This year’s vin d’honneur was not only a toast to Philippine independence, but also to the country’s timeless Filipiniana heritage, as diplomats wore the terno and other Filipino-inspired dresses as interpreted by the country’s top fashion designers.
To celebrate Filipino artistry and culture in time for the the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day, foreign diplomats wore some of the best Filipiniana creations by the country’s leading fashion designers at the recent vin d’nonneur reception hosted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos at the Malacañan Palace.
Avel Bacudio, Dennis Lustico, Francis Libiran, Jun Escario, Lulu Tan-Gan, Michael Leyva and Philip Rodriguez brought pride to the county by creating bespoke pieces for the distinguished members of the diplomatic corps, showcasing different iterations of the terno — and the best of Filipiniana fashion.
Women ambassadors shone in traditional Filipino motifs with a touch of modern elegance, turning the evening into not just as an occasion to honor an historical event, but also as a way to reaffirm their support and elevate Philippine fashion unto the global fashion stage.
Israel Embassy’s Chargé d’affaires Ester Buzgan, Irish Ambassador Emma Hickey and Swedish Ambassador Anna Pernilla Ferry brought life to the designs of Michael Leyva, who sees the classic Filipiniana as a symbol of national pride and identity.
For New Zealand Ambassador Catherine McIntosh, Dennis Lustico drew his inspiration from the summer breeze and vastness of New Zealand’s vistas, and chose a cool mint chiffon with suksok piña silk of the same shade to compliment Ambassador McIntosh’s youthful aura. For Singaporean Ambassador Constance See, Singapore’s multicultural environment inspired Lustico to “come up with different textures and patterns all fused into one harmonious look.”
Lulu Tan-Gan crafted a terno from a mix of abaca, silk and piña for Hungarian Ambassador Dr. Titanilla Tóth, while Francis Libiran designed a terno for Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu that is a nod to the enduring diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Australia. Romanian Ambassador Răduţa Dana Matache also wore a Libiran creation — a Filipiniana in a soft blue hue that the designer said “evokes the tranquility and wisdom I see in the ambassador’s quiet yet resolute presence.”
Held biannually at Malacañan Palace, the Vin D’Honneur is a long-standing tradition that coincides with the New Year and the anniversary of the nation’s independence.
