Why Local Brand Syndrome Supply Sticks to "Making Cool Sh*t"

(SPOT.ph) If you ask people why they do stuff, passion is one of the most common answers they give. Passion is more than enough reason to keep going and create bigger, greater things—even if and especially when the destination seems a bit unclear. It can be anything, as long as it gets you to stay on the path. In the case of siblings Anton and Iñigo Cruz, it’s their passion and love for design and “making cool shit” that got them to create Syndrome Supply, a local streetwear-turned-lifestyle brand. They first went from a sneaker-cleaning business to selling signature boxy shirts and other cool, sports-related wearable pieces, and then to creating an ecosystem of concepts that caters to different demographics and ever-changing needs.

Also read:
Local Brand Macopa Gives Flour Sacks New Life as Unique, Wearable Pieces

Marikina-Based POSH Pocket Shoes Packs Comfort + Style in Every Pair

Syndrome started when they were in high school. In 2020, it wasn't Syndrome Supply yet; it was Sneaker Syndrome. After Sneaker Syndrome opened its flagship store, which featured merch with the "most God-forbidden designs ever” (Anton's words, not ours), they decided that having "sneaker" in their brand name restricted them from their full potential and dropped it so they could be more flexible. Thus, Syndrome Supply—which is a more encompassing term for the paths they would soon venture and the stories they want to tell—was born.

Now, they have shirts and other merch from brand collaborations, as well as custom rugs, mirrors, and more home items—and even skateboards—in SyndrHOME, which is helmed by their brother Zeno. They also have a clothing line and collection that features specialized garments through Atelier de Syndrome, which Anton says is their most challenging but most fulfilling concept yet. For their physical outposts, Syndrome Supply can be found in five different malls through Sole Academy and Spatio. They've evolved so much, they’ve even started their own manufacturing agencies for other brands and companies.

"Honestly, we just like making cool sh*t," Anton Cruz told SPOT.ph. The items in their catalog mirror their personal fashion choices and wants.

"We’re fortunate enough to have a good background in manufacturing and craftsmanship. During our summer breaks, we would intern at our family’s design firm—there we learned how to design all these concepts," he added. "Our goal was always to create NRG (energy)—not just through clothes but in different aspects of life. Essentially the Syndrome lifestyle."

Anton loves the football side of Syndrome. It's also one of his biggest passions that eventually opened a whole lot of opportunities for the brand within the sport and industry. Last year, they partnered with digital bank GoTyme Bank and introduced a collection of glow-in-the-dark jerseys that scream national pride and put the spotlight on the football community. They also have a lineup called Lightning FC.

Now, they're working on more exciting collaborations, as well as "deepening their other lines and offering more designs".

"I believe all concepts, drops, and collections contribute to our rise of small fame but ultimately, each piece [brings] people towards the Syndrome ecosystem," Cruz said.

This tee can say everything that you don't want to say... out loud, that is. We picked the soft, baby pink (though it's also available in baby blue) so that the truth won't look as harsh as it sounds. The "Sorry, I'm late, I didn't want to be here," on the back is printed, while the Syndrome Supply logo on the front is chain-stitch embroidered. Touching the imported 100% cotton fabric will definitely soften the harsh truth.

This style has a boxy, cropped fit that's perfect for a relaxed yet structured look, best paired with high-waisted or wide-leg trousers.

This piece is every bit eye-catching—from its light, purple color to its cool illustrations. The bright yet soft hue will brighten any room you're in, even as it keeps you snug amid the cold, unpredictable weather and even colder air conditioning.

The hoodie stands out even more with the pops of color from the printed(?) art on its front. The design is an exclusive collaboration with Bigboy Cheng's Secret Fresh. Like most of their tees, this hoodie is also in a boxy, cropped fit. Their collaboration also has shorts, tees, and, surprisingly, a Snakes and Ladders set.

If you want something more low-key and versatile, though, you might want to check out the Museum of Mental and Mystical Anomalies Hoodie. It's a simple grey zippered hoodie with a boxy cropped fit and pockets. The color makes it easier to pair and layer with other clothes and accessories. There are tiny colorful stars on the pockets, and the front and back patches are also embroidered.

The Museum of Mental and Mystical Anomalies, or MoMMA, was a conceptual pop-up-slash-art-installation and collection project by Syndrome.

The polos in Atelier de Syndrome may be more chic and tailored—but they don't stray from the brand's DNA. What caught our eye is the Altered Egos button-down polo shirt that's cool as it is versatile. The plaid design and chestnut brown color ooze a retro feel, but the boxy, cropped silhouette gives it a more contemporary look. The double pocket in the front is also a nice touch. With the piece, you can also get an Atelier de Syndrome activity pack, free stickers, and an authentication swatch.

One of the pieces included in their collaboration with GoTyme Bank is this Digital Phantom Jersey. It’s available in black and white, with pops of GoTyme's signature cyan color. In true Syndrome fashion, this piece is in a boxy, cropped fit in an imported Dri-FIT material, perfect for high-sweat activities if you play a sport or love working out. The cropped fit gives more room to breathe, and the fabric keeps you cool, dry, and comfortable.

You can have this piece customized—just shoot them a direct message on Instagram with the name and number. The dark patches and text are embroidered, and they glow in the dark, which makes it visible for games from day to night.

Aside from football, Syndrome also has a treat for racing fans through tees and polos. One of our favorites is the Syndrome Racing Cap — which will look great on anyone, racing fan or not. It features a "dad cap" silhouette with a one-size-fits-all design and an adjustable back strap for a snug fit whenever you're out watching a race on a track or through the screen.

Syndrome Supply is available online through their website. You can also find them through Sole Academy and Spatio nationwide. For more information and updates, check out Syndrome Supply's Facebook and Instagram pages.

Also read:
10 Pinoy Streetwear Brands Worth Adding to Your List
10 Cool Hoodies From Local Streetwear Brands That'll Keep You Warm