Filipiniana Archives

Patis Tesoro, the woman who made high-fashion Filipiniana pieces versatile and wearable

At 74, Maria Beatriz "Patis" Pamintuan Tesoro is still full of life and shows no signs of slowing down. In the 408-page tome Filipiniana is Forever, written by her daughter Nina Tesoro Poblador and various contributors, see the colorful tapestries that form the storied career of the grand dame of…

Filipiniana finery gets a 21st-century reboot in the hands of Happy Andrada and Tesoros

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,…

Happy Andrada gives the Filipiniana a modern take at Pinoy Playlist Music Festival

Filipino designer Happy Andrada captivated audiences with her take on Filipiniana wear at the recent Pinoy Playlist Music Festival (PPMF) 2024. Held at the BGC Art Center, her runway presentation featured a fusion of tradition and modernity, showcasing 32 pieces that honor the Philippines' rich textile heritage while reimagining the…

Paul Cabral, finally!

What took one of the country’s most commercially successful made-to-order designers this long to stage his first-ever gala show consisting of 72 looks? It had everything to do with timing. Text and photos by Alex Y. Vergara More than a week on after Paul Cabral staged “Una,” his very first…

Freedom is always in fashion

Photography by MAU AGUASIN / Styling by LUIS ESPIRITU JR. / Associate Styling by BANG MARTINEZ and DIANE LASAM / Hair and Make up by BABA PARMA / Model: MARIE ANN UMALI-LONTOC of Mercator / Words by JOSE PAOLO S. DELA CRUZ Free from the shackles of outdated stereotypes, the…

Tesoros features Malu and Letlet Veloso’s dreamy Filipiniana ensembles

As Tesoros, The Philippines in a Store, marks its 75th year in 2020, the iconic establishment welcomes another noted Filipino brand, Veloso by Malu & Letlet. The partnership was featured recently in the 15th edition of Tesoros' Disenyo at Talento Talks at Tesoros' flagship store at 1016 Arnaiz Avenue Makati…

Finding space for the baro’t saya in the modern Filipino woman’s wardrobe

By Alex Y. Vergara We know it today as the Maria Clara, the three-piece Filipino attire for women consisting of a loose skirt and diaphanous top usually made of cotton or piña with matching embroidered accessory known as the panuelo, but it was simply called baro’t saya by our ancestors…