The Codes of Formality Become Expressions of Identity at the GQ Philippines Launch Dinner

It isn’t every day that a black-tie invitation cuts through the casual rhythm of Manila’s tropical calendar. Yet, give the modern FilipinoFilipinoThe national language of the Philippines, widely used for communication, education, media, and culture.Go to Filipino Glossary gentleman a reason to rig up, and he will hunt down his sartorial armor like Frozone to his super suit. Such was the energy last evening as the country’s biggest and brightest superstars of entertainment, fashion, commerce, and the arts converged—immaculately turned out—to celebrate the monumental arrival of GQ Philippines.

Throughout the evening, guests were able to get a glimpse into the superior standards that the modern FilipinoFilipinoThe national language of the Philippines, widely used for communication, education, media, and culture.Go to Filipino Glossary man lives by. And when it came to what defines his sartorial preferences, Suit It Up Manila sat prominently along The Port to highlight its tailored garments.

Launched in 2013, the family-owned atelier gave itself a distinctive identity by bringing old-world European textiles to life through FilipinoFilipinoThe national language of the Philippines, widely used for communication, education, media, and culture.Go to Filipino Glossary craftsmanship. Over the years, the brand has since dressed the likes of Alden Richards, DJ Tony Toni, and even GQ Philippines’ inaugural cover star Erwan Heussaff.

The brand proudly claims that its creative process remains personal to each client, while still being able to express its principles of versatility and intention through its Ready-To-Wear collections. At the event, Suit It Up Manila showcased key pieces from its Signature series of suits, which uses blends of either linenLinenA breathable fabric woven from flax fibers that is light, absorbent, and quick to dry, making it ideal for hot and humid weather. Linen shirts and trousers wrinkle easily, butGo to Linen Glossary or classic wool for everyday wear.

The BespokeBespokeClothing made entirely to one person's measurements, with a pattern drawn from scratch and often several fittings, as opposed to ready-to-wear or made-to-measure. Bespoke tailoring offers the best possible fitGo to Bespoke Glossary series, however, covers more than just the traditional tuxedo and three-piece ensembles, as the atelier also creates piña calado-woven barongs with patterns unique to each wearer. True sartorial excellence, however, is best expressed by those who have lived in the garments they wear, and defines what the brand deems as The Suit It Up Life.

Alongside the magazine’s arrival, Suit It Up Manila also timed the launch of its official e-commerce platforms the moment the three covers took center stage. Here, consumers are given direct access to the atelier’s Ready-To-Wear collections and accessoriesAccessoriesThe finishing pieces of an outfit, such as watches, belts, ties, sunglasses, bracelets, and bags. Accessories let a man personalize even the simplest look, and the right one can liftGo to Accessories Glossary such as ties, cufflinks, and tie-bars for a sharp yet subtle flourish to the final look.

While the night in itself brought the country’s best-dressed personalities together for one celebration, the future of its sartorial identity now finds a new home among the pages of GQ Philippines.

Visit suititupmanila.com to explore the brand’s Ready-To-Wear collections. Visit @suititupmanila on Facebook and Instagram to learn more.