The State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July 2020 was a historic one. Apart from being held during the pandemic, what stole the spotlight for eagle-eyed Filipino fashion savants were the brooches worn by female political leaders during the event.

Dubbed the “Araw,” the brooch was produced by the Philippine Fashion Coalition, an umbrella organization of design professionals from various sub-sectors. It came in bone white and navy, featuring a half-sun silhouette and indigenous fabrics—not only representing Philippine heritage but also symbolizing the industry coming together during trying times. Needless to say, the brooch made a profound statement during the SONA, despite some attendees participating via Zoom.

This year, we are seeing the age-old accent rise as one of the key elements of modern styling. Said to have originated around the Bronze Age, brooches are often associated with mature dressing or formal dress codes. In recent years, however, the accessory has been seen on major runways—from Miu Miu to Chanel—marking its return to vogue. Eventually, the ornamentation made its way to the streets and red carpets, cementing the brooch as one of the dominant trends in the Pinterest Predicts 2026 report.

Filipino designers and brands have a unique take on the art of the brooch. Much like the “Araw,” locally made brooches are crafted to spotlight Filipino materials, craftsmanship, and storytelling.

Some pieces double as jewelry. An example is Jewelmer’s 2023 piece, “Pamana,” which features a lustrous South Sea pearl, sapphires, diamonds, and gold forming the shape of the mythical Sarimanok bird. Amami’s “Relikaryo” and “Repolyo Rosa” designs highlight the country’s traditional tambourine jewelry, while Natalya Lagdameo’s bespoke brooches find elegance in clustered pearls and organic lines.

Other creatives take Mother Earth as their prime muse. Joyce Makitalo’s ornate “Exohybrid” pieces explore “the symbiosis between natural life and automaton” through recycled silver and repurposed stones. Arao, on the other hand, dives deep into the insect world with its Mariquita and Arachne brooches.

Fashion designer Daryl Maat presents a take on brooches that deviates from the use of metals and stones. His pieces—such as “Lobo,” “Kendi,” “Tala,” and “Saranggola”—spotlight handwoven inabel, reflecting Filipino culture, joy, and identity. In the same vein, Boho Manila explores Filipino iconography through beads and tassels, creating mosaic images of a jeepney, a bulak (flower), and a Filipino maiden.

Brooches may be rooted in tradition, but today, they are worn with far more freedom and imagination. It has evolved into a versatile styling tool—one that can be classic, playful, or boldly experimental. From subtle placements to statement-making clusters, here are modern ways to wear brooches now.

Classic way. Pinterest predicts that Boomer and Millennial men will decorate their looks with brooches. As seen on the red carpet, pinning one off-center—rather than perfectly on the lapel of a jacket—is a foolproof way to wear the accessory. Apart from using it as a closure for wrap dresses, shawls, or scarves, many also use brooches to adorn collars and buttons.

Clustered or layered. Go maximalist with your brooch styling by mixing shapes or themes. Find a hero piece and build around it. Decide on your color palette and be mindful of spacing—the look should feel connected, not crowded; intentional, not accidental.

Elevating accessories. Brooches are one of the best ways to bring new life to accessories. Think of adding a large brooch to a sneaker for an accent, clustering them to add charm to a bag, or using a piece or two to make a dull hat interesting. Brooches invite creativity and personality into everyday dressing. There are no strict rules—only balance, intention, and a sense of play.