Summer just started and everyone is already planning their beach trip! Ready to display the latest swimwear, travel to a new vacay destination, or attend an event that has grown in popularity in recent decades — the beach wedding?

Yes, with 7,100-plus islands, why not? With the whole stretch of sizzling temperatures rising from March to June, the challenge lies on what to wear when the heat is on. 

Currently popular thematically is modern Filipiniana — an outcome of the immortalized “love local” movement that has spotlighted artisanal and locally made creations in nearly the past decade. The look of Filipiniana has gone through progressive evolution and reinventions as designers recreate the classic and traditional to something new. 

Fashion designer Happy Andrada recently launched her one-of-a-kind Gown and Bridal Robe collection called “Harana,” a modern Filipiniana Bridal collection inspired by Filipino courtship (ligawan).

Taking tradition with a new spin, this advocate of Philippine culture presents local woven pineapple fabrics matched and combined with organdy, lace and silk. The distinctive combination results in a beautiful fusion of textures, tones and details highlighted by hand embroidery techniques from Lumban, Laguna. 

Expanding this amazing collection of one-offs, this multi-awarded graduate of Central Saint Martins London has gone beyond the standard classics.

Less popular traditional outfits such as the Mestiza, Terno, Camisa and Patadyong are reinvented and made contemporary through innovative design, creative silhouettes and use of fabrication. These refreshing and updated creations are made from locally sourced materials by artisans. This modest visionary is an advocate and believer of creating fashion with a purpose wherein she supports artisanal communities, livelihood and sustainability. 

Today, modern brides can celebrate Filipiniana  in the summer. Up to date designs seamlessly define the new, now and one-of-a-kind in contemporary bridal wear. 

The limited collection is available at www.happyandrada.com. Happy Andrada offers Bespoke creations and has her ready to wear outfits available at Fashion Art Atelier located in 24 K-D corner K-1st, Kamuning, Quezon City.