CEBU, Philippines - During the Spanish period in the country, the affluent Filipinas - especially in population centers like Manila - wore voluminous and sheer lace clothing. Those in the peripheral areas mostly had to settle for less ornate cotton cloth - but in either solid or vivid colors. The designs were distinct from each other, as distinct as the two sub-cultural differences.
Through time, however, the dressing styles of Filipinas evolved into a unified identity with features that cut across localities and even across social classes. The Filipiniana was born, although the term itself probably followed only a good number of years after, perhaps about a century later.
Important Filipiniana dresses include the terno and baro't saya, unofficially the alternate national costume for women. August being the designated "Buwan ng Wika" in the country, the observance conjure up thoughts of anything Filipino. The Filipiniana is also a good suggestion for outfit in the many cultural occasions during the month.
The Filipinana, though, is commonly thought of as a heavy garment, itchy to wear, and usually stiff. Not necessarily so. Up-and-coming fashion designer Griffins Malazarte, who belongs to the new breed of creative artists, seeks to overturn the traditional image of the Filipiniana - by modernizing it.
Malazarte's Filipiniana are made of fine quality fabrics - pina, jusi or organza - and intricate hand embroidery. Creating Filipiniana is his way of expressing patriotism.
His red Filipiniana makes use of sequence cloth and laser cut appliqués, creating an illusion of structured pointed angles that exude modernist elegance and dignity. When sparkling embellishments are added, it is perfect for a formal night out. The dress won "Best Dress" during a recent gathering in Cambodia.
The gold Filipiniana symbolizes the riches of the country, both in terms of its culture and natural resources. This gown is specially intended for gala events, especially as it creates a nice silhouette and prompts good poise. The same dress was worn by Miss Cebu 2015 2nd runner-up during the "Kagawasan" event at Ayala Center Cebu last June.
Filipiniana pieces often require particular sewing techniques, to bring out the distinct sense of sophistication that this style hybrid has come to be known for. (FREEMAN)