When the first-ever TernoCon was held in 2018, it sparked renewed interest in the design of a piece of Filipiniana attire that is often associated with formal events or school costumes. Conceptualized by Bench and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), TernoCon was as an effort to preserve the traditional craftsmanship of the terno, while propelling it into the future through modern interpretations. That goal was certainly achieved at the second TernoCon, which took place last night at the CCP Main Theatre.
Before the runway show, where the competition's 13 finalists were to present their three-piece collections, guests roved around the reception area flaunting their very best terno ensembles—and they were definitely equal parts 'traditional' and 'contemporary.' There was an array of beaded numbers, prints and patterns, as well as avant garde designs that pushed the boundaries of what a modern terno could be.
Here are all our favorite looks that might inspire you to embrace the terno as well, no matter what the occasion may be:

Ariella Arida stuns in a beaded Marlon Tuazon gown with blue floral accents.

Margie Moran wears a Lesley Mobo number featuring a nude bodice with black lace.

Myrza Sison dons a minimalist gray Jojie Lloren gown.

Kim Chiu shines in an electrically colored Marlon Tuazon gown.

Maricar Reyes-Poon looks statuesque in a violet Ivarluski Aseron number.

Angelina Cruz looks like a modern-day Cinderella in Frederick Policarpio.

Michelle Dee rocks a jet-black cage terno by Joey Samson.

Kisses Delavin embraces opulence in Philip Rodriguez.

Aivee Aguilar-Teo dons a textured white gown by Inno Sotto.

Milka Quin brings the drama in a striking black-and-white number by Elaine Justine Pagtalunan.

Liza Soberano looks smashing in a sparkly Marlon Tuazon gown with onscreen and offscreen partner Enrique Gil.

Trickie Lopa (in Carl Jan Cruz), Joey Samson, and Bea Ledesma (in Joey Samson) up the ante in contemporary designs.

Lovi Poe steals the show in a fringed Lesley Mobo frock.

Max Collins looks sleek in a navy blue JC Buendia two-piece terno.

Vicki Belo marvels in a shimmery floral Cary Santiago creation while Hayden Kho rocks a modern Paul Cabral design.

Rissa Mananquil-Trillo shows off a simple emerald Rhett Eala gown.

Enzo Pineda flaunts a Francis Libiran suit accented with colorful handwoven fabric.

Berna Romulo-Puyat in Dennis Lustico proves that red is a classic yet bold color choice.
Sofia Zobel-Elizalde rocks a two-piece ensemble courtesy of Inno Sotto.

Marbbie Tagabucba flaunts her fuschia Sassa Jimenez frock featuring a relaxed silhouette.

Lucy Torres-Gomez and Juliana Gomez both wear dainty Randy Ortiz designs, while Richard Gomez sports a vintage Patis Tesoro barong.

Maxene Magalona and Rob Mananquil look fresh in modern Albert Andrada creations.

Andre Chang upholds the art of weaving in a design by Iricca Lee.

Daryl Chang rocks a contemporary bright pink number by Randolf.
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