MANILA, Philippines — In line with the administration’s avowed “austerity” mindset, the State of the Nation Address (SONA) attendees on Monday, July 24, will come in pared-down, simple and pragmatic clothing. That does not mean, though, that fashion will not factor in.
Fashion designers will still find measures to make the second SONA more stylish. The nation’s “best and brightest” politicians and their guests will wear Mindanao-inspired outfits at the plenary hall of the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.
The theme of the President’s speech is “A Comfortable Life for All.” This can also be said of the design studies that the fashion designers created.
Designer Bonie Adaza of Chardin for President Rodrigo Roa Duterte
“The sketch is my personal handpicked design of the barong Tagalog that I’d love for the President to wear. But as what I was told by Ma’am Honeylet Avanceña, possibly President Duterte will wear his old barongs which I also designed for the last ASEAN (Association of Southeast Nations) summit. The sketch and the barongs pictured are made of piña jusi.”
Adaza's barong designs for Duterte Bonie Adaza/Released
Adaza's proposed barong design for Duterte's SONA Bonie Adaza/Released
Ito Curata for Maria Theresa Collantes, District Representative, Batangas, 3rd District
“Congresswoman Maitet Collantes of Batangas asked me to design a Mindanao/Muslim-inspired gown for the SONA. Using a basic terno design with the requisite butterfly sleeves, I adapted it by using a rose/pink silk taffeta fabric that has a geometrical design similar to many Mindanao fabrics. The fabric was enhanced with beads and crystals. Completing the ensemble is a drape that is reminiscent of the malong clothing style,” said the designer.
Curata for Maria Theresa Collantes Ito Curata/Released
Jun-Jun Cambe for Mila Ramos, wife of Hon. Deogracias Ramos Jr., District Representative, Sorsogon, 2nd District
“Mrs. Ramos will wear a jumpsuit and piña robe type Filipiniana top,” the designer said.
Cambe's design for Mila Ramos Jun Jun Cambe/Released
Mimi Parrel-Pimentel for Lourdes de la Llana-Pimentel, mother of Aquilino Martin de la Llana Pimentel III, Senate President
“Mrs. Bing Pimentel will wear an ensemble made of Mindanao indigenous textiles.”
Parrel-Pimentel's design for Lourdes de la Llana-Pimentel Mimi Parrel-Pimentel/Released
Nat Manilag for Enzo Pineda, the son of Hon. Enrico A. Pineda, Party List, 1-PACMAN
“[Matinee idol] Enzo will wear an embroidery black silk cocoon barong Tagalog with layered Mandarin collar and French cuffs.”