THE Manila Times takes a break from its coverage of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s first State of the Nation Address. to catch a glimpse of the much-anticipated “fashion event” that has served as a sideshow to the annual event that has taken place. a back seat to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Below are some of the Times’ Lifestyle picks, starting with the fashion highlights.
There is no one more to talk about than Vice President Sara Duterte’s attire in the House of Representatives. The traditional Bagobo Tagabawa dress has fashionistas caught between Super Like and Not-So-Like. Inday Sara being unconventional and Valencian Inday Sara definitely rocked the indigenous look and should be applauded for choosing a dress that honors her Mindanao roots.
Symbolically, it’s a message, loud and clear, from the former Davao City mayor-turned-vice president that she remains one with them even as she assumes national office. A standout style overall, but it’s because of the towering feather on his head that he could have perhaps done away with.
Newbie Senator Mark Villar and his wife Emmeline headlined the Senate red carpet this morning for their simple yet elegant style. Lifestyle is still digging into the details of the designer/s behind her modern Filipino barong and long dress, but each piece is a winner. Her impeccable choice of fabrics (quite possibly the ultra-delicate pineapple fiber) already gets top marks for each outfit, not to mention the expert tailoring on both in a material that can easily hang if not handled carefully. Well done! Outstanding style!
Congratulations to Senator Nancy Binay and her couturier forever Randy Ortiz who have done a splendid job this year! Always the first to turn down the thumb or become a meme in previous SONAs, Binay’s traditional terno is spot on: “tamang tama” lang as we say in Filipino. Nothing goes wrong in this pineapple fabric dress and its sweet and complex sampaguita de callado embroidery. Well done! Outstanding style for you, Senator Nancy.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros’ baro’t saya stood out for looking a lot like a ninang at a wedding. Joel Acebuche’s design made with Aklan Piña fabric registers a rather old look, and the senator’s hasty pusod only dates it further.
Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara and his wife Tootsy are a stylish staple in the Senate. Eyes are always on the senator’s better half, indeed, for her simple yet elegant look. Even when she wore a dress from her college years, she was a standout, but for this SONA, well, let’s just say it’s probably unique. She stood out for wearing a piece that was a little too busy with its large lace patterns that already go from top to bottom and yet ends with a ruffled hem.
Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero is stylish as ever as he returns to the Senate with his famous wife, Heart Evangelista. His sophisticated modern mid-calf suit is a Mark Bumgarner, of course. A style statement without a doubt, the draped bodice and immaculate white embroidered skirt are simply classic, and Evangelista’s long, flowing hair and half-up bangs add that effortless casual touch that makes your image is perfect as always.
