Cruz' eponymous brand, founded in August 2015, is growing into what is becoming synonymous with contemporary Filipino fashion, one deconstructed piece of denim at a time. He regularly casts members of his community when creating visuals for the brand as part of an ongoing collaboration with photographer Renzo Navarro. The people who love, buy and wear Carl Jan Cruz went from fans to ambassadors, expanding on the community-based work the brand is focused on. The lived-in comfort of his garments challenges today’s dictum of glamour; it is neither Gucci-esque nor Prada-ish, but rather a mosaic of his diverse roots. By taking heed of his transits from London to Manila, and Manila to his hometown, Albay – he creates a “visual autobiography” combining the earthy mood of the tropics and the foundational influences of the European high street. Check out Carl's best spots to Manila below.