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Helen Flores - The Philippine Star
June 15, 2025 | 12:00am
President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos join members of the diplomatic corps dressed in traditional Filipino attire created by top Filipino designers during the vin d’honneur reception at Malacañang on June 12.
STAR / File
MANILA, Philippines — Filipino designs were showcased at the traditional vin d’honneur at Malacañang on Thursday in celebration of the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence.
Ambassadors who attended the formal reception hosted by President Marcos donned creations of some of the country’s world-class designers, including Avel Bacudio, Dennis Lustico, Francis Libiran, Jun Escario, Lulu Tan-Gan, Michael Leyva and Philip Rodriguez.
Lustico created the outfits of New Zealand Ambassador Catherine McIntosh and Singaporean Ambassador Constance See.
He said he drew inspiration from the ambassadors’ personality and the country they represent, blending these elements seamlessly with traditional Filipino attire.
“For Ambassador Catherine McIntosh, I was inspired by the summer breeze and vast openness of New Zealand’s vista. I chose a cool mint chiffon and paired it with suksok piña silk of the same shade to compliment Her Excellency’s young and vibrant aura,” Lustico said.
“The multiracial and rich cultural mix of unique and modern Singapore inspired me to come up with different textures and patterns all fused into one harmonious look for Ambassador Constance See. The gown is made up of geometric woven silk piña, frayed mikado silk and embellished with crystals and beads,” he said.
Tan-Gan, on the other hand, made a terno crafted from a mix of natural textiles: abaca, silk and piña for Hungarian Ambassador Titanilla Tóth.
Libiran said he wanted to create a Filipiniana terno that reflects the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Australia for Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu.
“I chose crepe de chine for its fluidity and grace, echoing the ambassador’s poise and diplomatic finesse. The cerulean blue symbolizes the vast waters that unite our nations, and the embroidery is custom-designed to subtly incorporate both native Australian flora and traditional Filipino patterns,” he added.
Libiran also designed Romanian Ambassador Raduta Dana Matache’s ensemble for the night.
He said he was inspired by the refined beauty of diplomacy and cultural connection for Matache’s attire.
“The embroidery intertwines Romanian lace-inspired motifs with Filipino baroque elements, symbolizing the blending of heritage and mutual respect. This piece is both a tribute to timeless femininity and to the bridge between Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia,” Libiran said.
Leyva, meanwhile, not only paid homage to the beauty of the past, but also revitalized the Filipiniana as a modern cultural expression, according to a Palace statement.
Rodriguez’s luxurious silk gazar trumpet gown also took the center stage, which was distinguished by its piña calado terno sleeves.
