In connecting with what’s real, WALALANG preserves the authenticity of design and encourages us not to overthink our style choices
The WALALANG capsule collection of Ziv Rei Alexi is hardly traditional, giving an eclectic take on the designer’s signature style. But then again, that’s exactly the point. A collection that welcomes the imperfections of form and process, WALALANG informs us that flaws don’t need to be fixed. Sometimes, they’re the best part.
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“WALALANG is an exercise,” explains Alexi. “It explores old techniques while expanding to new ones. We design in real time.” The collection is a snapshot of that journey—spontaneous, free, and looking forward to whatever comes. The pieces might not follow the predictable rhythm of polished design, but that’s the beauty of it. Alexi shares that even the shoot itself veers from their usual approach, reflecting the freedom that comes with stepping away from the expected.
This approach isn’t about throwing away all conventions, though—it’s about expanding the possibilities, especially when it comes to the designer and his brand. “This collection is a reflection of Ziv Rei Alexi. It may be flawed, but that’s perfectly fine.”
The designs themselves are an examination of the acquainted turned unique. Alexi takes everyday staples—like maong, daster, and a shirt—and reimagines them through exploration. Originally created for an exhibition called Open House for Hola, Escolta!, WALALANG began as a tribute to the concept of a “lived-in” home. This entailed taking pieces that felt familiar but enriching them with a sense of history: of real lives and stories worn into the fabric.
“At the end of the day, people resonate most with authentic things.”
– Ziv Rei Alexi on the purpose of the collection
There’s a lot of experimenting with shape, material, and technique, but at the heart of it, the goal was to expand what the brand represents. A collection that’s both grounded and daring, all at once, designed with a sense of liberation that defies the typical.
WALALANG also makes a statement on the incessant stress of our often too-curated style choices. “We wanted to engage with people by creating a very straightforward concept unlike making something where only a select few would understand,” Alexi says. “We just want people to not take fashion too seriously. Fashion is supposed to be fun and empowering.” In this way, the collection embraces fashion without the pretension, to wear what feels good and expressive, flaws and all.
What’s the biggest lesson Alexi took from this collection? “WALALANG has been an exercise for the whole team. To preserve the design’s most authentic state, we want to build a culture in the studio where won’t have to overthink design and just work with what we thought of at the moment.” After all, what seems authentic is certainly prone to error, somewhat rough around the edges, and unabashedly free.
Photographed by SARAH EL ALI
Muse VERSEX
Makeup by LUIS BUNAG
Hair by RUBI MACAWILI
Location ESPACIO CREATIVO
Assisted by DENISSE ALMADEN and PAULETTE NAVERA
