We’re celebrating the rebirth of tradition with a modern twist through Filipinianas
Who says Filipinianas are only for themed parties? With influential faces such as Catriona Gray incorporating Philippine tradition into her outfits, more and more Filipinas have been sporting the look with the help of modern-day brands and designers that infuse heritage within their creative collections. And of course, we can’t forget Pia Wurtzbach’s glamourous ode to Gloria Diaz for being the first Filipina to bring home the Miss Universe crown. The stunning look designed by Mark Bumgarner won us over, but Pia’s message stole our hearts: “Today, this look is a message for every woman to be unafraid to reach for the moon and say yes to her dreams & new adventures.”
Unfortunately, we can’t walk around in custom floor-length gowns every day, but we can wear casual ternos to work; don’t worry, these options won’t make you feel like you’re back in middle school forced to wear the same baro’t saya every year. We’ve got a list of grown-up options that you can dress up or down for any occasion.
Take a look at the elegant, ultra-feminine designs of brands that empower and complement the silhouettes of their muse—the modern Filipina:
Vania Romoff
Romoff is a powerhouse made to honor and create modern femininity through romantic fabrics and elegant designs. From ready-to-wear to custom pieces, Vania Romoff Studio never disappoints. The brand offers a variety of sharp silhouettes with dainty details. Each collection is every woman’s fantasy wrapped in silk organza.
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Tygie
Tygie set the standard for weaving traditional Filipinianas into everyday wear. With creativity and innovation at the forefront, the brand ensures that the traditional dress can be interpreted in more than one way. After all, it is more than a costume. It's a power move passed down through generations and carried on by today's long list of dignified Filipinas.
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Kultura
Everyone’s go-to store for local artistry has just gotten better over time. Kultura continues to embrace Filipino heritage while remaining relevant to today’s trends in fashion. Behind every product is a story crafted by artisans who represent pride and identity in the most eco-friendly way possible. Let’s face it, they were sustainably cool before anyone else, and it’s about time we acknowledge the effort they put into helping small businesses thrive in a world of mass production.
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Filip + Inna
Filip + Inna revives and preserves ancient techniques derived from indigenous groups of the Philippines. As they work with artisans across the archipelago, the brand provides opportunities for them to thrive in their environment so they can continue to offer the world a piece of home. They specialize in hand-crafted custom pieces that are unique enough to make you stand out in the best way possible.
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As the pre-colonial garment reflects historical context, today’s contemporary version retains the same grace and sophistication, but with newer cuts and silhouettes to fit the evolved Filipina. With puffy sleeves as a top trend that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, stand out in a Filipiniana instead!
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Words Marga Sibug
Art Matthew Ian Fetalver
