They say that passion fuels purpose, and for Emil and Vince Javier, their love for streetwear transformed into a remarkable success story that resonates through the vibrant streets of the Philippines and beyond. Their brainchild, Don’t Blame The Kids Apparel Co. or DBTK, has become a prominent name in Philippine fashion, leaving its mark on the global apparel stage while proudly reflecting Filipino craftsmanship and pride in every stitch and design.
Their journey began humbly during their college years when the Javier brothers immersed themselves in the world of streetwear, a captivating subculture. They started by reselling popular brands, which quickly evolved into a profitable business, allowing them to forge connections and expand their network within the niche. However, they desired something more—to create, disrupt, and contribute to the very culture that had captivated them.
In 2012, armed with courage and a dream, they took a leap of faith and established DBTK. Leaving behind the stability of a thriving reselling business may have felt like a gamble, but they utilized the earnings from their previous venture and embarked on the journey of design and fashion. Launching DBTK without a safety net or fallback plan, they placed their trust in their talent and intuition. It was a daring move that ultimately paid off.
Today, DBTK proudly stands as a Filipino fashion label that has collaborated with global giants such as H&M, Sanrio, Bratpack, Sesame Street, and Pokemon. Leading the charge are Emil, serving as CEO, Vince as the brand’s Creative Director, and Ryan Jopillo, who handles the brand’s logistics.
The success of DBTK is a testament to the indomitable spirit and creative vision of the Javier brothers. With each unique design and collaboration, they continue to shape the streetwear landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the fashion industry both locally and internationally. Their journey is an inspiration, showcasing the power of passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of one’s dreams.
Within the DBTK team, Emil, Vince, and Ryan each bring a distinct set of talents and expertise, forming an unbeatable trio that drives the brand’s success. Their collaboration is the driving force behind DBTK’s ascent in the industry, showcasing the fusion of business acumen, creative vision, and logistical finesse.
As CEO, Emil’s strong business acumen and strategic thinking have been instrumental in guiding DBTK’s growth. With his deep understanding of market trends and consumer preferences, he navigates the industry landscape with finesse, ensuring the brand stays ahead of the curve. Emil’s leadership and visionary approach have propelled DBTK’s expansion and cemented its position in the market.
Vince, serving as the brand’s Creative Director, possesses an unparalleled creative vision that sets DBTK apart. With an innate ability to transform ideas into visually captivating designs, he fuels the brand’s artistic flair and attention to detail. Vince’s keen eye for fashion trends and his dedication to innovation ensure that DBTK remains at the forefront of style, consistently pushing boundaries and captivating audiences.
Ryan Jopillo plays a crucial role in DBTK’s operations, managing the brand’s logistics with precision and expertise. His meticulous planning and organizational skills keep the entire operation running smoothly. By optimizing supply chains, overseeing inventory management, and streamlining distribution processes, Ryan’s contributions have been vital in scaling the business and meeting customer demands efficiently.
Together, this dynamic trio forms a powerful partnership, supporting and complementing each other’s strengths as they built the DBTK brand. Their collaborative efforts have been essential in propelling DBTK to new heights and solidifying its reputation as a streetwear icon. With Emil’s business acumen, Vince’s creative brilliance, and Ryan’s logistical prowess, DBTK continues to thrive, captivating audiences with its unique blend of style, innovation, and Filipino pride.
Emil, Vince, and Ryan’s success story also stands as a testament to a pivotal business alliance that propelled their growth—their partnership with LBC, a like-minded Filipino brand that shares their vision and values. This collaboration added another angel to the mix, further fortifying DBTK’s operations and propelling them to new heights.
From the outset, LBC, a trusted logistics company in the Philippines, played a vital role in DBTK’s journey. In the early days, the Javier brothers personally carried boxes of their merchandise to an LBC branch, relying on the company’s shipping services to reach their customers. However, as DBTK gained popularity, this process became increasingly impractical.
Enter their new “angel”—LBC seamlessly integrated their creative prowess with LBC’s logistics expertise and supply chain management. With LBC’s extensive network and efficient delivery services, DBTK was able to streamline the distribution of their products, reaching customers across the Philippines and beyond with ease.
As DBTK expanded, LBC rose to the challenge. The logistics company became an invaluable lifeline, managing the shipping and handling aspects of DBTK’s operations. This partnership allowed the Javier brothers to focus on what truly mattered—creating innovative, fresh, and sought-after streetwear that resonated with the modern Filipino youth.
The synergy between DBTK and LBC exemplifies the power of collaboration and demonstrates how two like-minded brands can elevate each other to greater success. With LBC as their trusted logistics partner, DBTK continues to flourish, meeting the demands of their growing customer base while staying true to their vision. Together, they forge ahead, transforming the landscape of Filipino streetwear and leaving an indelible mark on the fashion industry.
The Javier brothers acknowledge the significant role played by LBC in their journey. “There are cheaper options available today, but the trust and infrastructure—LBC has it all,” they affirm.
Their trust in LBC extends beyond business understanding—it is rooted in shared values. Both DBTK and LBC are Filipino-owned brands that embody national pride and a commitment to success.
The alliance between DBTK and LBC celebrates Filipino creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurship. It is a story of two local brands carving their niche in the global marketplace. As DBTK continues to make waves in the fashion world, LBC remains a steadfast partner, handling logistics and enabling the fashion brand to reach every corner of the Philippines.
“LBC’s infrastructure and trustworthiness make them our preferred logistics partner. In a world full of options, we chose a brand we could entrust our operations to. LBC was that brand.”
Throughout their journey, the brothers have learned the value of entrusting operations to like-minded partners who share their values. “Our responsibility extends beyond our customers—it encompasses the entire team. From creatives to operations to logistics, we need to instill our belief in the business. It starts with us,” they emphasize.
This aligns closely with LBC’s corporate philosophy and commitment to excellence. The synergy between the two brands fosters growth and expansion for DBTK, empowering its continued march in the global street fashion arena.
“Waves Don’t Stop,” one of DBTK’s popular catchphrases, encapsulates the mission of the partnership between DBTK and LBC. The journey they embarked on years ago continues today, driven by their shared belief in moving forward despite challenges.
“The ‘Waves Don’t Stop’ catchphrase represents our journey. Life has ups and downs, just like ocean waves. But we have learned that no matter how big the waves, we must keep moving forward. LBC has been there, helping us navigate these waves,” they affirm.
DBTK’s journey goes beyond the rise of a fashion brand—it represents a cultural movement. Its prominence and collaborations with international brands have catapulted Filipino fashion sensibilities onto the global stage.
The partnership between LBC and DBTK signifies more than a business alliance—it symbolizes shared Filipino values and national pride. Together, they demonstrate that with a clear vision, dedication, and the right partnerships, Filipino brands can thrive in the global market.
The Javier brothers’ gamble on their passion has paid off. Today, DBTK’s designs are not only worn by Filipino youth but have become symbols of Filipino pride and creativity. They embody the vision of two brothers who dared to dream big and worked tirelessly to transform that dream into reality.
DBTK, with its bold designs and original concepts, shines as a beacon of innovation in Filipino fashion. Its alliance with LBC, a reliable and efficient logistics partner, has been instrumental in its success. Together, they epitomize the spirit of Filipino entrepreneurship—creative, resilient, and undeniably triumphant.
As we witness the continued rise of DBTK, one thing is certain: for those who dare to dream and persevere, the waves truly don’t stop. And with partners like LBC supporting their journey, Filipino brands like DBTK can ride those waves to global recognition.
For more information about how LBC can support you and your business, please visit www.lbcexpress.com/business-solutions.
