as your own way of self-expression?

Misha: Yes!

Shawn: Why would you consider it your way of expression? Like, is their something about the look, style that makes you identify women?

Misha: Well, like aside from its visual aesthetic for each brand, like their design of their shirts, I think it represents a particular philosophy so if I believe in it, I would like to wear it because it represents who I am and what I believe in.

Shawn: Can you name some local and foreign brands that you're into?

Misha: So for local, my friends brands, Two Seventh Heaven, Omphalos, BuzzHype Kultured, Tenement, Thy Origins, Royalty and a lot more. As for foreign naman (right now) like I said earlier, I want to explore more first with the local streetwear brands here because I want to go into the community before branching out worldwide. Like I want to have them (internationally in the future) and support them what they do with their art, their business.

Mon: So, let me ask, if you've done that already, what foreign brands would you consider wearing or are you willing to explore?

Misha: Siguro (Maybe) foreign brands, ayoko muna mag go into the hype brands (I don't want to go for the more hype brands), like I want to explore smaller brands muna (first) because I think they have so much potential that can be still unleashed to the world. As of now, I'm not really familiar (or into) the popular brands now but I'm willing to find out pa (soon).

Shawn: Among the local brands, since you've mentioned that you've identified to us about streetwear being the philosophy aof what they represent, what particular philosophies you identify with them the most and what philosophies you identify most with the brands you represent?

Misha: Let's say Kultured (as she explains the spelling) has to do a lot with the passion and the process, they really put their passion into work which they mold their passion and vision into an art form which is streetwear. I think if its Thy Origins, if I'm not mistaken, has something to do with individuality naman (with). They're (the brands) are embracing yourself and how you express basically. A lot has to do with passion and stuff like that.

Mon: Having said that, given this part of the interview in relation to gender studies, what is your definition of streetwear fashion for young Filipinas?

Misha: So as I said earlier, streetwear goes beyond fashion. It's a culture, it's a movement that encompasses different things. Whether you're into graffiti, skateboarding, footwear (most especially) streetwear or dance, for Filipinas in particular, you (we) can be any part of that (sub) culture. The only thing that makes you different is that, you're a woman, a girl. But basically you (we) can be part of anything. It should be a community eh (really). You're supposed to help each other out, you're supposed to be collaborating with different artists, different people, meeting others and expanding your connections. So for Filipinas, it's exactly the same as the general definition of what streetwear is. It's just that the only difference here is, your gender.

Mon: I just want to elaborate on this question, since you already told us about the scene here in the Philippines, in your own words and your point of view, what can you tell us about the growth of the sub culture of streetwear here in the Philippines? Are people only going for the hype and not paying homage to the real (original) brands?

Misha: Currently, the streetwear scene here is booming right now. There's so much brands popping out here and there with different tees and they have similar styles. Like I won't even mention (laughs) they have similar designs to. But yes, you really can't take away the hype. There are people who still hype over the same brands over and over. Maybe because, they've started out way back. But then sometimes people just do it because you know, it's cool. There are really good brands na hindi pa masyadong kilala (that are not well known) you know the people that work for it and you know they're passionate and they have a purpose and you really want to help them. So they (the brands) lack recognition and appreciation for this people. Kaya nga good thing (So it's a good thing) that social media (exists) and for word of mouth and for some events that you get to learn and to know more about these brands and these people. Sayang eh, ang dami eh! (It's such a waste, they're so many of them!). There's so much untapped potential you know you can get into eh (really). People focus so much on the big things. What about the smaller ones who actually deserve it?

Shawn: Yeah (agrees). My question here is more gendered kasi (because).

Misha: Yeah, sure (gives it to Shawn to ask the question).

Shawn: Yung parang (Is it like) women here in the Philippines in terms of the streetwear scene, would you say that they're underrepresented? Or, di naman? (not really?)

Misha: Hmm, underrepresented?

Shawn: Underrepresented in the sense na (that) are there enough products in the streetwear scene that cater to the (female) market?

