Photo by Aya Cabauatan
In this time of joyous giving, Vogue Philippines gathers various industry creatives for their personal gifting recommendations. Creative director Rita Nazareno shares who and what makes the cut for her 2023 holiday list.
In the last few years, this creative director has been self-proclaimed to be “very conscious” of where she buys and who she buys from. As much as possible, Rita Nazareno tries to support and purchase from minority-owned businesses—whether POC, LGBTQ+, or women-owned. Here are some of her finds that she believes are perfect for the giving season.
For my nieces
I have 11 nieces (0 nephews!) and for Christmas, I bought each one a shirt from Re. Re Inc is queer and women-owned, and their mission is to inspire and boldly reimagine the status quo. The pieces are eco-conscious and designed for all gender identities and body types. One of the founders, Christen Press, is instrumental in the fight for equality, diversity, and inclusivity in women’s sports— and is a joy to watch in futbol.
Available online at the RE—INC website.
For my youngest niece
Enough! 20 Protesters Who Changed America – from Ashay by the Bay
For my youngest niece who is 6 years old, I bought a book— Enough! 20 Protesters Who Changed America— from Ashay by the Bay, a minority-owned independent bookstore that has a diverse selection of culturally relevant books, specializing in African American and multicultural children’s and K-12 books. The CEO, Deborah Day, opened her business in 2000.
Available online at the Ashay By The Bay website.
For my funny friends
Nazareno/Lichauco Keychains
Nazareno/Lichauco keychains are available at Guava Sketches and were first made available at this year’s Art Fair Philippines. We referenced subversive stitching and I still get a kick out of some of the very Pinoy slang terms we used such as “WAIT LANG”, “ANO BA”, “ANAK NG BUTIKI”, and “WALANG BASAGAN NG TRIP”.
Available at the Guava Sketches pop up at Kino, Pasong Tamo Ext, Makati City.
For my brother, Anthony
The hoodies and shirts of the Joshua Tree series by Yu Hokazono x Rita Nazareno for Kika Style are special to me. I am absolutely in love with Joshua Tree and I took these photographs while I was there this year. I was able to share it with Yu and Sayoko and we were able to collaborate on these. Yu is a Tokyo-based artist I sometimes work with while Sayoko, who is absolutely the best, has a store called Kika Style (which is in one of the longest shopping streets in Tokyo, in the Nishi Shinagawa neighborhood). Anthony chose the blue hoodie.
Available online at the Kika Style website.
For my most fashionable friend
The Fashion Mash-Up by Daisy de Villeneuve is a fashion press-out dress up book commissioned by the V&A Museum in London. It is absolutely fun and quintessential Daisy, whose work and friendship I love. My friend Gina, one of my most fashionable friends, will totally love this book.
Available online at the V&A Shop website.
