Sophia Eslabon and David Fugnit, founders of Able Apparel, hope to inspire a new paradigm, emphasizing meaning over mere clothing. Photographed by Karlo Torio
The new Filipino clothing brand focuses on empowering individuals and fostering community by creating clothing designed to “inspire confidence to achieve your full potential.”
One meaningful phone call from Sophia Eslabon to her best friend, David Fugnit, set everything in motion for what would become their clothing line. It was a conversation fueled by a shared vision and unwavering determination and without hesitation, Fugnit’s response was as straightforward as it was decisive: “Sure. Let’s do it.”
Over the years, the childhood friends grew into a duo that balanced creativity and practicality. Eslabon, with her passion for fashion and marketing, brings the vision. Fugnit, who thrives in spreadsheets and logistics, grounds it all with structure.
The childhood friends have shared a steadfast friendship since meeting in the fourth grade, one that has endured across continents and careers. Eslabon, now 25 years old, pursued marketing at Enderun Colleges, refined her eye for fashion styling at Istituto Marangoni in Milan and design at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines. She then explored various photography workshops to enhance her skills and broaden her creative perspective. The 24-year-old Fugnit’s path led him through Indonesia, Ethiopia, and the U.S., transitioning from accounting to finance and earning his degree in San Francisco and Boston. Despite their differing journeys, their friendship was strengthened over the years, setting the foundation for their shared vision of building Able.
According to the two co-founders, their idea for Able Apparel was bigger than fabrics and seams. “It’s not about the clothes; it’s about what the clothes represent,” Fugnit explains. With a name inspired by the word “capable,” Able aims to encourage people to step out of their comfort zones and embrace their potential.
This message is seen through their website and social media content with phrases such as “We are able, you are able” and “Be limitless.” The brand’s message is clear: it’s not just about selling clothes; it’s about encouraging people to believe in themselves and take risks. “Our content is centered on the message,” Eslabon adds. “We wanted to build a brand that stands for something.”
From the name to its color palette, the newly launched clothing label is designed with empowerment in mind. “Red is bold and confident,” Eslabon says, explaining the brand’s primary color choice. To balance it, they added soft pinks and quirky elements to make the branding feel approachable and fresh.
It’s also translated into their first collection called Limitless, a 10-piece ensemble with some pieces worn by Eslabon herself during the photo shoot. The Rosa Pants, according to the brand, stands for strength and resilience, while the Clara top, a versatile piece that can shift from an off-shoulder style to an asymmetrical drape symbolizes the “ability to adapt with grace.”
In their journey of building their brand, the two co-founders also explained how their research has led them to how their target audience thinks. According to them, Gen-Z and Gen Alpha are drawn to brands with relatable stories and transparent values. “People want to feel connected. They want to know who’s behind the brand,” Eslabon says.
Though the pair is just a month into its journey, Able Apparel is already looking ahead. Eslabon and Fugnit plan to release more original designs in the future. But even as they grow, they want to stay true to their core message. “Fashion is a tool,” Fugnit notes. “But it’s the story and the community behind it that makes it meaningful.”
For more information, visit Able Apparel’s official website. Follow them on Instagram.
Photography by Karlo Torio. Art Direction and written by Christina Zabat. Creative direction by Andrea Quintos. Styling by Angelo Vasallo of Gee Jocson Studio. Hair and makeup by John Michael Robles, Meg Rosales, and Nasah Shekinah of Nix Institute of Beauty. Produced by Bradly Hao. Implemented by Ian Urmaza and Erika Palacios.
