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!

 

All set for the 17th Congress' session and #sona2017 ????

A post shared by Love Marie Ongpauco Escudero (@iamhearte) on Jul 23, 2017 at 6:52pm PDT

 

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.

 

And so it begins... at the opening of the 2nd Regular Session of the 17th Congress. Goodluck to the hardworking men and women of the Philippine Senate - we are looking forward to quality bills for the country ?? #sona2017

A post shared by Audrey Tan Zubiri (@audreytanzubiri) on Jul 23, 2017 at 10:10pm PDT

 

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.

 

EN ROUTE My girl @riafarinas rocking her custom made ChrisDiaz back-satin crepe dress in teal with modified soft terno sleeves and back flounce panel. {for State of the Nation Address 2016} • • • #SONA #Sona2016 #fashion #chrisdiaz #chrisdiazdesigns #chrisdiazGIRLS #pure #simplicity #elegance #feminine #pinoy #filipino #changeiscoming #Du30 #Du30sona2016 #Digong #pangakongpagbabago #farinas #ilovelaoag #tYL #tGbtg ????????

A post shared by Chris Diaz (@chrysdiaz) on Jul 25, 2016 at 12:19am PDT

 

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.

 

SPOLIARIUM by Juan Luna .. At the Senate's centennial celebration at the old congress building, now the national museum..

A post shared by tootsyangara?????? (@tootsyangara) on Oct 5, 2016 at 7:43am PDT

 

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!

 

**IN THE SHOP NOW** This Hand-loomed Ifugao Tee is reversible, you can wear the V on the front or back. I love having options ? XS-XXL | ships out of Toronto. . . . #modernfilipiniana #croptop #vnecktee #filipino #vintaTO #handloomed #ifugao

A post shared by VINTA Gallery (@vinta_to) on Jul 18, 2017 at 3:54pm PDT

 

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.

 

New crop of the Crop Barong popping up for Spring ???? . . . Happy Valentines Day??#vintaTO #modernbarong #barongtagalog #womensbarong #handcrafted #ethicallymade #slowfashion

A post shared by VINTA Gallery (@vinta_to) on Feb 14, 2018 at 5:49pm PST

 

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!

 

 

Fabulous Friday with @iamkarendavila in our @lineaetnika #JoyDress!!! Thank you so much Karen for loving local, celebrating our handloom Yakan weaves and honoring the hearts and hands that made your Joy dress ?? We are grateful !!! Visit www.lineaetnika.com and pre-order your Joy dress today. #LineaEtnika #MakingWeavesMainstream #YakanWeaves #Handloom #ZamboangaCity #HechoenFilipinas #LoveLocal #Grateful #LineaEtnikaWoman

A post shared by Linea Etnika (@lineaetnika) on May 3, 2018 at 7:18pm PDT

 

Lead photos via @chrysdiaz, @christinafrasco, and @vinta_to