Diplomacy by design at Vin d’Honneur 2025

There are ties that bind, and there are threads that bind. Some iron-clad, some as gossamer as the strands of the piña fabric. Some in bold colors, and some in the gentlest of hues. Design, like diplomacy, weaves a tapestry of understanding, tolerance, cooperation. And when you wear your host country’s design on your sleeve, you become a mannequin for diplomacy.

In celebration of the 127th Anniversary of Independence Day, Filipino artistry and cultural pride, the country’s top fashion designers created Filipiniana for members of the diplomatic corps and other dignitaries at a Vin d’Honneur at Malacañang Palace. Designers Avel Bacudio, Dennis Lustico, Francis Libiran, Jun Escario, Lulu Tan-Gan, Michael Leyva and Philip Rodriguez created bespoke pieces for the women ambassadors, showcasing the elegance and craftsmanship of Philippine fashion on a global stage, yet reflecting elements from the diplomats’ home country. In a way, it was like a parade of nations — except that in the parade, diplomats of different nationalities wore Filipiniana.

Among the many cultural symbols of the Philippines, the terno stands out, as it stood out that night at Malacañang’s Ceremonial Hall, whose curtains were parted for a view of the Pasig River.

Michael Leyva, who draws deep inspiration from the rich and diverse culture of the Philippines, created the rich red terno of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, the sweet lavender terno of Swedish Ambassador  Anna Pernilla Ferry, the formal dress with panuelo of British Ambassador Laure Beaufils, the white terno with cummerbund of Irish Ambassador Emma Hickey, the electric blue terno of Deputy Israeli Ambassador Ester Buzgan and the black and white terno of Social Secretary Bianca Zobel and Deputy Social Secretary Dina Tantoco.  Leyva paid homage to the beauty of the past but also revitalized a modern cultural expression.

Cebuano designer Philip Rodriguez created a luxurious silk gazar trumpet gown for Finnish Ambassador Saija Nurminen, distinguished by its piña calado terno sleeves. The upper bodice was accentuated by a dramatic stylized panuelo crafted from pointe d’esprit fabric, elegantly gathered and secured with an oversized statement brooch — creating a striking focal point that blended tradition with couture sophistication.

Dennis Lustico drew inspiration from the ambassadors’ personality and the country they represent, blending these elements seamlessly with traditional Filipino attire.

“For Ambassador Catherine McIntosh, I was inspired by the summer breeze and vast openness of New Zealand’s vista. I chose a cool mint chiffon and paired it with suksok piña silk of the same shade to complement her young and vibrant aura. The multiracial and rich cultural mix of unique and modern Singapore inspired me to come up with different textures and patterns all fused into one harmonious look for Ambassador Constance See. The gown is made up of geometric woven silk piña, frayed Mikado silk and embellished with crystals and beads.”

Lulu Tan-Gan made a terno gown crafted from a mix of natural textiles: abaca, silk, and piña, for Hungarian Ambassador Titanilla Toth. The skirt showcases a sculpted top layer of abaca, draped and twisted over a piña apron to create movement, depth and texture. A striking final touch: a handcrafted abaca floral brooch in bright cerise, adding a bold pop of color to the elegant moss-gray gown.

Francis Libiran’s masterpieces were for Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu and Romanian Ambassador Raduta Dana Matache. “For Ambassador HK Yu, I wanted to create a terno that reflects the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Australia—a relationship grounded in strength, elegance, and a shared vision for the future. I chose crepe de Chine for its fluidity and grace, echoing the ambassador’s poise and diplomatic finesse. The cerulean blue symbolizes the vast waters that unite our nations, and the embroidery is custom-designed to subtly incorporate both native Australian flora and traditional Filipino patterns.

For Romanian Ambassador Raduta Dana Matache, Francis designed a terno in a soft serenity hue that “evokes tranquility and wisdom — qualities I see in the ambassador’s quiet yet resolute presence.”

“The Dupioni silk lends the ensemble a noble texture, with its natural sheen capturing light in the most delicate way. The embroidery intertwines Romanian lace-inspired motifs with Filipino baroque elements, symbolizing the blending of heritage and mutual respect.”

Jun Escario created the tunic piña barong of Brunei Ambassador Megawati Manan. She complemented it with champagne-colored tuxedo pants.

The gentlemen, of course were dashing in their barong Tagalog. But the night belonged to the ladies — and to acknowledge that, well, is diplomacy, too.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas, ang disenyong Pilipino at ang mga kaibigan ng Pilipinas!