Love, Bonito to open first physical store in Manila this year

Singaporean fashion label Love, Bonito is coming to the Philippines, and it's here to stay.

During the rebrand launch attended by PhilSTAR L!fe in Singapore, its CEO Dione Song announced that Love, Bonito will have its first brick and mortar store in Manila mid 2024.

While the brand has previously opened pop-up stores in the the country, Rachel Lim, the co-founder of Love, Bonito, shared why they decided to bring the label permanently to the country.

“We are excited to finally come to Manila. And I think it’s been a longtime coming,” she told L!fe.

“Philippines has a very special place in our hearts, that’s why we always try to go as much as we can to be with the community as well. And I think also, through pop-ups we realized that ‘Wow, there is really such an encouraging response from the community in the Philippines!’ So, we decided we’re gonna take the leap of faith to open up and to serve our customers in the Philippines,” Rachel continued.

Apart from the announcement, the event held last March 14 also gave guests and creatives from the APAC region, including the Philippines’ Janeena Chan, Kryz Uy, Vina Guerrero, and Janina Manipol, a first look of the refurbished shophouse along Jiak Road. The pop-up houses the latest Signature collection, as well as a venue for panel and styling sessions for customers.

Talking more about the brand’s new identity, Dione shared that the mission is to honor their rich Asian heritage and challenge stereotypes surrounding Asian women.

“Our purpose is really to inspire and uplift Asian women globally. Hence, the rebrand. Making clothing that is ready-to-live not just ready-to-wear,” Dione said.

“For us as well, I think we also wanted to take a stand as a proud Asian and Singapore brand as well. With a change and innovation of our color red. It’s really a nod to our Asian heritage. Also, the homage to our Singapore roots. If you go to our stores in the last few months, if you have noticed, we have changed our plant features. We’ve moved and started using a very subtle use of orchids across all of our stores,” she continued.

The Love, Bonito shophouse is open to the public from March 15 to 24 at 4 Jiak Road, Singapore.