What began with the reveal of its commemorative logo designed by New York design outfit, Karlssonwilker, in May just became a full-blown 10th anniversary extravaganza. Univers, the high end retail store in Rockwell, Makati that carries some of the most coveted international fashion brands, just released the results of its much-awaited collaborations with labels Fred Perry, APC and Craig Green.
The store launched Friday the first of its ready-to-wear pieces and accessories from its 10th anniversary collection, created in partnership with some of the designer labels it houses. Arrivals also included exclusives from Undercover x MEDICOM and one of the multi-label shop's longtime client-turned-friend, local designer Pepito Albert.
The collaboration with British menswear designer Craig Green, who is known for his unique utilitarian clothing, resulted in long-sleeve shirts that feature the influential designer’s signature string detailing and embroidered hole on its breast pocket—with Univers' 10th anniversary logo on its label.
The meeting of minds with Fred Perry, also a British brand but with roots as a favorite tennis uniform, went towards an unexpected path, though is still very much about wearability. The shirt features little patches lifted from the Punk insignia, signifying a rebellion against the system, and inevitably, progression—values that, according to the Filipino store, are shared by both Fred Perry and Univers.
Meanwhile, the collab with forever cool French ready-to-wear brand APC played with the label’s iconic denim, giving birth to tote bags especially hand-signed by APC Founder and Creative Director, Jean Touitou—hence, no two pieces are exactly alike.
These essentially collectible merchandise created for Manila’s achingly hip and moneyed crowd arrive with the release of a set of earrings by Pepito Albert featuring black diamonds with a total weight of 2 carats, set in 14k black gold. Also, for the first time, Undercover—who according to Hypebeast is “a Japanese fashion imprint known for its punk-fused, American-influenced streetwear styles”—makes available in Univers the most popular and coveted among its accessories: the Gilapple Lamp and Gilapple Clock.
Univers opened its first boutique in One Rockwell in May 2011, an offspring of the highly successful retail concept Homme et Femme. It has since been the retail company’s flagship, offering not only clothing but a whole variety of must-have lifestyle accessories, from books to decor to art. In June 2019, a second location was opened in The Shoppes at Solaire.
Expanding its horizons on its 10th year, Univers is also set to open a new boutique at Greenbelt 3 within the year, designed again by renowned architect, Ed Calma. Unique to the Greenbelt 3 store, the 425-square meter space will be featuring a Thom Browne shop-in-shop as well as a dedicated area for luxury book publisher Assouline.
ANCX wrote about the man behind Univers in April this year.
All items are available in Univers, One Rockwell, with select lines available online at UNIVERS.PH