Filipino artistry and cultural pride took the spotlight at this year’s Vin d’Honneur hosted at Malacañan Palace, as members of the diplomatic corps arrived in bespoke creations by some of the Philippines’ most celebrated designers.
Under the auspices of First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, the event marked the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence with fashion as a powerful expression of identity and diplomacy.
In a news release, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said cultural heritage is “a vital pillar of development” and “a source of national pride” that connects preservation with progress.
Seven top Filipino designers—Avel Bacudio, Dennis Lustico, Francis Libiran, Jun Escario, Lulu Tan-Gan, Michael Leyva, and Philip Rodriguez—transformed the symbolic Filipiniana into exquisite, modern expressions of tradition. Their custom gowns for the ambassadors celebrated both personal narratives and the shared histories between the Philippines and their respective nations.
Michael Leyva’s designs drew deeply from the country’s vibrant heritage. His creations reflected the vibrant heritage, artistry, and history that define Filipino identity. Leyva’s vision infused traditional silhouettes with renewed grace, making the Filipiniana not just a tribute to the past, but a reassertion of its place in contemporary culture.
In a nod to both drama and heritage, Cebuano designer Philip Rodriguez created a silk gazar trumpet gown with piña calado terno sleeves for one ambassador. The piece featured a stylized panuelo in pointe d’esprit and a bold statement brooch—blending Old World opulence with couture sensibility.
Dennis Lustico, known for narrative-driven design, crafted gowns inspired by the individual personalities and national backgrounds of his clients. “For Ambassador Catherine McIntosh, I was inspired by the summer breeze and vast openness of New Zealand’s vista,” he said, choosing mint chiffon and suksok piña silk to echo her youthful energy.
Meanwhile, for Singapore’s Ambassador Constance See, he combined geometric woven silk, frayed mikado, and delicate embellishments: “The multiracial and rich cultural mix up of unique and modern Singapore inspired me to come up with different textures and patterns all fused into one harmonious look.”
Designer Lulu Tan-Gan explored sculptural textiles with Hungarian Ambassador Titanilla Tóth’s gown made of abaca, silk, and piña. “The abaca top layer is draped and twisted over a piña apron to create depth and movement,” Tan-Gan explained. A handcrafted abaca flower in cerise brought bold contrast to the muted moss-gray base.
Francis Libiran dressed two ambassadors in deeply symbolic gowns. For Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu, he designed a cerulean Filipiniana Terno using crepe de Chine, reflecting the oceanic bond between the two nations. “The embroidery subtly incorporates Australian flora and Filipino patterns,” he said.
For Romanian Ambassador Raduta Dana Matache, Libiran chose Dupioni silk in a soft Serenity hue, marrying grace with gravitas. “The embroidery intertwines Romanian lace-inspired motifs with Filipino baroque elements,” he said. “This piece is both a tribute to timeless femininity and the bridge between Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia.”
The Vin d’Honneur this year was more than a diplomatic tradition—it was a celebration of how fashion can serve as both a canvas and a conversation, with Filipino craftsmanship weaving personal stories into garments that transcend borders.
