SONA fashion show gives way to business attire

MANILA, Philippines - Taking a cue from President Duterte’s simple fashion style, most politicians and their families as well as other guests at his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) yesterday toned down their usual grandiose outfits and opted for business attire.

There were some, however, who still used the event to flaunt their designer clothes, but others chose to promote ethnic fashion and patronize native fabrics and shoes.

Department of Finance spokesperson Paola Alvarez earlier said business attire will be SONA’s new dress code under the Duterte administration.

The President sported his signature Barong tagalog with rolled up sleeves and dark pants. Vice President Leni Robredo, meanwhile, wore an ecru off-shoulder Filipiniana dress.

Duterte usually dresses casually. During the recent anniversary celebration of the Philippine Air Force, he paired a Barong tagalog with jeans. 

Ethnic designs, Marikina shoes Singer Bayang Barrios, who sang the national anthem, donned a Joel Acebuche creation – a red, black and yellow dress with bead work inspired by the intricacy of Manobo accessories.

Sen. Loren Legarda wore a fuchsia coat in silk with okir-inspired embroidery partnered with Marikina-made shoes. The okir is an indigenous design that is distinctly Maranao, Legarda said.

“My outfit for today reflects not only my support for the administration of President Duterte but also my continued support for our indigenous peoples and our micro, small and medium enterprises,” she said.

Aside from Legarda, neophyte Sen. Risa Hontiveros also wore Marikina-made shoes in response to the request of Marikina shoemakers to wear their products.

“Let’s support our local products and local shoe-makers,” Hontiveros said.

Sen. Grace Poe, who arrived with husband Neil Llamanzares, wore a simple white dress.

Designer clothes 

Sen. Nancy Binay wore a black corporate Filipiniana outfit by Randy Ortiz.

Actress Heart Evangelista, who accompanied her husband, Sen. Francis Escudero, sported a white Massimo Dutti creation, while actress Gretchen Barretto wore an off-white black Filipiniana by Inno Sotto.