SM Mall of Asia showcases the Filipiniana's evolution through contemporary couture
'TernoCon Filipiniana X Obra' brings together modern Filipiniana, craftsmanship, and works inspired by Philippine master artists
TernoCon 2025 Final Competition Night and Cultural Show drew attention for celebrating Philippine fine art through contemporary couture. That evening left many guests in awe of the craftsmanship presented on the runway, as emerging Filipino designers transformed paintings, sculptures, and architecture into modern Filipiniana.
A glimpse of 'TernoCon Filipiniana X Obra' exhibit, whiuch runs until June 12 at the Central Atrium of the mall. (Photos: SM Supermalls)
These garments can now be viewed up close, allowing visitors to appreciate details such as beadwork, embroidery, tailoring, layering, and textile manipulation. More than extending the life of the runway show, the exhibit also expands the reach of TernoCon itself, making Philippine fashion heritage and craftsmanship more accessible to a wider audience of Filipinos.
CREATIVE LEADERS TernoCon 2025 finalists Nina Gatan and Patrick Lazol, CCP president Kaye Tinga, SM Supermalls president Steven Tan, Suyen Corporation's vice president - Finance Nenita Lim, TernoCon 2025 mentor Rhett Eala, and TernoCon 2025 finalist Koko Gonzales
Under the mentorship of renowned designers Inno Sotto, Rhett Eala, Lulu Tan-Gan, and Ezra Santos, each finalist created a three-piece capsule collection consisting of a terno, balintawak, and kimona ensemble.
Among the featured designers is Gawad Pacita Longos Awardee/Gold Medalist Peach Garde who used tailoring and structured silhouettes inspired by National Artist Leandro Locsin’s brutalist architecture, Gawad Pura Escurdia Awardee/Silver Medalist Bryan Peralta who was inspired by National Artist José Joya’s abstract works through embroidery, embossed cording, and 3D printing over tea-dyed jusi and canvas, while Gawad Ramon Valera Awardee/Bronze Medalist Ram Silva applied muted tones and golden hues with his choice of natural materials to represent his vision for National Artist Fernando Amorsolo’s paintings.
Other designers’ works on display include Geom Hernandez for National Artist Hernando R. Ocampo, Irene Subang for National Artist Ben Cabrera's Sabel, Jared Servano for Nena Saguil, Jema Gamer for National Artist Vicente Manansala, Koko Gonzales for Onib Olmedo, Lexter Badana for Ramon Orlina, Nina Gatan for Impy Pilapil, Noel Marin for National Artist Fernando Amorsolo, and Patrick Lazol for National Artist José Joya.
All in one venue, these collections show how Philippine art can influence contemporary fashion. In bringing TernoCon 2025 out of the runway and into a public setting, the exhibit allows more Filipinos to experience how heritage continues to evolve through design.