A Brief History of This Outstanding Filipiniana Dress

Before the terno became the unofficial national attire of the Philippines, there was the baro’t saya, which translates to “shirt and skirt.”

During the Spanish colonial period, it was imperative for girls and women to be bundled in clothing so as to keep up with modesty. Apart from the shirt and skirt, they’d have to wear the tapis, an outer layer wrapped around the skirt. Another layer would be the panuelo, a scarf-like fabric garbed over the shirt.

The baro’t saya transformed dramatically over the next couple of centuries during the Spanish rule, becoming more and more stylish with each adaptation, transforming into the Balintawak attire, then to the Maria Clara gown, and finally into the more uninhibited terno, which came at the turn of the American occupation of the Philippines.

With its unbending butterfly sleeves that are hard not to miss, the terno eventually became the symbol of Filipina strength, grace, and femininity.

Modern Terno Looks That We Love

The contemporary Filipiniana designs today have shown just how far the terno has come from its reserved beginnings into a powerhouse outfit that Filipinas and even foreign women have come to embrace.

While its butterfly sleeves will always be a mainstay in today’s modern terno, designers have gone on to experiment with the gown’s length, fabric, adornments, silhouette, and patterns. Ternos that run down to the length of the knees can now be easily worn during casual events, while the longer-flowing ternos have become a staple at state dinners and government ceremonies.

There’s also been a resurgence of the 2-piece terno, which have been garnering more attention, thanks to red carpet events like the much-anticipated ABS-CBN Ball. And while not technically a Filipina dress, the 2-piece terno pants ensemble is a look we absolutely adore.

Introducing The Mestizo’s Pintura Dress

Here at The Mestizo, we’ve designed a contemporary Filipiniana dress that marries the classic elegance of the traditional terno with the chic playfulness of the modern terno. Presenting our Pintura Dress, a knee-length gown adorned with a delightful wavy hem that runs diagonally up to the side waist.

Available in Peau De Soie fabric or in cocoon silk, the Pintura Dress is the ideal cultural dress that you can wear at formal gatherings or business casual events. You can also choose from up to 4 embroidery styles to elevate the look of your gown even more.

Of course no modern terno is complete without the perfect butterfly sleeves, so that’s one feature of this dress that will certainly steal the spotlight. And what better way to show homage to your Philippine heritage than by, literally, wearing it on your sleeves.