Inspired by the terno

Every terno tells a story. In it are woven a thousand and one stitches of simple and grand tales.

Art House recently invited guests to “Terno,” an exhibit that celebrates the legacy of design and art focusing on the ternos of Maritess Pineda, at The Lounge, Rockwell Club in Makati. 

Pineda’s 18th birthday beige terno with delicate embroideries sewn by National Artist Ramon Valera remains classy and classic. The bodice of the Patis terno is peppered with Filipiniana design and the long skirt is embellished with black and white prints. 

The third terno, created by Steve de Leon, shows the designer’s passion for timeless artistry and woven magic.

“All my ternos are memorable, but the closest to my heart is my debutante’s gown for up to now, from my biased opinion, I have not seen anything as beautiful (as that),” says Pineda.

“Of course, memorable, too, is my wedding gown. I still consider my wedding day the most important event of my life. From that day onward, I cannot count the blessings I have received from the Lord—a loving husband, four children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. My husband and I have also been showered with good friendships and communities we serve. And that has made our lives more meaningful.”

Art House founder Carlo Pineda, son of Maritess, explains, “My mom has always been a supporter of Philippine fashion and art. Her journey as a patron of both presented us with a beautiful proposition to blend fashion and art in one space.”

He adds, “Terno honors the national dress as a fundamental part of Philippine identity. But more than that, it also tells the story of Philippine creativity and its ecosystem through a new lens.”

Art House will mount a retrospective show that captures eight decades of patronage for Philippine art and design. From Oct. 24 to 27 at the South Court of the Power Plant Mall, “Terno: Celebrating a Legacy Forged from Design and Art” will bring together eight contemporary artists as they reflect and respond to eight masterful designs that have marked milestones in the life of a patron. The exhibit marks the 80th birthday of Maritess Pineda and her brother Vincent on Oct. 27 and her son Carlo on Oct 28. 

Contemporary reimaginings of the national dress by Bayo Atelier, Len Cabili, Jor-El Espina, Rajo Laurel, Cora Manimbo, Patis Tesori, and Ramon Valera were also chosen to represent a creative revolution in everyday Philippine wear.

Design pieces were then paired with contemporary artists, including 0270501, Enon de Belen, Alvaro Jimenez, Ronna Manansala, Anina Rubio, and Melissa Yeung-Yap, Patis Tesoro, and Jo Ann Bitagcol.

Patis will showcase never-before-seen studies of her artwork, all done on local fabrics. Jo Ann will apply her signature photoprints on fabrics as a response to Len Cabili’s intricately embroidered dresses.

Art connoisseur and curator Marika Constantino shares, “The terno’s evolution through time is a testament to its versatility and resilience— from the ensemble composed of the blouse, skirt, kerchief and overskirt during the Spanish colonial times to a less-cumbersome silhouette during the 1900s. From there, it developed into a more modern translation wherein it became synonymous with ceremonial or celebratory wear. Today’s more current adaptations feature some of its components, like the sleeve, embroidery, embellishment, beading, or fabric, to symbolize national pride and identity in the everyday.”