A field day for the terno
Filipiniana and sportswear may seem like polar opposites, but both are currently enjoying popularity in the style scene. Many a modern look may incorporate elements of one or the other: a weave here, a reworked butterfly sleeve there, paired with casual denim or incorporated into a light jacket, or a jersey dressed up with more structured pieces to make the corporate look feel more comfortable.
Finding ways to marry such contrasts makes dressing up more exciting and adds not just more visual interest but also more personality to one’s look.
The recent TernoCon reimagines the national dress and teams it up with a more playful energy through TernoCon Palaro. This year’s edition took the runway to the football field and saw six Filipino designers interpret the terno into pieces that allow more play and movement.
One of the Palarong Ternocon featured designers is Jo Ann Bitagcol, whose colorful career has already seen her fill shoes as a model, stylist, and photographer. Some of her iconic works are her photographs of embroidered baro and barongs, printed on scarves, shirts, and the like.
For her TernoCon collection, the imposition of these Filipiniana prints plays off against colorful patterns. All in loose silhouettes and layers, each look lends well to movement.
What’s your process when deciding the route of this collection?
Everything started with the word “palaro.” I created my own definition through colors and play of prints through checkered (patterns) and stripes to match my photographs of ternos and barongs.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Inspiration can be anything and anywhere, but for Palaro, we stayed with the brand DNA of mixing influences of street/sporty and luxe wear.
How long did it take you to work on this?
Not very long because I’ve decided to show our core designs and silhouettes.
You’re a model, photographer, visual artist, and now a designer. What gives you the strength to explore these creative spaces? Which, by the way, you are very good and talented in.
I always asked for guidance through prayers, and of course, I ask for help or advice from fashion and spiritual friends. This support system gave me the courage to keep learning and move forward.
For a person who wants to try something new, what would be your advice?
Innovate, adapt to time, but stay true to who you are.
You’ve always been so humble and grounded. Who are the people you lean on in your endeavors?
I’m blessed to be surrounded by brilliant, loving friends in the fashion and spiritual world.
If you could intern with any designer in the world, who would you like to work for?
I’m a Dries Van Noten and Margiela fan!
Anything else you would like to achieve?
I will stay in fashion design for now, but I’m always open to possibilities. I will allow the universe to create paths for me.
