Cover These brands and designers offer modern, ready-to-wear Filipiniana clothing just in time for Independence Day (Photo: stylised with Canva; Instagram / @randolfclothing, @studiovaniaromoff, @kelvinmmorales)
These brands and designers offer modern, ready-to-wear Filipiniana clothing just in time for Independence Day (Photo: stylised with Canva; Instagram / @randolfclothing, @studiovaniaromoff, @kelvinmmorales)
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Looking for an outfit for Independence Day? Take a look at these brands and designers that offer modern Filipiniana clothing, from updated classics to contemporary takes
It’s June, and with it comes a renewed celebration of Filipino pride. As Independence Day approaches, there’s no better time to embrace our heritage both in spirit and in style. Filipino fashion designers are reimagining the traditional Filipiniana, making it more relevant and wearable for a new generation. These modern interpretations don’t simply replicate the past; instead, they draw inspiration from it, resulting in pieces that are contemporary yet rooted in culture.
If you’re looking to invest in pieces that celebrate heritage with a modern twist, there are plenty of places where you can start. Here are a few suggestions.
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Filibela
Above A butterfly sleeve top by Filibela (Photo: Instagram / @filibela_)
A butterfly sleeve top by Filibela (Photo: Instagram / @filibela_)
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Looking to refresh your Filipiniana wardrobe this Independence Day? Filibela offers a feminine spin on the classic barong—perfect if you want to switch things up this year—alongside timeless traditional silhouettes. Plus, with same-day delivery within Manila, even last-minute plans can still feel meaningful and fashion-forward.
Randolf
Above An embroidered barong by Randolf (Photo: Instagram / @randolfclothing)
An embroidered barong by Randolf (Photo: Instagram / @randolfclothing)
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If you’re after something bolder, Randolf’s designs put a fearless take on the barong with loud colours, tattoo-inspired embroidery and a streetwear-adjacent attitude. They’re perfect for those who want to stand out while honouring heritage. Led by designer RJ Santos, the brand also offers bespoke pieces.
Berches
Above Miss Earth 2023 Drita Ziri wears a fully embroidered Filipiniana terno by Berches (Photo: Instagram / @berches_barong)
Miss Earth 2023 Drita Ziri wears a fully embroidered Filipiniana terno by Berches (Photo: Instagram / @berches_barong)
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For those who love to make an entrance, Berches offers ornate, larger-than-life designs that don’t hold back with their take on Filipiniana, with intricate cutwork embroidery, butterfly sleeve tops and barongs that command attention. Pieces are available for both menswear and womenswear, great for anyone looking to stand out while embracing heritage wear.
See also: An ode to weavers: Ditta Sandico on the communities that inspire her
Gabbie Sarenas
Above An embroidered Raul barong by Gabbie Sarenas (Photo: Instagram / @gabbiesarenasph)
An embroidered Raul barong by Gabbie Sarenas (Photo: Instagram / @gabbiesarenasph)
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Gabbie Sarenas pens a love letter to Filipino culture with ethereal, delicate designs that feature florals, lace and dainty embroidery. Her pieces, seen often at Filipino weddings, capture a soft, romantic take on heritage dressing. She offers both bespoke creations and ready-to-wear options.
Vania Romoff
Above The Camisa top by Vania Romoff (Photo: Instagram / @studiovaniaromoff)
The Camisa top by Vania Romoff (Photo: Instagram / @studiovaniaromoff)
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Vania Romoff offers timeless designs that speak to understated elegance. Alongside the bespoke creations from her atelier, she carries a ready-to-wear line which includes the “Camisa,” her soft, versatile take on the butterfly sleeve top. It’s a piece that moves easily between casual and formal, paired with jeans or a matching skirt.
Kelvin Morales
Above An embroidered barong from Kelvin Morales’s Vibration collection (Photo: Instagram / @kelvinmmorales)
An embroidered barong from Kelvin Morales’s Vibration collection (Photo: Instagram / @kelvinmmorales)
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Kelvin Morales reimagines the barong through a lens of experimentation and nostalgia. His designs challenge orthodox forms while maintaining a deep respect for craft and traditional textiles. By playing with embroidery, pattern, and structure, Morales with embroidery and pattern to create pieces that feel both familiar and entirely new.
Masabel Iloco
Above An inabel top from Masabel Iloco (Photo: Instagram / @masabel.iloco)
An inabel top from Masabel Iloco (Photo: Instagram / @masabel.iloco)
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Masabel Iloco centres its identity around inabel, a distinct and well-loved weave from the Ilocos region. Its rich texture and cultural significance are translated into a range of Filipiniana pieces like barongs, dresses and blouses that bring regional craftsmanship to the forefront of modern heritage wear.
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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
