Long before it walked contemporary runways as a symbol of high-fashion avant-garde, the Filipiniana was born out of survival, necessity, and a heavy dose of cultural collision. The narrative of the Philippine national dress is not a story of static tradition.
Instead, it is a living history of a garment that constantly reshaped itself to match the changing sociopolitical tides of the islands.
SM Mall of Asia’s Filipiniana x Obra
This intersection of Philippine art and fashion takes center stage as SM Mall of Asia. Bench, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines present FILIPINIANA x OBRA. Running from May 28 to June 12, 2026, at the Central Atrium of SM Mall of Asia. This immersive exhibition brings couture beyond traditional galleries and directly into the vibrant heart of the city.
Fresh off the highly acclaimed TernoCon 2025 runway, the public showcase blends heritage, contemporary fashion, and fine art to reimagine the modern Filipiniana. Through the works of emerging designers inspired by Philippine master artists.
Where 20th-Century Art Meets Modern Couture
FILIPINIANA x OBRA explores the evolving identity of Filipino fashion by fusing fine art with contemporary design. For its fourth edition, TernoCon challenged rising designers to reinterpret the works of twentieth-century Filipino master painters, sculptors, and architects through modern Filipiniana.
Furthermore, the collections reject digital shortcuts like sublimation printing. Instead, they highlight meticulous craftsmanship and hands-on techniques. This successfully capture the depth, texture, and spirit of the original masterpieces.
The Philippine dress is alive, constantly evolving as a canvas shaped by indigenous roots, global influences, and powerful artistic movements through time.”
The Dynamic Trio: Terno, Balintawak, and Kimona
In addition to celebrating fine art, the exhibition takes onlookers on a journey through the evolution of three foundational pillars of Philippine fashion. These garments highlight how traditional styles shift to reflect the psyche of the modern Filipina:
- The Terno: The undisputed icon of formal Philippine elegance, defined by its crisp, architectural butterfly sleeves.
- The Balintawak: The traditional country cousin of the terno, reimagined with fresh, contemporary energy.
- The Kimona: A historic highlight of this cycle, tracking its beautiful evolution from a humble domestic slip-over blouse into breathtaking formal evening wear.
Genius Under Mentorship
Consequently, visitors will get an up-close look at the three-piece capsule collections created by the TernoCon 2025 finalists. Under the guidance of design legends Inno Sotto, Rhett Eala, Lulu Tan-Gan, and Ezra Santos. Each finalist translated a master artist’s work into a coordinated set consisting of a formal terno (with pañuelo), a balintawak (with alampay and tapis), and a kimona (with alampay and patadyong).
The mentors themselves noted the profound creative weight behind these collections.
This is a tribute to National Artist Abdulmari Asia Imao,” said TernoCon mentor Ezra Santos. “It draws inspiration from the sculptural elegance of the sarimanok. It’s a fusion of culture, craftsmanship, and innovation.”
Meanwhile, fellow mentor Lulu Tan-Gan shared a contrasting conceptual approach.
I’ve drawn inspiration from the weight of expressionism and National Artist Ang Kiukok’s angst, but I aim to transform it into lightness and fluidity,” Tan-Gan said.
Ultimately, visitors can experience the evolution of the Philippine national dress at SM Mall of Asia. Discover how the vision of Filipino master artists continues to inspire and shape modern Filipiniana today.
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