Misha: Kasi (because) a lot of streetwear brands are more of t-shirts. So a lot of them are loose. Siguro kahit sabihan mo na size small (Even though you would say the size is small), it's still huge! Like for me, I wear small. It looks like a dress! (laughs) But you know what, I don't mind because, it's comfort eh (because). When you wear it, it's so comfortable. Like, why would I want to wear something tight? If you're just going to go out or what? I mean, I wouldn't say underrepresented but in terms of women, I think it's okay though not a lot of women are really into it anyway, so I understand. But then those who are like into it, they still get their fair share of recognition. Basta (Just) say if you're a girl, in a group of guys? (exaggerates) Even though you're not like, wow? Makikita ka eh! (You'll be noticed!) Know this kasi you're a girl! (Explains the advantage of streetwear for women) Basically!. Sausage party yan eh! (It's a sausage party!)

Mon & Shawn: (Laughs)

Misha: (Laughs) But if you're a girl, Standout ka! (You're a standout!) Ganun yon! (It's like that!)

Mon: Let's veer away from the questions for a while, I want to know more about the DLSU undergraduate girls who are getting into streetwear. They are getting to brands like Champion and it seems like they're getting to the trend mismo (definitely). So, as a guy being from this sub culture, are these girls from this (sub) culture as well? Are they doing this kasi (because) function over fashion?

Shawn: Or do you think they're just jumping on the trend?

Misha: I think to be honest, most of them are jumping into the fad (giggles).

Mon & Shawn: Ahhh (both laugh)

Misha: Because, I'm not sure if you (both) noticed, on Instagram, or mind shops na (that) they sell these things, whether (it would be) windbreakers, or you know? Like Champion! Ganyan (Like that). A lot of them are into fads lang, kasi (because) if you're going to talk to them about certain brands, they're obviously not aware of it. First step pa lang kasi, awareness eh. (The first step is awareness.) How can you appreciate if you don't know them? Like, you know, at least go to their events! Like their Facebook page! Follow their Instagram! Wala eh! (Like nothing!) I mean, they're probably some who are really, like they know about it, they also live with it. Let's say (I) go to an event, I would see probably 95-98 percent of them are guys. Girls siguro sobrang parang girlfriend lang ni guy. (possibly would be the girlfriend of the guy). Ganon (Like that). Let's say you're a musician, like Butta B or Peacful Gemini (refers to local artists in Manila), pwede yung ganon e! nasa scene sila eh (This would do! They're already part of the scene). Or if you model for something, you (should) really like it eh. So I think most of them (pertaining to the women) for the fad lang eh. (only.) Also, give them a fair chance (refers to the Filipinas who are mostly in the scene).

Shawn: Actually, mejo na misphrase yung question ko (I think my questions was misphrased.) I wouldn't say "underrepresented" my question was more centered around like, do think (women) are given a fair chance to express themselves properly through streetwear? Yung parang tailored for women? (Just like, tailored for women?) Kasi you said (Because you said) it's more of guy-eccentric stuff. Would you say that this is a disadvantage? Would you work around it?

Misha: Ooooh, it's not a disadvantage! Actually, if not, it's fun! Because as a girl, you can wear both tight clothing or loose clothing. Even mix and match, so if you've noticed some girls like they can wear joggers tapos yung top nila (and their top) tube, tapos naglagay sila ng jacket or windbreaker (and they place a jacket or a windbreaker over), they can really work it! Sobrang galing eh! (They're good at it!) Kasi (because) for example, women, you can just give them different pieces of clothing and they can work with it. Give them an oversized shirt, they could probably tighten the sides. They'll make it work for them. Magaling sila! (They're good) They're into fashion eh (just) why not do something about it?

Shawn: I wanna veer away from the questions as well, with questions about women. I have another question, what do you think about the scene (streetwear) with all of the fake stuff? No disrespect to them (people who rock fakes) but what do you think about that?

Mon: Ohhhh yeah!

