Look: ILLEST Opens Their First Official Store in Manila
Gear up for the ultimate fusion of streetwear and car culture as ILLEST opens its first-ever standalone store in Manila
Words Mika Reyes
Photos by Illest
November 29, 2024
In a city where the temperature rarely dips below sweltering, and the streets are teeming with energy, the latest buzz in the Metro has nothing to do with the holiday season or the usual mall sale frenzy. No, Manila’s stylish masses have a new destination to flock to. ILLEST has officially landed in the Philippines. Yes, that Illest—the streetwear powerhouse revered for merging high-octane car culture with effortlessly cool fashion—has opened its very first standalone store in the Philippines at SM North The Block.
This Ain’t Your Average Retail Space
Let’s get one thing straight, the new Illest store is a total vibe. Think of it as a temple for streetwear disciples and motorheads alike. From the moment you step in, you’re greeted by the hum of Manila’s hottest beats and the faint scent of burning rubber (okay, maybe that’s just your imagination revving). The space is sleek, unapologetically urban, and peppered with nods to car culture—because why settle for a mannequin when you can display your merch next to a finely tuned machine?
And the merch? Exclusive doesn’t even begin to cover it. Limited-edition tees from the Illest x RWB collab are up for grabs, but only if you’re quick. The line, designed by Illest founder Mark Arcenal himself, is a perfect blend of streetwear swagger and automotive artistry. If you miss out, don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Mark Arcenal’s Full-Circle Moment
For the uninitiated, Illest is a movement as much as it is a brand. Founded in 2009 by Mark Arcenal, the brand has become synonymous with streetwear that doesn’t just follow trends—it creates them. With deep roots in the U.S. and Japan, Illest has long been a darling of car enthusiasts and fashionistas alike. And now, after years of global acclaim, Arcenal is bringing his brainchild back to his motherland.
“It feels like coming home,” Arcenal shared during the store’s grand opening, his excitement palpable. This was a heartfelt nod to a Filipino audience that’s been rocking Illest for years, even before the brand had a physical presence in the country.
A Star-Studded Affair
Of course, an event this big wouldn’t be complete without some high-octane names to match. Enter Akira Nakai of RAUH-Welt Begriff (RWB) fame and Angie King, the visionary behind Car Porn Racing. Both titans in the automotive world, their presence at the launch felt less like a PR move and more like a family reunion. Nakai’s bespoke Porsche builds and King’s boundary-pushing car designs are as much a part of the Illest universe as its signature logo.
Together, the trio of Arcenal, Nakai, and King turned the store opening into a full-throttle celebration of style and speed, proving once and for all that streetwear and car culture are a match made in gearhead heaven.
Manila’s New Hotspot
With its doors officially open, the Illest store is poised to become more than just a shopping destination. It’s a cultural hub, a meeting ground for Manila’s most fashion-forward and car-obsessed. Whether you’re here to snag that coveted limited-edition piece or simply to soak up the atmosphere, one thing is clear—Illest is here, and it’s here to stay.
So, consider this your official invitation. Drop by, flex your style, and maybe, just maybe, catch a glimpse of your favorite souped-up ride parked out front. After all, life’s too short to drive stock—or dress basic.
