Across different provinces in the Philippines, young creatives are reshaping fashion in their own way—through denim, nature-inspired design, and dark, experimental aesthetics. Dell Morales, Rye Martin, and the Silver Spike Crew didn’t come from traditional fashion backgrounds, but what they share is a powerful drive to express identity, tell stories, and stay authentic.

From patchwork denim influenced by RPG games, to bio-mimicry inspired by nature, to haunting designs born in an abandoned warehouse, these designers prove that COOL isn’t about trends—it’s about curiosity, individuality, and having the courage to create something real. #CoolisinSession #CoolStarSection

RYE MARTIN

For Rye Martin, being COOL isn’t about fitting in—it’s about standing out. At 25 years old, the designer from Isabela believes his uniqueness and the story behind his journey are what truly define his style.

Rye’s creative vision is deeply rooted in his love for quality materials and fabrics. He finds inspiration in nature, drawn to its textures, patterns, and organic beauty. This appreciation eventually led him to explore bio-mimicry—the practice of drawing design inspiration from natural forms and systems. Through this, Rye learned how to create garments that don’t just look good, but also tell a story.

His path into the fashion industry began behind the scenes. Rye worked as an assistant stylist for Ryuji Shiomitsu, an experience that opened doors to new opportunities and connections. One of the most significant was meeting Ino Caluza, who would later become his mentor at Viktor Jeans.

Under Ino’s guidance, Rye refined his skills and learned the discipline of fashion craftsmanship. Their collaboration reached a meaningful milestone when Rye was entrusted to create the finale piece for Viktor Jeans’ last Manila Fashion Week—an honor that marked his growth as a designer and storyteller.

Today, Rye dreams beyond local recognition. He envisions his designs becoming a global brand, worn and experienced by people around the world. For him, fashion is more than clothing—it’s a way for others to feel elevated, connected, and immersed in the narrative behind each piece.

DELL MORALES

At just 22 years old, Dell Morales from Bulacan is already carving out his own space in the local fashion scene. The founder of the emerging brand Denim God, Dell began his journey around 2023—not with formal training or a fashion degree, but with a sudden spark of inspiration that changed everything.

Unlike many designers who grow up immersed in fashion, Dell didn’t come from a traditional fashion background. His interest began organically, sparked by a simple but powerful idea: patchwork denim.

Dell’s creative vision is heavily influenced by video games, especially RPGs (role-playing games) where character customization plays a major role. For him, clothing is similar to a game avatar—an extension of identity, personality, and mood.

Before launching Denim God, Dell worked as a stylist. One of his most meaningful early moments was dressing Jao of ALAMAT. That experience opened his eyes to new possibilities and gave him the confidence to pursue his own brand. It wasn’t just a styling gig—it became a turning point that inspired him to think bigger, creatively and professionally.

When it comes to muses, Dell looks up to Wisdom Kaye, whose bold, expressive style aligns perfectly with the Denim God aesthetic. Dressing Wisdom is a dream collaboration Dell hopes to make a reality someday.

While Denim God is rooted in denim and patchwork, Dell isn’t limiting himself. He wants to explore different styles in the future, allowing his designs to evolve naturally. What matters most to him is that his clothes continue to reflect his personality, views, and energy. He believes in going with the flow, trusting his instincts, and creating pieces that feel authentic.

For Dell, COOLNESS isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about staying true to yourself.

“Trends are temporary, but authenticity is forever.”

SILVER SPIKE

In the quiet town of Naic, Cavite, two young creatives are building a fashion identity rooted in curiosity, self-expression, and a love for the unconventional. Mike Nelvin Paller (19) and John Aldrin Novero (20) are the founders of Silver Spike, a brand that embraces dark aesthetics, experimental design, and the freedom to be different.

Their journey began in senior high school, not in a studio or classroom, but through simple curiosity. Wanting to stand out and look cool at school, the duo started thrifting for unique pieces. What began as a way to dress differently soon evolved into a deeper interest in fashion and design.

Mike, who is also a tattoo artist, brought his artistic background into the brand. His skills in illustration and body art became a key influence on Silver Spike’s garments, giving their pieces a raw, edgy, and expressive feel.

The crew draw heavy inspiration from Demna Gvasalia’s Balenciaga and Paradoxe Paris, brands known for pushing boundaries and embracing bold, unconventional aesthetics. This influence can be seen in Silver Spike’s signature look—dark, creepy, and visually striking.

Their creative space is just as unique as their designs. The Silver Spike studio is located in an abandoned warehouse, which the founders jokingly believe is haunted. The eerie atmosphere only adds to the brand’s identity.

Without formal fashion training, Mike and John taught themselves intricate design techniques by watching YouTube tutorials. Through trial, error, and endless experimentation, they developed their own process—proving that passion and curiosity can be just as powerful as traditional education.