For her collaboration with Tesoros, the designer is on a mission to unbutton Filipiniana from its formal reputation, proving that heritage fashion belongs in daily life
The Filipiniana has long been the star of grand occasions—weddings, galas, and formal gatherings. But Happy Andrada is dismantling that exclusivity. In her latest collaboration with heritage brand Tesoros, the designer makes a case for Filipiniana as a daily style staple, something you could wear to brunch, the office, or even a grocery run—because why should cultural pride be reserved for special events?
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Andrada has been pushing this agenda since 2008, challenging the notion that Filipiniana should stay locked in a display case of nostalgia. “I wanted to create pieces that are wearable for any occasion, so people can support local artisans and weavers in their daily lives, not just on big days,” she says. Her Tesoros collection takes the traditional and transforms it into modern silhouettes—think structured blazers, relaxed jackets, and tailored trousers spun from piña, inabel, and barong fabrics. The result are outfits that don’t just honor heritage but live and breathe it.
Reimagining Tradition Without Erasing It
Heritage brands often struggle with keeping younger audiences engaged—nostalgia alone won’t cut it. Andrada’s approach? Meet the past halfway. “With this collaboration, I was able to create pieces that pay homage to tradition while reworking them into something fresh,” she explains. “Blazers, jackets, and trousers made from traditional weaves let people integrate these fabrics into their everyday wardrobe, without waiting for an occasion.”
But modernization isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about understanding the soul of a textile. Piña, inabel, and t’nalak carry histories, communities, and a layered cultural significance. Andrada ensures that these materials are used in their true form, not as decorative afterthoughts. “Part of celebrating them is learning about where they come from and the communities that make them,” she says. “It’s not just about wearing them—it’s about respecting their origins.”
Happy Dolls: Couture Collectibles
Andrada’s work doesn’t stop at full-sized fashion. Her “Happy Dolls” project brings couture to the palm of your hand—miniature creations crafted from remnants of her designs.
“Happy Dolls is part of the circularity of our fashion,” she shares. “The fabric leftovers from our creations are used for the dolls’ outfits.” The project, a collaboration with Dolljoy and Happy Homes (a community supporting individuals with mental disabilities), turns excess into expression, proving that fashion can be meaningful—and miniature.
Making Filipiniana a Habit, Not a Holiday
Filipino design is slowly stepping onto the world stage, but Andrada sees room for growth. “Right now, people recognize Filipino outfits internationally for formal events,” she notes. “But I’d love to see them worn casually, making cultural fashion part of everyday life, not just the special moments.”
Consider this your sign to ditch the idea that Filipiniana belongs in a glass case or a wedding album. Happy Andrada’s Tesoros collection shows that it’s ready for the streets, the offices, and, yes, even Sunday market runs. Don’t wait for an invitation to wear something worth celebrating.
Photographed by HAPPY ANDRADA
