"FILIPINIANA VERSION 2.0"

by Maria Hennah Alhambra

 

       Perhaps, the first thing that would pop into anyone’s head upon hearing the word “Filipiniana” is the annual extravaganza that we call “Linggo ng Wika”. an event where most students and teachers are required to wear what we may think as a stiff national costume.

 

        But with the continuous change in the world of technology, also comes the evolution of fashion statements. Modernizing the Filipiniana is definitely a way of merging the past into the present, allowing our generation to appreciate our culture and at the same time, giving them freedom to make it one their own. That is why almost everyone – from celebrities to Senators and local officials, even ordinary Filipinos, became fond of wearing this modernized version of the terno (which as we all know, has been popularized by the First Lady Imelda Marcos) in various occasions.

 

      One of the events that became an avenue for officials to flaunt and show off their modern style Filipinianas is the State of the Nation Address which, perhaps, became the Philippines’ own version of the red carpet event in Hollywood. There are also several fashion shows, awards night, and beauty pageants that cater to this type of outfit. Even festivals like Santacruzans and Fiestas allow even ordinary Filipinas of any age to show off their floor length, restyled modern Filipinianas.

     

      With a variety of styles to choose from, any designer would find it hard to decide on where to start in recreating this piece of clothing. But surely, knowing the basic parts and materials to alter the traditional style will definitely be of great help to anyone.

 

Top 10 guidelines in creating that Filipiniana version 2.0

 

      Recreating the traditional Filipiniana really would require tons of creativity and effort for local designers to bring out the best 2.0 version of this piece of clothing. In almost any aspect, from the colors, patterns, texture, structure and even embellishments, any designer would definitely find designing the Filipiniana a handful.

 

Just follow these 10 guidelines in order to mix-in that perfect traditional-to-modern Filipiniana blend!

 

 

 

 

1. Choose a textured fabric.

 

      Choosing different fabrics to create different textures can definitely bring out that personal and one-of-a-kind style of this dress. The top and the floor-length saya of the Filipiniana can be modernized by using laces, ruffles, and other types of fabric just to give it a more unique texture and stylish look. Photo: Shamcey Supsup wearing Maria Clara Sleeves laced top and golden triangular textured saya.

 

 

 

 

2. Create those “avant-guard” sleeves.

 

      Giving a twist and turn to the traditional style and structure of the Filipiniana can give that extra “wow” factor.

 

       Avant-garde fashion is one way to achieve this. Avant-garde is very much about looking distinctive and it will often utilize materials that aren't actually typical for clothing. It is like creating wearable artworks which designers can apply to the Filipiniana sleeves. Sleeves can vary from one-shouldered, butterfly-ed, or it can be in a Maria Clara style shawl. Using different materials in creating sleeve styles can also be quite helpful to create that modern look.

 

Photo: Floor-length baby pink Filipiniana w/ black skeletal butterfly sleeves

 

Read more in Padayon's first issue.