LOOK: Francis Libiran launches Team PH's Asian Games 2026 attire inspired by Filipino heritage
Fashion designer Francis Libiran just launched his design for the Team Philippines' Asian Games 2026 uniform, and it is full of elements inspired by Philippine culture.
On Thursday, Sept. 10, Libiran shared on Instagram the launch video featuring four models wearing his design, which he calls "Malaya." The video was shot in the National Museum of Natural History.
"When our athletes step onto the world stage, they carry more than our flag. They carry hope, strength, and love for country," Libiran captioned the video.
This is not the first time Libiran has created designs for Filipino athletes. He designed "The Flag, Araw, and Agila" outfits for Filipino SEA Games participants as well as "Sinag" at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Both designs bore similar elements to Malaya, shaped by the rays and colors of the Philippine flag.
"That story continues today with Malaya. The same design language returns, now expressed through brighter colors and symbols of Filipino heritage, freedom, and pride," Libiran wrote on Instagram.
With a unisex barong made from piña jusi as the base, Malaya celebrates "Filipino heritage told through deep symbols and craft." Aside from printing Malaya on one sleeve in Baybayin, the pre-colonial Philippine writing system, Libiran added Kalinga-inspired patterns set in the colors and rays of the Philippine flag.
"Together, they tell a story of heritage, strength, freedom, and pride, carried onto the world stage," Libiran wrote. "Sa bawat hakbang, kasama ang bayan."
Accompanying the Malaya barong is the Malaya cap, which was "crafted from strong, sustainable woven paper that echoes the natural texture of rattan," Libiran wrote.
"The cap is finished with intricate embroidery drawn from the colors and elements of the Philippine flag," he added.
As a finishing touch, the athletes will be wearing custom sneakers designed with elements from the barong and cap.
Team Philippines athletes will be wearing their Malaya attire during the opening ceremonies and parade of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
The 2026 Asian Games will run from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4.
