You’d Want To Wear These 9 Modern Filipiniana-Inspired Pieces!
Who says that terno dresses are the only stylish Filipiniana pieces out there? With the Philippines’ rich mix of regional cultures and history, local designers have plenty to draw inspiration from. These include our indigenous fabrics, our famous Mindanaoan weavings, and even our traditional dresses from the colonial period. Today, plenty of designers have created proudly Filipino pieces that skillfully feature traditional designs, each with its own interesting story.
Here are 9 Filipiniana pieces with a modern twist:
1. Tea-Length Terno By Jo Rubio
Our Metro Most Stylish Woman Heart Evangelista-Escudero wears a pristine white, tea-length terno by Jo Rubio. It’s simple and elegant—truly a classic!
2. Terno-Inspired Top by Cary Santiago
Perfect for business meetings, this custom-made Cary Santiago top will definitely help you get the deal done. Representative Yedda Marie Romualdez from the First District of Leyte wears this piece with style—and local pride.
Photo: Cary Santiago
3. Modern Barong Tagalog By Joey Samson
Borrowed from the boys! Audrey Zubiri donned a modern barong-inspired ensemble by Joey Samson at the 2017 SONA. We love the contrast of the oversized sleeves with the form-fitting dress. Plus, the charming gold statement necklace adds a hint of nostalgia to the outfit.
4. Soft Terno By Chris Diaz
This chic Chris Diaz creation is one of our favorites! Ria Fariñas donned a blue, terno-inspired dress at the 2016 SONA. Its tiny, dainty butterfly sleeves give it a traditional Filipino touch that isn’t in-your-face, either—it’s perfect even for casual days.
5. Black and White Terno
You know what they say—you can never go wrong with the classics. Metro Most Stylish Tootsy Angara looks sophisticated as always in a black and white terno at the Senate centennial celebration.
6. Hand-Embroidered T’boli Vest By Kaayo.PH
Mayor Christina Frasco of Liloan, Cebu sports a hand-embroidered vest by Kaayo.PH. This stylish fashion piece features patterns from South Cotabato’s T’boli tribe. It definitely adds an instant ‘oomph’ to a simple button down and jeans ensemble!
Photo: Mayor Christina Frasco
READ: Exclusive: This Filipino Designer Creates Intricate Dresses For Princesses And Celebrities
7. Hand-Loomed Ifugao-Inspired Tee By Vinta Gallery
Toronto-based designer Caroline Mangosing advocates modern Filipiniana dressing through her brand, Vinta Gallery. One of her chic, wearable pieces is this tee inspired by the Ifugao—it was painstakingly woven on a hand loom!
8. Cropped Barong by Vinta Gallery
Another one of Caroline Mangosing’s designs is this Barong Tagalog-inspired crop top, where old-school tradition meets a playful, contemporary touch. Unlike the original barong where one must wear a white shirt underneath, you can have fun pairing it with dark neutrals such as black.
9. Hand-loomed Dress Featuring Yakan Weaves By Linea Etnika
Finally, Karen Davila proudly wears a hand-loomed dress designed by Joy Belmonte and Looie Lobregat of Linea Etnika. This little black dress is anything but ordinary—it features an intricate Yakan weave. Its makers hail from Basilan and Zamboanga City!
Lead photos via @chrysdiaz, @christinafrasco, and @vinta_to
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