Cover Maritess Pineda celebrates her 80th birthday with a retrospective on a life of fashion and art (Photo: Courtesy of Before Deadlines)
Maritess Pineda celebrates her 80th birthday with a retrospective on a life of fashion and art (Photo: Courtesy of Before Deadlines)
1 / 1
Fashion icon, philanthropist, patroness of arts and culture Maritess Pineda celebrates her 80th birthday with ‘Terno: Celebrating a Legacy Forged from Design and Art’
Milestones should always be celebrated, as they signal the growth of a person—remembering their significant achievements and reflecting on cherished moments in their lives. This particular turning point revolves around the contributions and legacy of Maritess Pineda, co-founder of ArteFino and Friends of Manansala Foundation.
A patron of the local fashion and arts community, she is credited as one of the first visionaries to bring the concept of a ‘trunk show’ to the Philippines. Now in her 80th year, she looks back at her colourful life and the eight decades she spent as a purveyor of Filipino art and design. She commemorated this through a retrospective show called ‘Terno: Celebrating a Legacy Forged from Design and Art’, the exhibition was held at the South Court of Power Plant Mall from October 24 to 27.
More from Tatler: Mindfully Fashionable: Megaworld Lifestyle Malls and Catriona Gray unveil the Enviro Chic Bag
Above Garments by Patis Tesoro, taken from Pineda's archives (Photo: Courtesy of Before Deadlines)
Above Original artwork by Patis Tesoro
Garments by Patis Tesoro, taken from Pineda's archives (Photo: Courtesy of Before Deadlines)
1 / 2
The concept was hatched after Pineda examined her extensive archive of locally designed gowns and dresses, which includes couture creations by Ramon Valera, Steve de Leon, and Patis Tesoro. Mounted by Art House, the event brought together eight contemporary artists who responded to eight designs that marked her life.
“It felt more meaningful and purposeful to come up with an exhibit than to throw another party,” says Pineda. “It was important to have an activity that would tell the story of Philippine art, heritage, and design.”
The exhibit featured contemporary reimaginings of the terno by Bayo Atelier, Len Cabili, Jor-El Espina, Rajo Laurel, and Cora Manimbo. The pieces were paired with contemporary artists from Art House’s roster, namely 0270501, Enon de Belen, Alvaro Jimenez, Ronna Manansala, Anina Rubio, and Melissa Yeung-Yap.
“My mom has always been a supporter of Philippine fashion and art. Her journey as a patron of both presented us with a beautiful proposition to blend fashion and art in one space,” says Pineda’s son and Art House founder Carlo Pineda.
See also: Forces of Fashion: The stylists and designers behind your favourite fashion icons
Above A dress by Len Cabili, taken from Pineda's archives
Above Artwork by Jo Ann Bitagcol, inspired by a dress by Len Cabili Garments by Len Cabili, taken from Pineda's archives
A dress by Len Cabili, taken from Pineda's archives
1 / 2
Pineda’s archive boasts various weaves and fabrics that encapsulate the versatility of Philippine design. The chosen artists and designers respond to these garments to contribute to the legacy of Filipino fashion.
Furthermore, she talks about the importance of supporting modern Filipino couture: “My exposure to fashion and the friendships I’ve made with designers from an early age led me to dedicate myself to the preservation of local heritage. Through the years, we have seen how designers have reimagined the Filipino dress as something you can wear every day. They have also found a way to utilise local fabrics in their contemporary designs.”
NOW READ
Philippine Fashion Week seeks to “reinvent the runway” with a brand new direction
‘Pamana: Woven Legacies in Fashion & Dance’ champions the singularity of the Filipino identity
Inside ArteFino Fair 2024: Patty Eustaquio for Bayo Atelier, Leeroy New’s installation, and more
About
Julianna has been interested in leading a literary life since she first read Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess at eight. Before working with Tatler, she was an archive intern at The Center for Fiction in Brooklyn, New York. She is a textbook Pisces who devotes most of her spare time to her crochet projects, watching classic films, and going through her never-ending pile of unread books. She studied creative writing, global literature and art history at Sarah Lawrence College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2022. Toni Morrison, Nora Ephron, Clarice Lispector and Jia Tolentino are among her all-time favourite writers.
Work
Julianna writes about fashion, beauty, sustainability, and the arts. She is always keen on conducting interviews with talented women who are changing the game in their respective fields.
For event invites and story leads, hit her up at julianna.cabili@tatlerasia.com
