Filipino politicians and personalities championed local designers at the annual State of the Nation Address.
As we learn of the government’s recent accomplishments and future plans for the country, Filipino designers also got the chance to showcase their creations in a display of national identity and heritage.
READ ALSO: SONA 2024: A Recap Of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s Accomplishments And Plans For The Country
In the first part of this story, Lifestyle Asia has reached out to the designers and those present at this year’s State of the Nation Address to find out more about the inspiration behind these six ensembles.
Odette and Franz Pumaren
Dennis Lustico designed Odette Pumaren’s terno in periwinkle silk organza with lace and frayed details.
“Dennis Lustico thought of having a tea length gown this time for a change and put feathers on my terno sleeve to give it a fresh and modern take,” Odette tells Lifestyle Asia. “I also think the color is refreshing and youthful.”
Meanwhile, her husband Congressman Franz Pumaren wore a barong from J.E. & Company.
Xandra Rocha Araneta
Wearing a Jo Rubio design, Xandra Rocha Araneta shares that she told the designer she wanted something “fresh, light, and romantic.”
“Together we chose the lovely lavender color and discussed some details I appreciate in dresses—timelessness, pops of color, and a touch of quirkiness or whimsy,” she continued.
“He listened carefully and created this classic structured piece with beautiful draping to soften the look. He added touches of peach to the flowers to contrast the lavender and playfully placed them along the neckline and down the back.”
According to Xandra, the designer also recalled her wedding gown, which was a Pepito Albert creation. “He said the flowers he added are his homage to Pepito Albert.”
Gina de Venecia
At this year’s SONA, Gina de Venecia also wore a design by Dennis Lustico. Her terno featured gold and ivory shades as well as a black and white checkered pattern.
“The objective is to change the aesthetics, make the look younger and lighter,” the designer says. “I opted for graphic details, stayed away from glitters, laces, and pearls.”
Aivee and Zee Teo
Aivee and Zee Teo both wore Michael Leyva designs at this year’s SONA. “For the morning opening session, I wanted to wear a Filipiniana jumpsuit,” Aivee shares with Lifestyle Asia.
“Michael Leyva created a beige colored textured boot cut jumpsuit with nice drapery details which I complimented with my Bea Valdez black and gold clutch with fringe details to accentuate my look.”
“I loved how comfortable it was. And it’s my first time ever to wear a Filipiniana jumpsuit,” she adds. Zee’s barong also perfectly matched the shade of his wife’s ensemble.
Honey Lacuna
Manila’s first woman Mayor, Honey Lacuna, wore a black terno designed by Jo Rubio. “The Terno sleeves are embellished with hand beading details inspired by the Gold and jewelry from Ongpin in Manila,” the designer wrote on Instagram.
According to Rubio, his creation is also an homage to the Filipino-Chinese merchants who sell and trade these precious goods. “They are one of the pioneers in making Manila the center of trade and cementing this city to become our nation’s capital.”
Tootsy Angara
Mark Bumgarner dressed Tootsy Angara in an effortlessly elegant terno at this year’s SONA. “We chose a lovely fresh peach color for the main part of the terno, complemented by hand-stitched caviar beads and Swarovski elements placed on the tulle to enhance texture and shine,” the designer shares.
“The bodice features a hidden corseted structure and cut-out design that gracefully flows from the side into a draped bow, creating a soft and visual detail,” he adds.
“This dress effortlessly combines simplicity with elegance, perfectly embodying Tootsy’s modern, feminine style.”
Banner image courtesy of Mark Bumgarner.
