Renata Brings Heritage and Modern Fit to Philippine Streetwear
Renata is reinterpreting Philippine streetwear through heritage-inspired craftsmanship and designs made to fit the Southeast Asian wearer today
Rebirth through design
Manila-based label Renata is reinterpreting streetwear by combining traditional craftsmanship with modern design. Founded by Zeno Cruz and Lee Angelo Dizon, the brand focuses on selvedge denim and heritage-style garments shaped for contemporary wear. Each piece is built to last and designed for comfort, durability, and a fit that complements Southeast Asian body types.
The name Renata, Latin for “reborn,” reflects the brand’s philosophy. Lee says, “We take a lot of inspiration from heritage-style garments, but we wanted to reinterpret them. Traditional pieces often have slim, fitted silhouettes, which didn’t always work for us. So we reimagine them through a modern lens. That’s where the idea of ‘rebirth’ comes in.” Zeno adds, “A lot of Southeast Asian people appreciate how our pieces fit because we adjust the proportions. Some people even call it ‘Asian fitting.'”
From hype to identity
Both founders grew up immersed in streetwear culture. Lee remembers wearing Yeezy Calabasas pants and BAPE tees in grade school. “My mom’s brother lived in the U.S., and whenever he visited the Philippines, he’d bring back a few pairs of Jordans. That’s really what started it all for me.” They recall discovering Supreme and Thrasher as a teenager. “I asked my mom if she could buy me something from Supreme, not realizing it cost around $500. Eventually, I got a Thrasher tee, wore it to school, and from there I was hooked.”
According to the founders, streetwear today is more about individuality than it once was, when everything revolved around the brands you wore. Zeno notes that accessibility has allowed more people to participate in fashion, while Lee emphasizes that identity now defines an outfit more than a logo.
Crafting for Southeast Asia
Renata’s collections are influenced by both international and regional styles. While Western and Japanese designs provide a foundation, Southeast Asia shapes the brand’s identity. Zeno notes, “Many of our upcoming pieces take cues from our travels across Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.”
“From the fit to the construction details, craftsmanship is where we bring our identity forward. Everything is made in the Philippines. We want to know our products inside and out and keep the quality consistent.”
For the founders, streetwear has evolved into an inclusive culture. Lee explains, “You see all these ‘core’ styles online, gorpcore, normcore, quiet luxury, but they all reflect individuality rather than hype.” Zeno calls it “inclusive. Streetwear today is for everyone. It’s not bound to one group, one look, or one status. Whatever resonates with you, that’s what streetwear is now.”
Renata’s approach positions it at the intersection of tradition and innovation. The brand preserves heritage while adapting to modern needs, offering garments that are both functional and expressive. For those seeking clothing that reflects personal identity and regional craft, Renata represents a new chapter in Philippine streetwear.
Renata is a Manila-based streetwear brand founded by Lee Angelo Dizon and Zeno Cruz. It combines heritage-inspired craftsmanship with modern fits and focuses on quality, durability, and designs tailored for Southeast Asian body types.
Renata means “reborn” in Latin. The founders chose it to reflect their philosophy of reinterpreting classic heritage garments for contemporary wear.
Renata emphasizes individuality and self-expression over brand logos. The founders design pieces that let people showcase their personality and lifestyle through clothing.
All Renata garments are made in the Philippines. The brand prioritizes hands-on production, careful fabric selection, and attention to construction details to maintain quality.
Renata encourages wearing clothing that reflects personal identity rather than trends. Starting with timeless staples like a well-fitted denim jacket or quality shirt allows individuals to adapt proportions and accessories to their own style.
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 Nubi Osman
Production design Studio Tatin
Production Francis Vicente
Lighting direction Rojan Maguyon
