Avel Bacudio swings big with Filipino sports luxe

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Over the years, we have seen the line between sportswear and fashion blur. The athleisure movement blends people’s need for clothing that transitions seamlessly from the gym to casual wear. A true fusion of Filipino style with the contemporary and functional essence of sportswear, however, has remained largely unexplored—until now.

That is precisely what Filipino designer Avel Bacudio unveiled with his latest collection.

Avel Bacudio with First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and Carlos Yulo

Showcased at Intramuros Esplanade, Plaza Mexico in Manila City, on March 25, 2025, Avel’s collection, dubbed “Gintong Sinag,” presents his take on sports luxe—a trend that merges high-end luxury with athletic elements. In this case, high-end luxury is defined by garments imbued with Filipino heritage.

“This collection is a love letter to the Philippines,” Avel says. “I wanted to create pieces that embody the spirit of our flag—its strength, its beauty, and its resilience—while also championing the incredible talent of our local weavers and embroiderers.”

Creating the collection took months of research and preparation, beginning with material selection. Avel sourced raw materials such as water lilies, pineapples, bamboo, and banana fibers, transforming them into textiles abroad. With the support of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), he paired these innovative textiles with local tapestries. The result? A collection that is not just a fusion of culture and innovation but also a seamless blend of style and function.

“In the Philippines, we have an abundance of raw materials, so why not use them?” Avel tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “I really want to represent the Philippine islands. Each has its own textile heritage, and I want to combine everything.”

A sense of national pride radiates from Avel’s collection. His 80-piece lineup transformed the Intramuros Esplanade runway into a vibrant tapestry of pristine white, audacious red, serene blue, and vibrant yellow—the colors of the Philippine flag. The collection showcased a diverse range of Filipino sports luxe interpretations, from suits crafted with handwoven fabric and athletic uniforms with barong and terno elements to gender-fluid silhouettes that celebrate inclusivity.

At the heart of the collection is a tribute to Filipino athletes. They are the very definition of the title “Gintong Sinag,” which makes it a natural step for Avel to include them as his muses.

Filipino artistic gymnast Karl Eldrew Yulo opened the show as the torchbearer, setting the stage for an inspiring lineup. The runway also featured members of the Paris 2024 Paralympics Team, including Allain Ganapin, Agel Otom, and Jerrold Mangliwan, alongside Olympic medalists Nesthy Petecio and Carlos Yulo, who joined in the celebration of Filipino excellence.

Karl Eldrew Yulo, Carlos Yulo, and Nesthy Petecio

Allain Ganapin, Agel Otom, and Jerrold Mangliwan

Avel also collaborated with students from the National Academy of Sports, highlighting the vital role of support in the journey of budding Filipino athletes.

Avel with the students of National Academy of Sports

“Every time they bring home a gold medal, that’s when we start recognizing their work,” Avel reflects. “But if we give them the support and opportunities early on, we won’t just bring home two gold medals—we’ll bring home more. That was an awakening for me.”

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