TERNO IN MOTION

One notable individual credited for its surge in popularity is the National Artist for Fashion Design Ramon Valera and his imaginative creations

An ongoing serious discussion within the fashion community and among those who sincerely care, is who invented the terno. But it seems the main consensus was, it has evolved through the centuries — from the combination of national attires to daily streetwear of the times. In the past, the word terno has meant to match or pair up — be it Maria Claras, baro’t sayas, kimonas and trajes de mestizas — or skirts, blouses, dresses and scarves into one coherent piece. Even today, the term terno is used in a colloquial way to refer to matching clothes — not necessarily just women’s dresses and its auxiliaries — it could be the same color whatever was on top and the shoes, themed earrings and belt, a hat and pants combo.

One notable individual credited for the terno’s resurgence in popularity is National Artist for Fashion Design Ramon Valera and his imaginative creations.

This recent spotlight has inspired many a modern designer to retool and rethink the purpose of the terno.

Almost all couturiers worth their names had a play on it, with their own embellishments and enhancements, which turned out to be masterpieces. Let’s not forget former First Lady Imelda Marcos, who popularized the butterfly sleeves during her appearance in national events and international missions. More recently, the highly successful TernoCon, a series of conventions which aimed to introduce young fashion designers to the craft of this traditional wear, has revolutionized the way Filipinos approach this historical fashion piece.

This recent spotlight has inspired many a modern designer to retool and rethink the purpose of the terno.

These geniuses transformed these garbs into highly-versatile casual daily wear without losing its inner style. Whatever your stance is — an old-school purist or a modern-age revolutionary — one thing is for certain: the terno is here to stay. Letting their photos speak for themselves, here are some fashionable Cebuana ladies in their choice Philippine regalia.

CARLA del Prado in an Inno Sotto original. Worn at the Ternocon 2020.

MARGARITA Milne in a Philip Rodriguez masterpiece. Worn during her graduation.

TESSIE Javier in an Inno Sotto original. Worn at the Chaine des Rotisseurs Ball.

HONEY Jarque Loop in Jed Sevilla creation (right).

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF HONEY JARQUE LOOP JOY Onglatco in Inno Sotto. Worn at the Vin d' Honneur, Independence Day at Casa Real de Iloilo.

ANITA San Jose in Cary Santiago. Worn at the Bachelors Femina Ball.

NONIE Uy in a Philip Rodriguez creation. Worn at the Ternocon 2020.