FAB FILIPINIANA

I remember a time when Filipiniana meant "Ninang fashion" or pang-Linggo ng Wika. Very costume-y, bordering on dated. But thanks to our very talented Pinoy designers and fabulous fashionistas, Filipiniana has evolved with the times.

The Traditional Filipiniana Styles

Above: Maria Clara-inspired

Above: The Imelda Terno

The Modern Filipiniana Styles

Hooray for Pinay fashionistas!

Above: Senator Cayetano's modern twist

to the black and white Maria Clara style.

So chic!

Above: Congresswoman Lucy Torres Gomez

wearing a periwinkle terno.

The surprise is in the color!

Above: Assunta de Rossi in a stand-out terno.

Love the pop of yellow and the origami detail!

Above: Bianca Gonzalez in a very chic interpretation

of the Imelda sleeves!

Above: Daphne Paez, also in a modern interpretation

of the Imelda terno. Love this! So fab!

The color's so Chanel.

The last time I wore Filipiniana was during my High School Graduation. Our entire batch wore Patis Tesoro creations (Lovely!). I'll try to find a photo.

Recently, I attended a wedding with a Filipiniana dress code. To make sure I'd wear a modern version, I sought my designer cousin's help. Her creative and practical fashion advise: an Imelda sleeves-inspired bolero, in hot pink. Loved it!

Above: My hot pink Filipiniana bolero

with Czarina Villa's signature rosettes.

Above: For the sleeves to look younger, more now,

we opted for them to be low and puffy versus Imelda's tall and pointy style.

Above: The ensemble.

No need for me to buy an entire outfit (yey!).

My black skirt and top are existing items from my wardrobe.

They served as the backdrop for the hot pink bolero.

Above: At the wedding reception.