Misha: (Laughs) Oh, I think it's sad! Because, I mean I understand naman (that) let's say you want to make money. I mean not everybody has genuine (stuff) purpose or act of doing it for the brand and the philosophy. A lot of them do it for the money and I can't blame them because it's a "business". But at the same time, I'm like, you know, if you're going to buy fakes, might as well buy local instead. Sometimes it can be the same price (refers to the price of local goods being the same with fake goods) and it's cheaper pa! (it's a lot cheaper!) And the quality is great! Like I have a friend, he owns this streetwear brand, I'm not going to mention name pero (but) meron nangaya sa kanya (someone replicated from him). Like it's exactly the same! Both versions of his own shirts are bootlegged and it's local na (already). Can you believe that? Ang lala naman ata non! (It's really too much!)

Mon: It's like what Virgil (OFF-WHITE) would say eh (that)...

Shawn: (Replicating streetwear) is the sincerest form of success. Follow up lang (only) with the question, what do you think about the people buying the fake stuff? Like their a group of people who buy those (fake) stuff.

Misha: (Laughs)

Mon: It's actually a meme online!

Shawn: Yung ano, yung SM Tungko! (Like the, the people from SM Tungko!). I'm honestly curious, what do you think about them?

Misha: I think, it's nice that they get into the (urban) culture, pero (but) I won't mention more of their attitude kasi (because) that's a different matter. What I can say is that I wish they know more about the local (brands) kasi (because) a lot of them (have) very westernized mindsets. If they think if it's Supreme, BAPE or something like that, sobrang uy grabe! Parang high end eh! (Like wow! It looks very high end!) I want something like that! They also think quality, I mean I'm not saying it's not quality (referring to high end brands) I like these brands too to be honest! And I think, for these groups of people, I think it would be great if they know more about the local streetwear brands. Kasi feeling ko, kaya nila i-afford, bumili ng ganun eh! (I believe that they can afford it!) I mean, it's real pa (also) and it's more relatable pa to them because it's pinoy. I mean, makakarelate ka pa (you can relate) even though iba ang pagkakaisip (you have different mindsets).

Shawn: (Exaggerates a little) Actually I agree, dun sa point mo na kaya nila na, kasi they're draped in fake stuff eh! (their point, but they're draped in fake stuff!)

Misha: Yeah!

Shawn: Yung sapatos pa lang nila eh! ( I mean, their sneakers alone!) I don't know. I don't want to elaborate too much about it (sighs). Well, we all start somewhere.

Misha: Yeah they're starting somewhere but (a least) they want to go far ahead.

Mon: Yeah (agrees).

Shawn: It's like their gateway kasi (because) they want to get to the top agad (already).

Misha: Exactly!

Mon: Now you've mentioned social media being part of the urban subculture, I want to ask two questions about social media. How does it define your style as a women? And what styles do you usually get from these social media appropiations. Parang (Like) did it give you an idea on how to dress like this?

Shawn: Influences mo (your influences) basically.

Misha: Well, social media has greatly helped me in finding what I'm into, what am I more drawn to in terms of influences because if I don't know the model, I just take away to how she mixes and mashes her outfit and matches some clothes and I would try to, you know, do something like what I have and do something similar and it helps because I learn more about other people brands, I learn more about other models and learning more about the scene whether it's music, art, hip-hop. Social media has helped a lot because it raises awareness eh (just because). The first goal of social media is to reach out to people and what they do (refers to social media pros) because they got...me! I learn about them and it helps in terms of influences, I get them more from men than women because, they're men! Like I get influences from rappers, ganon (like that) or models from magazines. If you're familiar with PURVEYR (local magazine), (I look) more into the local scene, I draw a lot from people like Jess Connelly, she's an icon! (laughs)

Mon: You've mentioned kasi before to us off the record you're a huge fan of A$AP Rocky.

Misha: Yeah!

Mon: Any other prominent figures that influenced you to get into streetwear?

Misha: Oh yes! Jaden Smith!

Mon & Shawn: Ohhh...

