Cover What’s special about Ditta Sandico’s designs for the team? (Photos: Instagram / @dittasandico; stylised by Angela Nicole Guiral)
What’s special about Ditta Sandico’s designs for the team? (Photos: Instagram / @dittasandico; stylised by Angela Nicole Guiral)
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Filipina Designer Ditta Sandico, assisted by Janinna Santos, infuses Philippine heritage into the opening ceremony outfits of our Paralympians
At the heart of the upcoming Paris 2024 Paralympic Games lies more than just world-class athleticism; a showcase of culture, heritage, and innovation exists. To embody this, the Philippine delegation, under the guiding hand of designer Ditta Sandico (assisted by Janinna Santos), will be donning outfits that are as symbolic as they are stylish, rooted in the theme “Heritage in Motion”.
The concept is a tribute to the nation’s history and a testament to the athletes’ journey—one defined by overcoming obstacles and rising above adversity. “We wanted the colours to have a story based on their experiences as Para-athletes,” Sandico explains. “It was important that they stand out in the crowd, not just for their abilities but also for the culture they represent.”
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Above The opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games on August 28 will be a groundbreaking event, held outdoors along the Champ-Élysées and culminating at Place de la Concorde. This spectacular setting provides a unique opprtunity to showcase cultural identity through the athletes' ceremonial wear (Photo: Ditta Sandico)
The opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games on August 28 will be a groundbreaking event, held outdoors along the Champ-Élysées and culminating at Place de la Concorde. This spectacular setting provides a unique opprtunity to showcase cultural identity through the athletes' ceremonial wear (Photo: Ditta Sandico)
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The colour palette of the uniforms draws from the elements of the Philippine flag: red, white, and blue, along with the blazing sun symbol. Sandico also turned to Banaca, a blend of abaca—the world’s strongest natural fibre—and banana. This choice wasn’t purely aesthetic. “Abaca has been a staple of Filipino culture throughout history, and by combining it with banana fibre, we make it more comfortable and wearable for modern use,” she says.
Sustainability is also a pillar of Sandico’s design philosophy. Banaca is coupled with fabrics woven by the Mangyan artisans of Mindoro, whose hand-embroidered patterns bring a unique character to each outfit. The production process is labour-intensive, with each panel requiring meticulous attention to detail. “Ensuring fair compensation for the artisans while respecting the cultural significance of their craft was essential.”
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Above Paralympians Agustina Bantiloc, Angel Otom, and Cendy Asusano (Photo: Ditta Sandico)
Paralympians Agustina Bantiloc, Angel Otom, and Cendy Asusano (Photo: Ditta Sandico)
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The intricate Habol fabric, which forms the basis of the men’s suits, was particularly challenging to source and produce due to its remote origin in the mountains of Panaytayan, Oriental Mindoro. The logistical hurdles of transporting such fabrics only heightened the project’s complexity, yet Sandico and her team remained steadfast in their commitment to using these materials.
This dedication extended to features tailored to the unique needs of the Paralympians. “For the women’s attire, we incorporated zippers in the armholes and belts to secure the wraps, making it easier for athletes with disabilities to wear,” Sandico explains. The men’s suits, too, were individually tailored, ensuring comfort and practicality for every athlete.
Above Paralympians Ernie Gawilan, Jerrold Mangliwan, and Allain Ganapin (Photo: Ditta Sandico)
Paralympians Ernie Gawilan, Jerrold Mangliwan, and Allain Ganapin (Photo: Ditta Sandico)
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The creation of these outfits was far from a solo endeavour. A small community of weavers, embroiderers, and designers collaborated over three months to bring Sandico’s vision to life. The challenges were manifold, from ensuring consistency across handmade fabrics to navigating the supply chain in remote areas. Yet, every hurdle was met with a resolve rooted in pride.
For Ditta Sandico, seeing her designs on an international platform is both humbling and exhilarating. “It’s an honour to showcase the talent of our artisans and highlight the creativity and hard work that has been nurtured over the past years,” she reflects. The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will undoubtedly be a global celebration of athletic excellence, but for the Philippine team, it will also be a homage to the rich, living tradition that flows through every thread of their attire—a “heritage in motion” indeed.
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is a digital editor at Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
