The runway wasn’t the only stage for fashion. Here’s what the 10 most stylish spectators of the night wore to the show
In partnership with BENCH, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) returned with the fourth edition of the biannual TernoCon—and with it, a sartorial feast. While the designs captured the soul of Filipino craft and creativity, the guests, wrapped in bold reimaginings of the traditional ternoTernoA Filipiniana gown recognized by its raised butterfly sleeves and matching skirt, and a symbol of Philippine national dress. Popular since the 20th century, the terno has been reimagined byGo to Terno Glossary, proved that fashion is not a monologue. Ahead are the 10 best-dressed women of the night, an extension of the art before them.
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Kathy Yap-Huang
Kathy Yap-Huang graced the show in a full piña piece by Ivarluski Aseron. The pañuelo-inspired neckline and butterfly sleeves—exaggerated yet crisp—lent a sense of heritage and power to the rest of the look that cinched at the waist before flowing into a column silhouette.
Michelle Marquez-Dee
Michelle Dee, in her signature black, wore a Jaggy Glarino ensemble. Her look played with structure and movement—a sheer polka dot terno with a woven skirt and its threads left to dangle at the helm.
Bianca Umali
Bianca Umali was a sight in ivory, courtesy of designer Joey Samson who elevated the pañuelo with a dotted sheer design. The peplumPeplumA flared ruffle or panel attached at the waist of a jacket, top, or dress, extending over the hips. The peplum creates an hourglass shape by emphasizing the waist andGo to Peplum Glossary element at the hem injected a sense of modernity to an otherwise traditional Filipiniana silhouette.
Tweetie De Leon
Tweetie De Leon entered in a textured black terno by Rhett Eala. It may have read a classic silhouette at first glance, but a lingering look revealed a low sweetheart neckline that hinted at modernity. It was a delightful reveal of the ternoTernoA Filipiniana gown recognized by its raised butterfly sleeves and matching skirt, and a symbol of Philippine national dress. Popular since the 20th century, the terno has been reimagined byGo to Terno Glossary’s classic shape and Tweetie’s sun-kissed skin.
Len Alonte
Designer Michael Leyva dressed Congresswoman Len Alonte in a cerulean number. Cascading lines draped atop her ternoTernoA Filipiniana gown recognized by its raised butterfly sleeves and matching skirt, and a symbol of Philippine national dress. Popular since the 20th century, the terno has been reimagined byGo to Terno Glossary and dropped to the side, strutting with the woman with purpose. Styling choices also drew the eye, the refreshing blue hue paired with silver accents.
Carla Del Prado
Carla Del Prado gave the baro’t saya a pristine revival in Rhett Eala. The delicate floral sheet details hinted at tradition, but all eyes landed on the bold paint spatter marking her sleeve. She doubled down on the statement-making with a well-curated set of jewelry, from ring to brooch.
Juliana Gomez
Juliana Gomez stepped out in a Len Cabili terno that redefined the dalagang Pilipina. Floral embroidery traced her ensemble, with the traditional butterfly sleeves framing her with quiet regality. She let the details—scalloped edges and a gold clutch—speak for themselves.
Kaye Tinga
Dressed in Joey Samson, CCP President Kaye Tinga’s ensembleEnsembleA complete, coordinated outfit in which each garment and accessory is chosen to work together as one look. Stylists build ensembles around a theme, color story, or occasion, and theGo to Ensemble Glossary was a study in contrasts. The structured butterfly sleeves played off the fluidity of asymmetrical stripes and patterns, creating a dynamic tension. It was a visual metaphor for tradition, reshaped.
Kai Lim
Kai Lim honored Filipino fashion history in vintageVintageClothing and accessories that are at least 20 years old and represent the style of a particular era, valued for their quality and uniqueness. Vintage shopping supports sustainable fashion, andGo to Vintage Glossary Ramon Valera. Sculpted butterfly sleeves met a cropped bolero, while floral embroidery and pearl-like buttons trailed down the side—proof that romance is best told in stitches.
Lulu Tan-Gan
Lulu Tan-Gan, mentor of this year’s edition, donned her creation to the show. Her dark printed ternoTernoA Filipiniana gown recognized by its raised butterfly sleeves and matching skirt, and a symbol of Philippine national dress. Popular since the 20th century, the terno has been reimagined byGo to Terno Glossary flowed into a midi dress, but not without a surprise. Tailored pants peeked from underneath, adding a masculine edge to the fluidity.
Photographed by TIMOTHY DUEÑAS
Additional Photos: BENCH
