We asked Ternocon 3’s designers and mentors about making the terno contemporary.
Once worn only by the country’s upper society and lady politicians during formal events, the terno can now be seen everywhere. It got numerous makeovers, from becoming a pantsuit and a jacket to acquiring different treatments such as tie-dye and raw. Designers made it new and exciting by using different materials, creating a myriad of styles to choose from. In the past years, it has been feared to be forgotten.
“However you interpret it is already your own take,” the noted designer says. “I also tell them that they cannot also take it too far, because the idea is to always let an entirely new generation accept the national costume. It has to look friendly. Design is the language of our profession and it must be understood by anyone. It must be something that people can visually relate to and want to wear at whatever age. If that is done, more people will be open to wearing the national attire.