Founder Andrea Dy Buncio curates spaces where women feel seen and valued as she further creates opportunities for seamstresses
Andrea Dy Buncio is not your typical business-savvy entrepreneur. She’s a fashion-loving explorer who has turned her passion into a thriving business that’s as eclectic and versatile as the woman behind it. As the founder of KUL—a brand that champions size inclusivity, local craftsmanship, and a dash of vibrancy—Dy Buncio is on a mission to make fashion not just accessible, but also meaningful, especially when it comes to providing jobs for seamstresses.
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From Passion Project to Pandemic Pivot
KUL started as a college passion project—something Dy Buncio toyed with while still hitting the books. But as fate would have it, a global pandemic brought about a turning point. With the fashion industry reeling and skilled seamstresses losing their jobs, the entrepreneur found her calling: to provide a space for these underappreciated artisans to thrive. “I wanted to help women seamstresses because, honestly, the fashion industry can be a bit of a facade. It looks glamorous on the outside, but those behind the scenes are often undervalued and underpaid,” she shares.
Dy Buncio aims to create space—literally and figuratively—for people who are often overlooked. For her, KUL can be considered a movement to uplift local talent and bring size and inclusivity to the fore.
A Cool Woman, By Any Other Name
Dy Buncio views size inclusivity as a concept rather than a slogan. Her clothes cater to women from S to 3XL, defying the notion that fashion is only for a select few. And if there’s one thing that grinds her gears, it’s the lack of functional pockets in women’s clothing. She quips, “Pockets are everything. I don’t understand brands that skimp on fabric when it comes to pockets. I mean, have you seen the size of phones these days? If it doesn’t fit, what’s the point?”
KUL started with a different name, Cool Minimalist. But, minimalist isn’t quite the vibe when your designs are as varied and vibrant as Dy Buncio. It’s also longer. “I realized I wasn’t exactly sticking to the minimalist aesthetic. So, why not just call it KUL? Short, memorable, and way easier to type on Instagram,” she laughs. The name change reflects the entrepreneur herself: quirky, adaptable, and always evolving.
Boutique Expansion
In true entrepreneurial spirit, Dy Buncio took the concept of “homey” to new lengths with her showrooms. KUL’s first space was a cozy, tucked-away spot in Mandaluyong, where customers were treated like family, complete with drinks and chats. But with clients braving Manila’s infamous floods and traffic just to get their KUL fix, she knew it was time to expand.
Today, KUL boasts three physical stores: KUL Gallery in Mandaluyong, Mitsukoshi Mall in BGC, and the new Greenhills Mall in San Juan City. She also plans for more pop-ups on the horizon. “Pop-ups are great because they’re flexible. You can see what clicks with people before committing to a permanent space. It’s very modern, very now,” she explains.
More Than Just Clothes
Dy Buncio’s business acumen may be second nature, thanks to her family’s background in enterprise, but KUL is driven by heart. Beyond the racks of stylish, functional clothing, there’s a mission: to create opportunities for seamstresses who’ve been sidelined by an industry that doesn’t always value their craft.
“I’m all about trying, failing, and trying again. You meet so many talented people who are just looking for a chance, and if I can give them that, why not?”
– Andrea Dy Buncio on her craft
Her team is a mix of seasoned artisans, some of whom were ready to hang up their scissors for good before KUL came along. “Some of them were older, and obviously couldn’t handle a strict eight-to-five schedule. I told them, ‘It’s fine, come in when you can, let’s just try it out. If it works, why not?’ And it did. They were incredibly skilled, but they get tired more easily, and that’s okay with me.”
She likens her approach to building her team to putting together a puzzle, where each person contributes something unique. Her role, as she sees it, is simply to provide the space for their talents to shine.
A Brand For All
While KUL may have the polish of an international brand, Dy Buncio is proud of its Filipino roots. “People often think it’s a foreign brand, which is flattering, but I really want it to be known as a local brand that’s for everyone,” she insists. The entrepreneur’s vision for KUL is straightforward: to continue championing Filipino craftsmanship while being open to global influences.
As she looks to the future, she focuses on staying true to her brand’s ethos while exploring new avenues. “I want KUL to be a brand that grows with you, no matter where you are in life—whether you’re a student, a mom, or somewhere in between,” she says. For her, fashion is about inclusivity in every sense of the word, from size to lifestyle.
When asked about what keeps her going, her answer is refreshingly direct: “I love fashion. I love shopping. And I love designing. It’s what’s in my heart.” This devotion has turned KUL from a college side-hustle into a thriving brand.
Andrea Dy Buncio is following her passion, and with it, tagging along a brand that’s as cool and inclusive. With KUL, she is not only creating a colorful brand, but also increasing job prospects for seamstresses. It’s safe to assume she’s only getting started.
Photos: ANDREA DY BUNCIO
