Putting a modern twist to a beloved national ensemble is a challenge most designers would never dare to do. But these five emerging talents took it head-on, and the end results are nothing short of magnificent!
Clothing is but a fragment in a larger cultural spectacle. Yet, thinkers and doers of the world have endlessly debated fashion’s place in the greater scheme of things—from its essence to its ethics. But if there is one indisputable fact in the conversation of society’s la mode, it’s this: fashion has mirrored the signs of times, for better or worse. The resurgence and subsequent rethinking of the barong tagalog points to the idea that Filipino consumers are not a gormless lot but in actuality, a congregation of conscientious, sensible individuals with a sense of history and national pride.
And look no further than these five contemporary Filipino designers who have a modern take on our country’s national menswear ensemble, the barong Tagalog, to drive the point home. Take a look at the creative visions of Kelvin, RJ, Tong, V, and Happy!
Tales of subversions
Barong tagalog, like any other traditional costume, is a product of the country’s history. Its style evolution is largely an amalgamation of two cultures, the pre-colonial Filipino and the antipodal Spanish. But the name of the garment itself would tell us its origin.
Barong tagalog originated from the Filipino phrase "baro ng tagalog," which roughly translates to “dress of the Tagalog.” Scholarly sources state that the embroidered long-sleeved formalwear is a distinction of native dandies from Spanish conquistadors. More esoteric accounts allege the embroidery as a form of subversion—the more intricate the design, the higher the value and place on the social ladder.
Whether intentional or not, these two designers take pride in their embroidery embedded in the national wear that makes for a celebration as much as it is a subversion of sorts.
See also: Barong Tagalog: The History Of The Traditional Filipino Attire
