The distinctive terno pieces of designers Joey Samson and Lesley Mobo took center stage in the very first Paskong TernoCon 2023 in SM Aura.
This year marked a milestone in Philippine fashion with the inaugural Paskong TernoCon 2023. The event happened to be the very first edition of the beloved fashion show to take place in a mall. The festive, star-studded evening took place at SM Aura, fittingly by the mall’s exquisite, Filipiniana-themed Christmas centerpiece. The show was a joint project of SM Supermalls, Bench/Lifestyle + Clothing, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). It showcased the stunning terno pieces of visionary designers Joey Samson and Lesley Mobo.
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Different Takes on the Terno
Samson and Mobo set out to create their own interpretations of the Philippine terno. Each designer displayed the versatility and range of the classic garment through their unique design sensibilities.
Samson’s collection was a masterclass in tactful restraint and minimalism with its tailored, architectural forms. It reflected his distinctive style as a designer, exhibiting the clean, supple lines and romantic undertones that many know him for.
Meanwhile, Mobo’s collection was a showcase of draping, unabated maximalism, color, and folk aesthetics. The Aklan-born and London-based designer presented a seamless fusion of contemporary aesthetics and tropical inspirations. His terno pieces stunned in bold printed fabrics that popped with vibrant color.
Collaborators of Samson and Mobo also helped bring their collections to life. For Samson, this was Lakat for the footwear and Unang Panahon for the jewelry. As for Mobo, it was Ash & Muff and Harold & Harry for the earrings, and Adante Leyesa for the bags.
Making Filipino Design More Accessible
Paskong TernoCon went beyond being a fashion spectacle, as it also served as a platform for inclusivity. By taking place in a mall, the event made the best of Philippine design more accessible to a wider audience.
“The event epitomizes SM Supermalls’ commitment to championing Filipino culture and artistry, and provides a platform to bring this closer to more people through our malls,” shared Steven Tan, the president of SM Supermalls. “The exquisite designs by Lesley Mobo and Joey Samson beautifully represent our rich cultural traditions and Filipino creativity, and SM is honored to have been part of this trailblazing project.”
Star-Studded Support
Some of the biggest names from Philippine fashion, film, culture, business, and society graced the glittering front rows. In attending Paskong TernoCon 2023, each guest showed their support of Pinoy culture and fashion. These included none other than First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, SM Investments Corporation Chairperson Tessie Sy-Coson, Bench founder Ben Chan, CCP Vice-Chairperson Margie Moran-Floirendo, and SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan.
The event’s runway featured famous faces like Janine Gutierrez, David Licauco, Miss Universe Philippines 2013 Ara Arida, model-photographer Jo Ann Bitagcol, and Michelle Dee in her first public appearance after the Miss Universe pageant.
Thanks to the support of its guests, mall-goers, and partners, Paskong TernoCon 2023 was a show-stopping celebration of the Filipino spirit, artistry, and creativity that define the country’s vibrant culture.
To know more about the exciting events at SM Supermalls, visit the official website or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.
Photos courtesy of SM Supermalls.
