CEBU, Philippines — Here is a first look at the barong tagalog and Filipiniana gowns that will be worn by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos for the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit and Related Meetings in Cebu, designed by renowned fashion designer Francis Libiran.
The sketches were shared by Arci Baltazar, chief executive officer of Francis Libiran Corp., to INQUIRER via Viber on Thursday.
Libiran exclusively designed three pieces each for the first couple, all made from Philippine textiles with varying patterns. He is one of 15 Filipino designers tapped to dress the Asean head of state.
READ: Marcos, leaders now in Cebu for 48th Asean Summit
Two of Marcos’ barong tagalogs were made from piña fabric, with classic embroidery and refined vertical woven patterns.
The other one, meanwhile, was made from intricate callado fabric with an embroidered front panel, collar, and cuffs.
For Araneta-Marcos, meanwhile, Libiran crafted a rich orchid-hued Filipiniana gown with a neckline adorned with hand embroidery. Its statement butterfly sleeves were made from genuine yakan woven fabric from Basilan.
Libiran also used callado fabric on the first lady’s second gown and yakan fabric on the third. The yakan textile is known for its bold geometric patterns influenced by nature and indigenous tradition.
The Leaders’ Summit is scheduled for Friday at Mactan Expo with a gala dinner in the evening. They are set to discuss priority issues in the region, such as food and energy security, migrant workers’ safety, and impacts of Middle Eastern conflict. /mr