The Philippine Ukay-Ukay Culture as Sustainable Fashion

Authors

Hazel T. Biana, De La Salle UniversityFollow

JEL Classification System

L67, Q56

Abstract

Wang et al. (2019) proposed a sustainable fashion index model that aims to measure the sustainability of fashion companies. The model is interesting because of its underlying theory, which provides necessary dimensions and variables that make the fashion industry and its activities sustainable. This paper aims to employ these dimensions and variables as theoretical concepts to evaluate the sustainability of Philippine ukay-ukay culture. Ukay-ukay is a term used both for the act of shopping by digging up piles of used or pre-loved clothes until one makes a good find. It also refers to retailers of secondhand clothes and accessories in the Philippines. The sustainable fashion theory posits that for fashion to be sustainable, it must strive to achieve and balance specific economic, environmental, cultural, and social objectives. As part of the three fashion business models, what then are the relationship of the ukay-ukay to these other models, the fast fashion and luxury fashion models, and how does it fare in terms of sustainability. Through theoretical analysis of ukay-ukay’s quality and value, customers and relationships, processes, expressions and meanings, and legalities and charities, this paper found that ukay-ukay can actually be an alternative model for sustainable fashion with certain limitations.

Recommended Citation

Biana, Hazel T. (2020) "The Philippine Ukay-Ukay Culture as Sustainable Fashion," DLSU Business & Economics Review: Vol. 30: No. 1, Article 14.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59588/2243-786X.1126
Available at: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/ber/vol30/iss1/14