‘Paskong TernoCon,’ which happened last 9 December at the at SM Aura Premiere, was the perfect cap to a year full of Filipiniana love.

The first TernoCon held outside its original home, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, was a brilliant and breathtaking showcase of the Philippine dress and barong by outstanding Filipino designers Joey Samson and Lesley Mobo. The new venue made the iconic gathering and presentation of design excellence accessible to a wider audience. 

Immortalized for their distinct aesthetic and sensibilities, Samson and Mobo for this holiday edition celebrated the beauty of individuality and contemporary Philippine fashion. A dazzling and sparkling staging was set to celebrate the festive season with theater-style seating at the upper ground level of the mall.  A colossal Christmas tree served as backdrop surrounded by captivating Capiz shell lighting fixtures and decor.  

The seen to be seen was packed with Manila fashion’s crème de la crème, from seasoned editors, designers, personalities, influencers and best-dressed in their super stylish Filipino wear. 

Mobo and Samson both champion Filipino wear with their imprint on each masterpiece. Whether everyday or on occasion, each creation is a modern adaptation of what remains to be an iconic narrative reflective of our history, culture and traditions.

So we asked them about their “Paskong TernoCon” collection and how different they are from each other, but united in one voice in fashion. 

What is your collection theme for this edition of TernoCon?

Lesley:  Paskong Tropical Ternos.

Joey: Love letter and homage to “Inang Filipinas.” Honoring culture, different influences and craftsmanship and artisanal work.

What is the look or predominant style in your collection?

Lesley: The look is very colorful, and techniques are mainly hand drapings and layering.

Joey: A contemporary version of “whitework” — needlework done in white thread over white fabric. Both tailored and very structured looks that blur the lines between menswear and womenswear.

What color palette did you use?

Lesley:  All the festive and clashing colors.

Joey: Black, white, natural and a few pattern or prints.

Fabrication and textiles used?

Lesley: Tulle, georgette, jacquards and a lot of printed fabrics in bright colors.

Joey:  Piña-seda, piña suksok, cotton eyelet, plaid cotton, vintage silk taffeta kimono and obi material, organdy and French lace.

What designer “signature” detail of yours did you use?

Lesley: Tropical Ternos is the signature. Fun, rural Ternos.

Joey: Vintage heirloom baro and panuelo. Antique heritage jewelries.

Any inspired references?

Lesley: Tropical Ternos. Fun easy, and rural Ternos in festive colors.

Joey: Rizal, the men and women in his life. Few characters from Noli from previous TernoCon shows.

How many pieces did you make for the collection and length of time to finish the collection?

Lesley: Twenty pieces, all women.  All made in one month.

Joey: Twenty-four pieces, 14 women and 10 men. Hard to say kasi the full collection for this edition are from two previous edition plus a few new ones which took a month. 

Whom do you see locally wearing your Ternos?

Lesley: Everyone sana can wear it.  All Filipinas. 

Joey: Anyone who understands what a Terno is and what it stands for.

What’s your design sensibility?

Lesley: Filipino nostalgia, fun and modern romantic. 

Joey:  Genderless.

What is TernoCon, in general, for you?

Lesley: TernoCon is a shared advocacy to continue promote the Terno, really, and it’s been fantastic to be always part of it and to work with Gino Gonzales and Noel Manapat. Always a wonderful experience.

Joey:  An advocacy platform which main purpose and vision is to create awareness and make Terno and Barong relatable and accessible.