As seen on the runway and in celebrity spottings, sheer is the latest style resurging in the fashion scene. And with our warming world, the comeback of the style is pretty inevitable, allowing peekaboo skin moments without baring it all. It is a play on illusion—balancing coverage and exposure, structure and softness—creating looks that feel both daring and refined.

But for Filipino fashion designer Avel Bacudio, sheer is a way to highlight local textile innovation. A testament to that is his 2027 resort collection, dubbed “Amihan.” Unveiled on April 15, 2026, at Discover Primea in Makati City, the line is his latest expression of Filipino heritage in a more fluid and sophisticated way.

Inspired by the local folklore of Amihan, a gentle bird or spirit sometimes described as a soft, cool breeze, the collection explores contemporary, voluminous silhouettes. To do this, Avel used his signature piñavel fabric, a material he developed with the Philippine Textile Research Institute that incorporates an artisanal blend of indigenous fibers: pineapple, banana, bamboo, and abaca. The result is a collection of sheer garments with cloud-like forms, reminiscent of a gentle breeze.

“In my previous creations, I collaborated and connected with our artisans and weavers,” Avel tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “I continued that in ‘Amihan.’ The collection is made from our own materials, crafted by our local weavers, and combined with modern technology.”

Composed of 10 looks for men and women, “Amihan” presents fluid cover-ups and draped shirts paired with neutral-toned wide-leg trousers and tailored shorts, imbued with handwoven textiles such as binakol, inabel, and trambia. Adding color to the collection are the women’s swimwear pieces, as well as Mindanao silk scarves and twillies. Worn as headpieces, neck accents, or wrapped around basket bags, each accessory features exclusive Avel prints inspired by Filipino cultural icons such as the jeepney, sampaguita, and carabao.

“As an artist, and as a Filipino, it is important to me to showcase our heritage through my craft,” the designer muses. “Wherever I may go in different parts of the world, my identity remains whole. It has been nurtured and preserved by our ancestors for the next generations. Even if we are gone from this world, it is up to those of us who remain to continue the legacy for our beloved motherland.”

With Amihan, Avel Bacudio presents a more personal interpretation of resort wear, creating pieces that can be endlessly mixed, layered, and reimagined into a versatile wardrobe deeply rooted in Filipino identity.