MANILA, Philippines – Members of the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines (FDAP) recently showcased a contemporary take on traditional Philippine national costumes at the “Metamorphosis of Filipino Barong, Terno, at Saya” fashion show and exhibit at the Mega Fashion Hall at SM Megamall.
A joint project of Filipino Heritage Festival Inc. (FHFI), the FDAP, and SM, the event was held in time for the celebration of Flores de Mayo, as well as the forthcoming Independence Day.
The fashion show featured 60 exquisite creations from 30 designers turning the Filipino barong, terno at saya into contemporary streetwear, cocktail outfits and long formal gowns while retaining the Filipino essence of the designs.
All the clothes presented were made exclusively by FDAP designers for this event. The Filipino Heritage Festival Inc. and FDAP want to show the flexibility of the Philippine national costumes not only for formal occasions — by blending the laid-back design and modern style into one and making it perfect for today’s fashion trends.
The exhibit, on the other hand, highlighted 20 ternos that display the talents and craftsmanship of the Filipino designers and bring the traditional costumes to the 21st century. Twenty FDAP members participated in the exhibit. With this, the FDAP successfully showed the people the evolution of the butterfly-sleeved dresses from the traditional to the modern, mixing classic designs and innovative techniques and functionality.
With support from Max Factor, the official makeup used for the fashion show, the Metamorphosis of “Filipino Barong, Terno at Saya” fashion show and exhibit is one of the many interesting cultural events at SM Megamall.