When artists inspire designers

From now until June 12, visitors to SM Mall of Asia don’t need a fashion show invite, social media posts, or a visit to an atelier to see Filipiniana couture, created by emerging Filipino designers who were inspired by Philippine master artists.

A collaboration between SM Mall of Asia, Bench, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the exhibition brings the designers of Ternocon 2025 for public display. You will be able to view the terno, the balintawak, and the kimona, reinterpreting the works of 20th-century Filipino master painters, sculptors, and architects. Fourteen designers from north to south were mentored by design legends Inno Sotto, Lulu Tan-Gan, and Ezra Santos to create fashion crossed with art.

At the Central Atrium of the mall, take a close look at these works of art. Bryan Peralta of Makati City, Gawad Pura Escurdia silver medalist, was drawn to the works of National Artist Jose Joya. “There was an austerity in the random doodles of his New York series in the late 1960s. I recreated the random zigzags, shadows, and light floating against the yellowing canvas by combining embroidery, embossed cording, and 3D printing against the silhouettes of tea-dyed just and canvas.”

Another designer inspired by Jose Joya was Patrick Lazol, with his palette reflecting the colors of Philippine culture.

Geom Hernandez of Batangas chose National Artist Hernando R. Ocampo’s artworks because of their lines, shapes, and vibrant colors, particularly “Analogy B” (1960) and “Dreams” (1962). The rich reds and blues reflect the Filipino flag, our patriotism, and our connection to our roots. Windell Madis was also inspired by Ocampo’s biomorphic drawings and radiant color palettes.

Irene Subang was inspired by National Artist Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera’s “Sabel” and is a love letter to her mentally challenged mother. The collection featured distressed denim and spray-painted cans. Meanwhile, Jared Servano chose Nena Saguil’s “Untitled” for its depiction of the cosmic, mystical, and spiritual.

The designers who were inspired by glass sculptors were Lexter Badana, who chose Ramon Orlina, and Nina Gatan who wanted to recall the flow of water in the works of Impy Pilapil. Rural life and farming, as depicted by National Artist Fernando Amorsolo, were the source of inspiration for Noel Marin and Ram Silva, the latter using his collection to pay tribute to his family’s farming roots.

Yssa Inumerable also went for a rural theme, choosing Anita Magsaysay-Ho for the way she depicted women in the fields.

Jema Gamer picked National Artist Vicente Manansala’s painting “Community,” using layers of organza, jusi, and gazar to interpret cubism. Koko Gonzalez decided on another painter, Onib Olmedo, because he resonated with his expressionistic and bold strokes.

Peach Garde was the only designer to focus on an architect, selecting National Artist Leandro Locsin for his brutalist style.

The mentors themselves presented collections of their own, with Ezra Santos paying tribute to National Artist Abdulmari Imao by drawing from the sculptural elegance of the sarimanok.

Rhett Eala created elegant pieces inspired by the minimalist paintings of Lao Lianben.

Last but not least, Lulu Tan-Gan took the angst of Ang Kiukok but transformed it into lightness and fluidity.

Whichever great Filipino artist inspired each designer, “Ternocon x Obra” is a true celebration of heritage and Filipiniana, and we can thank SM Mall of Asia, Bench, and the CCP for bringing the exhibit for the viewing pleasure of the public in the weeks to come.