The exclusive showcase aims to celebrate the fusion of tradition and contemporary style. Held at Tesoros flagship store in Makati, the event is deemed by its collaborators not just as a display of fashion but a statement on Filipino artistry, sustainability and modern cultural expression.
By Alex Y. Vergara
Tesoros, the country’s pioneer exponent of homegrown fashion and handicrafts, is celebrating its 80th year in 2025 with one eye looking back at rich its past and another trained on its glowing future. And this is emblematic with its choice of Happy Andrada as its featured guest designer.
Having earned a reputation in the industry for designing native finery that’s brimming with youthful fun while still cognizant and respectful of traditions, Andrada recently presented a 15-look collection of modern Filipiniana pieces for his and hers at Tesoros’ flagship store in Makati.
Andrada used a range of native handwoven textiles such as piña cocoon, piña suksok and inaul, which she mixed and matched with Tesoros’ existing inventory of handwoven tablecloths and even placemats to produce avant-garde and sometimes whimsical dresses, separates, barong-and-pants ensembles and various resort and everyday wear. Several tops were also embellished with hand-stitched calado embroidery.
“I guess they chose me based on my past creations,” said Andrada soon after the show. “They probably felt my work appeals to a younger and broader market. They’re probably a tad different from everyone’s idea of Filipiniana.”
The designer nevertheless “stayed true to my style” by making sure her pieces, if pared down, could be mixed and matched and dressed down with existing pieces in one’s wardrobe as well as used for everyday wear. Providing pops of color to the predominantly ecru shade that’s a signature of undyed natural piña fiber were handwoven tablecloths and placemats from all over the country.
Andrada combined them with piña either as skirts, jacket sleeves, overlays, vests and knee-length shorts. And for good measure, the resourceful designer doubled as her own stylist, as she sourced for various native woven hats, including salakot, some of which she embellished with faux bulbs of garlic.
Her collection’s silhouettes were decidedly a bit loose in keeping with the trend, but just so, as not to overwhelm the wearer. After all, most of the pieces are not made-to-order, but fall under the category of ready-to-wear.
“Using what is available, from tablecloths to placemats, is also my idea of upcycling, which I’ve been doing way back. When Ms. (Beng) Tesoro (Tesoros CEO) saw my outfit earlier, she appreciated what I did with the tablecloth.”
Since it takes a while to order handwoven fabrics from the provinces, Andrada basically made do with what was available at Tesoros. And in this case, it was mostly woven plaids in pastel shades, which she combined with piña cocoon and piña suksok tops, vests and double-breasted and varsity jackets.
A featured piece in the collection, a unisex varsity jacket made of piña and combined with handwoven material comes in black, maroon and lime green. Both jacket’s front panels were embroidered with iconic symbols like national hero Jose Rizal, coconut trees, tricycles, nipa huts, horse-drawn caritelas and the Rizal monument, which Andrada herself drew.
“I don’t usually use pastels. Now is one of those rare moments. I got inspired with the weavers and with what they have. Given the limited time, I decided to use them. The results surprised me and a good number of people in a pleasant way,” says Andrada.
For her part, Isabel “Beng” Tesoro said that the partnership reflects the brand’s unwavering mission.
“Since 1945, Tesoros has been dedicated to preserving and promoting Filipino craftsmanship,” she continued. “Our artisans pour generations of skill into their work, and through collaboration like this, we ensure that these traditions evolve while staying rooted in their authentic origins.”
More than just a fashion event, an official statement said, the collaboration brings attention to the evolving landscape of Filipino design—where heritage is actively preserved for today’s market.
“We see this as part of a movement where young designers take inspiration from the past and bring it into the future,” Tesoro added.
For Andrada, who has been in the fashion business since the early 2000s, her featured pieces, she said, “is not just a collection.”
“It’s a celebration of who we are as Filipinos. And through platforms like Tesoros, we make sure that Filipino artistry continues to thrive, both here and on the world stage.”