Mon: Local? In terms of style?

Shawn: Like yung influence mo na din (your influence as well)? Do you see anyone locally you take your influences from that you take bits and pieces from?

Misha: Yes, I'm not sure if she's from La Salle. If you know, Argo? Isabelle Argo Sino? Ka-batch ko siya. (She's my batchmate). I really love her style! She's very laid back but she wears a lot of local streetwear brands din (also) and one of the co-owners of PURVEYR, Sarah Martinez. A lot of them are guys! I really want to introduce females into this.

Shawn: It's fine.

Misha: Oh, Butta B (as well)! That's Bea Alonso Te!

Mon: You've mentioned, "women can make this happen!" when it comes to wearing men's fashion, so I would like to ask more of the discrimination of Filipinas in streetwear. Did anyone in particular tell you anything bad?

Shawn: Like did anyone hold against you when you dress the way you do in streetwear?

Misha: Personally, I haven't experienced it. I haven't heard anything yet from my friends? Because like you said, if you're a girl, you really need to stand out. So you celebrate it! Titingan ka kaagad kasi babae ka eh! (People would look at you because you're a girl) You have boobs! (Laughs) I mean, everyone is a guy! If you're gonna be...different, be a girl! Iba eh! (It's different!) The way you carry yourself from guys, as compared to women, it's totally different. I mean, even if you're from the LGBT community, iba rin eh! (it's different!) I wouldn't say is discrimination, unless i-didisrespect ka (they disrespect you). In terms of like, (is there) discrimination, wala eh. (there's none). You're celebrated (by many). A lot (of women) are not in to this (scene). Sila pa matutuwa na uy lodi, lodi! Galing mo pumorma lodi! (They would be amazed by you and would call you, idol! idol! You're good in styling yourself, idol!). They would be amazed because they'll be amazed that you're into the scene and you're a girl! More of the girls are into the "blogger" look.

Shawn: Do you ever get insults from fan comments on the way you look (or dress)? They make fun for you of it?

Misha: No. Hindi pa naman. (Not yet.)

Shawn: Sa office, madalas sa akin yan! (At work, that happens a lot to me!)

Misha: If they're not part of the scene, they're more likely to discriminate you?

Mon: I often get flacked when I was still working with the agency. I wore a lot of joggers kasi (because) I was into J's (Jordans) and running shoes, and people tell me na hindi bagay sa akin (it didn't suit me) but they eventually bit the trend and I was like, okay.

Misha & Shawn: Laughs

Shawn: Like we wanted to see if you know, women have the same experience, even more kasi nga mas maliit pa nga kayo sa portion ng subculture? (just because women are a small portion of the sub culture)?

Misha: It's more of iisipin nila (they would think) if they're into it. 'Coz cool. Hype. Ganon (Like that). Not more of hindi bagay sayo (it doesn't fit you) but more of cool ba siya or Instagram baggy ka! (if you're cool and you're Instagram baggy!)

Shawn: They never treat you seriously.

Misha: Parang (like) one lay you look different biglang (all of a sudden) hala, ito na suot niya! Parang hindi ikaw yan ah! (What is he/she wearing! It doesn't look like you!) I mean, it's okay if you add your personal style into it. I mean that's what I would do! You add yourself some flare in whatever you wear.

Mon: We're down to our last question, how do you see young Filipinas in streetwear 5 years from now?

Misha: I think, it will be a growing community. Not just into like...streetwear but it also goes into music, dance. There a lot of that goes into hip-hop, dance so everyone starts somewhere. I mean that's how I started. I listen to rap, to hip-hop, to RnB and then I started to getting into hip-hop dance then sooner or later, footwear, then streetwear and the culture. Baby steps lang (first). So, for some probably, it would work out but for the ones who are really interested to get into it and probably a lot because my friends are curious about it. Some probably, hinde (not really). But, I think, 5 years from now, it might still be a minority but it's not a discriminated minority but a celebrated minority.

#photo #collection #accessories