tern out for terno
is a visual conversation about fashion as identity, come dressed in your own interpretation of filipiniana-americana + reclaim the seams with us.
I joined a team of SOMA Pilipinas creatives in designing and creating for this storytelling fashion show. The cast-members included the ever-so talented and hysterical comedy troupe Granny Cart Gangstas. The leading performers were an array of larger-than-life Filipinx drag queens.
We took a risk in challenging the historical amnesia that has caused another Marcos to be in office. We aimed to take the audience on a journey of the glamor of Imelda to the cost of that glamour. As said by the show's hosts Nic and Faye, we gotta "wake up from this nightmare."
Babydoll Big Terno
modeled by Alexis from Granny Cart Gangstas
The idea behind this look was to be playful, glamorous, and ready to show-off. It was the kick-off look to the entire show; hence had to be big! From skirt to sleeves.
modeled by queen Lady P Galore with Ava & Lynie from Granny Cart Gangstas
We pulled design inspiration from the regal Singkil dance. But rather from the usual princess, we depicted the dance's leader as Imelda Marcos. While her umbrella servants still dutifully followed the icon, they burned from her sun beams in the process.
Sun Singkil Princess & Her Burning Servants
Embodiment of Imelda's Shoe Obsession
modeled by Yves Saint Croissant with Gwen from Bindlestiff Theatre and Toni from Granny Cart Gangstas
We wanted the color story to go from the glow of Imelda's glamour to begin desaturating, depicting the destruction that followed from her demands. This "Shoe Imelda" introduces in copper tones with red contrasts, as if to distract the viewers from the violence to come with her shoe collection.
