Filipiniana “Mestiza” Gowns Showcase at the United Nations in Geneva 

Ms. Fidelis Apalisok (left), Philippine Permanent Mission to the World Trade Organization in Geneva, and Ms. Rona Jen Salao (right), Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, at the Fashion Show held during the UNWG Coffee Morning. Photo Courtesy of Ms. Jayroma Bayotas.

12 December 2017 GENEVA – The ASEAN Ladies’ group hosted the UN Women Guild’s Coffee Morning on Tuesday, December 05 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, showcasing the color and pageantry of ASEAN traditional dress.

The Philippine Missions in Geneva, one of seven (7) participating ASEAN Members, featured the “mestiza” as the form that best exemplifies the indigenous, Asian and Hispanic roots of Philippine culture. In its traditional form, the “traja de mestiza” is composed of three or four matching pieces (called the terno): blouse, skirt, overskirt, and long scarf.  It was Ramon Valera, National Artist for Fashion Design, who is credited for creating the modern one-piece “terno” by distilling the traditional forms and shapes into the visual icon it is today.

Ms. Rona Jen Salao of the Philippine Mission to the UN wore a long, black silk gown with a serpentine train, contrasted by the cream colored beadwork, floral embroidery applique, ostrich feathers, and capiz shell details on the bodice and on the butterfly sleeves. Ms. Salao also wore a three-piece “payonetta” headdress with pearl accents. The outfit was designed by Mr. Enrike Sua-an, a fashion and jewelry designer from Ilo-ilo. Ms. Fidelis Apalisok of the Philippine Mission to the WTO, on the other hand, wore a long red abel-iloco gown shot with gold thread, softened by a red chiffon silk draping, gathered in an empire waist, with the traditional butterfly sleeves.

Six other ASEAN countries, namely Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Viet Nam, also participated in the Coffee Morning, all showcasing contemporary forms of their respective traditional costumes. The United Nations Women’s Guild Coffee Morning, an important event in the cultural calendar of the UNOG, is an excellent opportunity to introduce different cultures to an interested audience.  The Philippine Mission is proud to have showcased the unique history of the Philippines through its traditionally-inspired contemporary fashions. END

For more information, visit www.genevapm.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/genevapcg.