AFTER MAKING waves in Australia and elsewhere in Southeast Asia, a Singapore-based clothing brand, Beyond The Vines, is finally hitting Manila.

Beyond the Vines opened with a small shopping party in the East Wing of the Shangri-La Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong. Couple Daniel Chew and Rebecca Ting started in 2015 as an online brand, but began to expand its presence to Thailand, Indonesia, and then Australia, and now this country, seemingly averaging an expansion rate of one new country per year. Mr. Chew, co-founder and Managing Director of Beyond The Vines, said about the relatively quick expansion, “We seek good partners. Southeast Asia has always been our focus. Nowhere else in the world has such a diverse culture.”

As for the name, it takes off from the slang “vines” meaning clothes, and Mr. Chew explained, “We wanted to push more than just transactions with our customers. We want to have a more holistic shopping experience.”

Mr. Chew handles business development while Ms. Ting takes the lead when it comes to design and concept. “They share one mantra inspired by the Scandinavian movement, where beautiful and functional everyday objects are not only affordable to the affluent, but also to all,” explains a press release.

The clothes are deceptively simple, in powdery shades and reliant on clever draping. The silhouette is familiar, and something we might call minimalist, but Mr. Chew says, “I think our clothes are not really minimalist. It’s more of timeless and classic, and they allow you to dress from day to night; from weekday to weekend.”

Beyond The Vines in Manila carries the brand’s latest collection, including pant combinations, maxi dresses, and pleated midi skirts in neutral tones and relaxed structures. Limited edition pieces, including its debut unisex capsule collection, will also be brought in.

With its launch in the Philippines,

“It gives you more mileage,” he said.

Either way, the simplicity of the pieces can let you get away with a lot of things: it’s an empty canvas for accessorizing, or repeating outfits — perhaps, making even yourself shine? “I think the focus when it comes to designing is really to bring out the quiet confidence of a woman,” said Mr. Chew.

Beyond The Vines can be found at Mid-Level 2/3, Shangri-La Plaza Mall’s East Wing, Ortigas Center. — JLG

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