Baguio’s Closet Launched on June 12, 2018, Marking Maila Alog’s First Year as a Budding Igorot Fashion Designer

The expansion of Carolina’s Dress Shop into Baguio’s Closet officially took place on June 12, 2018, marking a dual milestone: the growth of the business into a larger creative space and the first-year anniversary of Maila Alog as a budding Igorot fashion designer in the creative industry.

Held at the 3rd Floor of the Maharlika Livelihood Complex, the expansion included the addition of Stalls 3049 and 3050, transforming the original wardrobe-for-rent startup into a broader fashion and costume hub. The occasion symbolized both business growth and a personal creative milestone—celebrating one year of hands-on practice, exploration, and learning rooted in local identity and cultural expression.

Alongside the physical expansion, Baguio’s Closet’s collections significantly grew, featuring United Nations–themed costumes, book and literary character outfits, formal OOTD ensembles, and bridal wear. This diversification reflected the evolving vision of a budding Igorot fashion designer responding to the needs of schools, institutions, creatives, and families seeking accessible yet thoughtfully curated attire for academic presentations, themed events, celebrations, and weddings.

Situated within one of Baguio City’s enduring commercial landmarks, the expansion reinforced the brand’s alignment with Maharlika’s legacy of supporting local entrepreneurs and livelihood-driven enterprises. The additional stalls enabled better organization of inventory, improved client experience, and greater capacity to serve diverse styling requirements—while continuing to advocate sustainable fashion through wardrobe sharing, emphasizing reuse, accessibility, and responsible consumption.

The June 12, 2018 expansion stands as a defining chapter in both the business and creative journey of Maila Alog. From a modest startup to a growing wardrobe hub, Baguio’s Closet emerged as a reflection of a budding Igorot fashion designer’s vision—rooted in heritage, strengthened by experience, and guided by creativity, integrity, and purpose.