The coexistence of the contemporary world and traditional Filipino fashion converge in the latest iteration of Ternocon at this year’s Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo
Amid the dynamic landscape of fashion, an event of significant cultural resonance is on the horizon as Bench is poised to present Ternocon at the forthcoming Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo S/S 2024. This event stands as a nuanced convergence of artistic heritage and contemporary expression, offering an opportunity to witness the evolution of Filipino fashion craftsmanship.
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Ternocon 3 introduces a cohort of distinguished designers—Dennis Lustico, Chito Vijandre, Ricky Toledo, and Joey Samson. Renowned for their distinctive design sensibilities, these designers will present their reinterpretations of balintawak creations, encapsulating both the essence of tradition and the spirit of innovation.
The upcoming Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo S/S 2024 is a reflection of the symbiosis between modern aesthetics and cultural heritage. The collaboration between Bench and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) has cultivated a platform that results in a collection that embodies the soul of Filipino artistry.
At the core of this event is the balintawak, an emblematic attire that embodies the spirit of the Philippines. With its elegant butterfly sleeves, alampay, and tapis, the balintawak is a symbol of poise and grace. Ternocon 3, however, is poised to unfold a new chapter in its description, breathing fresh life into this classic ensemble.
Dennis Lustico, hailing from Northern Samar, brings his discerning eye for color and artistic finesse to his designs. His creations, adorned with intricate beadwork and a plethora of fabrics, fuse traditional motifs with contemporary elements. The integration of modern long sleeves with the classic butterfly sleeves serves as a testament to the evolution of the terno.
Chito Vijandre and Ricky Toledo, a creative tandem from Makati City, are known for their propensity to explore the boundaries of design. Their collection is a coordination of maximalism, cultural diversity, and camp aesthetics. By juxtaposing colloquial phrases and pop culture imagery with vintage textiles, they’ve created an outlook that captures the spirit of the Philippines’ multifaceted design heritage.
Joey Samson, renowned as a “garment surgeon,” draws inspiration from the intricacies of José Rizal’s life. His collection, Ang Mga Pag-ibig ni José Rizal (The Loves of Jose Rizal), is an homage to both real and fictional characters that shaped Rizal’s journey. Samson’s meticulous blend of masculine and feminine design elements challenges conventions and celebrates the subtle harmonies between the two.
As Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo S/S 2024 draws near, the anticipation for an enlightening showcase grows. The terno, a symbol deeply entrenched in Filipino tradition, transforms into a canvas that encapsulates the zeitgeist of modern design. Bench’s collaboration with the Japan Fashion Week Organization stands as a testament to the universality of fashion, transcending geographic boundaries.
Ternocon 3 emerges as a poignant chapter. Through their erudite design philosophy and an unwavering commitment to cultural authenticity, the mentors behind this event are poised to deliver a profound exploration of Filipino fashion. In this modern time, heritage and innovation coalesce, converging craftsmanship and creativity that promises to resonate on a global scale as the Philippines claims its rightful place in the international fashion scene.
Photos TERNOCON
