Independence day is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate Filipino pride than with stylish yet patriotic dressing, right? If you’re tired of your traditional Filipinianas and you’re more than ready to let go of that one baro’t saya you’ve worn time and again for your school’s buwan ng wika celebration, then you've come to the right place—whether you’re attending an Independence day formal or you’re just feeling extra nationalistic for the month, below are six local brands that can cater to your authentic yet modern Pinoy style.
1. Nuevo Ystilo
Nuevo Ystilo is a slow fashion brand dedicated to the sustainable and eco-friendly production of classic meets contemporary pieces that showcase true Filipino artistry, using homegrown textiles like abaca, piña, and silk cocoon. They specialize on transforming the conventionally male barong into feminine pieces for women. Try on their array of silk and organza barong dresses, or switch up your ternos and baro’t sayas for their cocoon cape barong, teamed with a pair of trousers for that authentic power Filipina aesthetic.
2. Kultura
Kultura’s your one-stop shop for both traditional and modern Filipino wear. They have everything from “modern filipiniana, barongs, pearls and other accessories, [to] artisanal home decor and novel souvenir items,” all of which are crafted by local artisans. They house an array of brands dedicated to keeping the traditional Filipino clothing alive, such as Nuevo Ystilo.
3. Tygie
Tygie is all about providing formal wear for the modern Filipina. Their hand-embroidered blazers, Filipiniana frocks, draped sheer ponchos, and butterfly-sleeved blouses all have that sophisticated feel for more traditional yet fancy independence day celebrations.
4. Filip+ Inna
Filip + Inna’s dresses and skirts may be ideal for more formal Filipino-themed functions this month. Among their range of locally sourced and hand-woven selections are their intricate ternos and uniquely designed barongs, all crafted by local artisans from around the archipelago. They also have considerably more casual options such as boho-chic maxi dresses, bomber jackets, blazers, and button-downs. Check out their collections, here!
5. Niño Franco
For a more casual independence day party, try the ethnically-made pieces from Niño Franco. Wilson Limon, the founder of the brand, jumped around from medicine to architecture before finally realizing his love for fashion. His journey with working with different ethnic groups began when he took up Fashion Design at the Philippine Women’s College where his thesis "reinvented the traditional garment of the Bagobo Tagabawa." From then on, he had made it his journey to continue breathing life into indigenous textiles with collections that incorporate ethnic materials and fabrics into modern silhouettes. Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray has been seen wearing Nino Franco’s T’nalak embroidered skirt and Tagakalao embellished denim-skirt during her reign.
6. PIOPIO
If you need pieces to build up or accentuate your nationalistic ‘fit, head on over to PIOPIO. Most known for their vibrant, geometric-shaped indigenous and tribal textiles, much like Nino Franco, this brand makes use of underrated native fabrics, which they render into contemporary clothes, sucha s jackets and jumpsuits, appealing to the modern Filipina.
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