When Puey Quiñones was introduced to Ulysses King Jr., cofounder and current president and general manager of Urban Lifestyles Inc., “I had a strong feeling that he will be a recognized fashion designer someday. I got curious (with) his style (of) eclectic and ethereal get up – truly avant garde,” King says. “I knew (even then) that, someday, I will be calling (Quiñones) to (collaborate with him in conceptualizing a store that will be) originally conceptualized, and is aware of its social responsibilities.”

That became somewhat providential, as, true enough, the path of the two crossed again, this time to form BOBON by Puey Quiñones, a high-end fashion house marked by the connection between art and fashion, equipped with ardent entrepreneurial spirit and pride.” As King likes to refer to the business: “This is equating BOBON as a product of fresh ideas, optimism and endless imaginations, all intertwined and expressed into a fashion statement.”
Building a House

The business’ name, BOBON, actually comes from a town in Samar, historically meaning “water well,” which the two deem “an apt image for endless supply of ideas and possibilities.” Incidentally, by Quiñones also comes from Bobon, Samar, where “the dreams of becoming a designer first took root.” BOBON now shows his “growth as an artist, and his position as an inventive designer in fashion circles all over the country.”

“I envision my clientele to be confident and strong in character,” Quiñones says, counting the likes of celebrities Tingting Conjuangco, Lulu Tan Gan, Divine Lee, KC Concepcion, Ruffa Gutierrez, and Boy Abunda, among others, as his muses.

What sets Quiñones apart is his focus on “luxury.” “It’s all about lavishness, opulence, extravagance, and the fusion of combining all these elements,” he says. “I aspire to produce thinking pieces for the Filipino and envision my clients to be confident and strong in character. Fashion is not just for the beautiful, the sexy and the rich. Fashion is universal. Everyone needs clothes. So I’d like to create pieces that speak to everyone’s individual taste.”

And it is this, too, the awareness that “clothes make the one wearing them,” that drove BOBON to go eco.  

The Green Design 

“Even while still on the planning stage of setting up our store, we have always been considering this idea of adopting an ecofriendly approach in our business operation as (Quiñones) and myself also personally believe in this advocacy,” King says. “BOBON would like to share the opportunity to do good without sacrificing the sense of style by providing sustainable fashions. We are a conscientious company committed to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.”

King, of course, believes in the power of the peso. “Our selection of modern, functional, high couture design, and organic materials give the people the chance to vote with their peso for a sustainable economy, breathable air, clean water, healthy people, and diverse and thriving wildlife,” he says. King adds: “Eco-fashion is on the rise. (Everyone) has to learn the impact of (their choices) choices to Mother Earth, and should make a share even in small ways. BOBON takes pride in this thriving advocacy, and, hopefully, will be recognized as one of the pioneers (of greening the industry), at least in the designer shop category of high fashion retailing.” To promote eco-fashion, BOBON (in partnership with Ateneo de Manila University students) came up with Maya, an eco-friendly line geared towards the youth. King quotes one of the students, who said: “No one has really made an eco-friendly clothing line here in the Philippines yet, and if anyone has made it, no one has targeted the youth. We have actually the most power right now in the country and it’s all a matter of utilizing that power in a more positive way.”

“We also know that the world is at its tipping point. It’s really sick right now so we wanted to make an advocacy to create awareness among the youth because they’re so apathetic. We just want them to change their lifestyle little by little. This is one way for the youth to be aware,” King says. Maya, the Hindu word for “one with nature,” includes pins and T-shirts with slogans like: “I cut class, not trees,” as well as Quiñones’ signature paintsplattered designs, made by Quiñones’ students in Bilibid Prison, where the designer teaches classes in fashion and painting.

“Apart from the launching of Maya, the store further employs a variety of responsible practices, including using eco-friendly, sustainable materials for its (other) clothing lines; employing energy efficient and low-impact production processes, like handpainted dress and handwoven bags; and maximizing of recycling with the use of paper bags instead of plastic, as well as waste reduction. In addition to these practices, our company is engaged in fair trade, support organic agriculture and various socially responsible groups and individuals,” King says.

Facing Challenges

It remains challenging, mainly because “not to mention the incremental costs, we get criticisms from people who, apparently, are non-believers of green efforts. They may just think what we’re doing) is a form of advertising and gimmick. And yes, it’s a promotional campaign because we believe in our designs and creations, (but it is also a way of doing good) by collaborating with (and not abusing) the environment,” King says. At the end of the day, for King, every effort counts. “We at BOBON believe that what you wear and where you shop is a reflection of who you are and what you stand for. This belief will always be identified with us and we will try our best to communicate this idea to the industry by way of presenting a showcase of eco-friendly clothing and designs. I don’t ask what else the government can do for us, but this is something that we do for the government and our Mother Earth,” King ends.