The Global Forces That Shape Filipino-Italian Label LWRNBRT
Combining Japanese aesthetic sensibilities, Italian meticulousness for craft, and diverse Filipino stories, LWRNBRT stands out as a label that truly embodies what it means to be global
What makes LWRNBRT a truly global brand?
“Fashion isn’t an island—it’s all about teamwork,” says Lawrenbert Hingpit, co-founder of Filipino-Italian label LWRNBRT.
It is a guiding principle that defines the designer and his brand. Born in the Philippines and raised across Japan, Belgium, and Italy, Lawrenbert brings a global perspective to his creations.
Educated in fashion at Polimoda in Florence and Bunka Gakuen University in Tokyo, Lawrenbert refined his understanding of both European precision and Japanese aesthetics. “Japan gave me self-expression,” he recalls. “Back in senior high school, we had no dress code, so you could be yourself.”
Italy, on the other hand, instilled respect for craft. “Even people who aren’t into fashion care about how things are made,” he says. “It’s not superficial—it’s about respect for material and technique.”
After years working across ateliers in Japan, Italy, Antwerp, and the Philippines, he co-founded LWRNBRT with brand director Simone Galli. They define the label with three signifiers: rebellion, subversion, and reinvention, exploring how multicultural and multidisciplinary influences shape what we wear.
One key element in his designs is leather—a nod to his penchant for punk. With his couture background as well, Lawrenbert isn’t afraid to shock or disrupt ‘traditional’ streetwear codes with unconventional silhouettes, tattoo-inspired designs, and—of course, leather manipulation.
Streetwear, for Lawrenbert, is more than an aesthetic; it is a cultural record. “I think streetwear is edgier now. It’s more rebellious in a different way. Society used to be more conservative—now we’re not afraid to play with masculinity and femininity.”
“Fashion is political,” he adds. “Streetwear, especially, reflects society. If you really want to feel the pulse of a generation, just look at what the youth are wearing.”
For him, Southeast Asian streetwear—and the region as a whole—carries a rare duality. “We have a perfect balance between beauty and chaos—you can’t find that anywhere else.”
Representation is deeply important to him, especially as a global citizen and as a proud Igorot (one of the many diverse indigenous groups of the Philippines). “In Europe, people often tell me I don’t look ‘Filipino,’ and I always say, it’s because you’ve never really seen the Philippines. It’s incredibly diverse.”
This drives Lawrenbert to further hone his craft and push Philippine design toward the world. “I respect our legends, but I think we need more provocateurs. We need people who push fashion, both in terms of preservation and reinvention.”
As LWRNBRT evolves, Lawrenbert envisions an era of Southeast Asian streetwear defined not by imitation, but by rootedness. “I hope people see that we’re more in touch with our identities,” he says. “We don’t have to be caricatures. We’re diverse and unique in our own way.”
Chief of Editorial Content Patrick Ty
Photography Joseph Bermudez
Art direction Mike Miguel
Fashion Corven Uy
Grooming and hair Jean Anganangan, Crish Marfil, Patricia Marcaida, and Dhanver Serrano (Nix Institute of Beauty)
Models Noel Hein, Christian Bootle, and Nubi Osman (Monarq Agency)
Production design Studio Tatin
Production Francis Vicente
Lighting direction Rojan Maguyon
