By: Alison Tacderas
Over the course of many decades the Philippines have been influenced by various cultures while intertwining their own roots. Amongst the many styles that the great country has seen, the major aspects would be tribal, Spanish influence, and today’s modern twist on the past. The great diversity within the Philippines’s fashion world allows individuals to find their own sense of style.
Tribal Fashion
In the beginning, clothing was mostly used to signify one’s region, tribe, and social class. From the tribes, the Philippines developed what we know as island fashion today. Island fashion consisted of wrap around skirts (Malong), tube skirts (Patadyong), and transparent coverings made from pineapple fibers. One key thing to note is that the use of the color red, tattoos, and gold jewelry symbolized wealth amongst the tribes. As you can tell, the Philippines were extremely resourceful with the materials they had on the islands.
Spanish Era Fashion
During the colonial Spanish era in the Philippines is where we see the creation of some of the most iconic Filipino fashion statements. When Spain came into the picture, they completely changed the style of the Philippines, claiming they were making the clothing more “modest”. Thus, the fabrication of the famous barot’saya (shirt and skirt), “Maria Clara” (traditional dress), barongs (men’s dress shirt) and the “Camisa de Chino” came to be. The Maria Clara, sometimes referred to as the Filipiniana dress, was very similar to the baro’t saya and consisted of 4 parts: a blouse, kerchief over the shoulders, and a rectangular cloth over the skirt. The camisa de chino was simply the undershirt that men were made to wear under their barongs. Overall, the Spanish made various changes to the Philippines that are still very much prevalent today.
Modern Era Fashion
The Philippines have been known to produce amazing fashion pieces such as the dresses we have seen worn by Pia Wurzbach and Catriona Gray at the Miss Universe competition. From glamorous gowns to traditional patterns, the Philippines has certainly made influential fashion pieces. Which has thus led various fashion designers from the Philippines to take a twist on the traditional clothing and give it a modern touch. Brands such as Vinta Gallery and Tygie have combined modern and traditional clothing pieces for both men and women to enjoy and express their Filipino roots.
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