Fashion, Power, Modernity: The Ternos in the Benilde Collection
Featuring Ramon Valera, Ben Farrales, Pitoy Moreno and Aureo Alonzo
With the participation of Benildean Cosplayers
In Celebration of the 35th Year of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde
Produced by the Center for Campus Art
Through the years the terno has become a distinctive Filipino national dress, worn with pride as a symbol of the country. It is a popular choice for important occasions like weddings, galas, state visits, political events, fashion shows, and beauty pageants. Designers constantly reinvent and innovate it. At its most basic, it is a single dress with exaggerated and stiffened “butterfly” sleeves, gathered at the waist, ankle length or with a longer train, and zipped at the back. The design was an evolution of the Maria Clara or Traje de Mestiza, the 19th C Filipino garment of three parts – baro, saya and panuelo, reputed to have been popularized, if not invented by National Artist for Fashion Design Ramon Valera. By editing its precursor, Valera intended to liberate the Filipina from the incumbrances of the previous garb and prepare her for more active roles in post-war Philippine society.
In 2021, the family of the renowned fashion designer Ben Farrales donated to the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde a collection of haute couture garments created by their uncle, known as the Dean of Philippine Fashion. The 42 piece collection consisted of gowns, dresses, Filipiniana, skirts, and capes that demonstrated the skill and artistry of Ben Farrales. In recognition of his creative genius and the generosity of his family, the collection was exhibited at Benilde’s Design+Arts Campus and introduced Farrales to a new generation, in particular the fashion design students who were invited to participate in the project. Seeing the clothes’ valuable role in fashion design education, the Farrales family donated the rest of their collection to the care of the College.
“Fashion, Power, Modernity: The Ternos of the Benilde Collection” showcases the terno created by noted fashion designers and given by various donors. The Farrales terno collection will be joined by those designed by Ramon Valera, Pitoy Moreno, and Aureo Alonzo. Former First Lady Luz Banzon Magsaysay’s set of 1950s Valeras, donated by daughter Mila Magsaysay Valenzuela is one of the highlights. Also included are ternos of the late Bambi Harper, a Farrales muse, and a couple of Pitoy Morenos, one given by his good friend and favorite model Conchitina Sevilla-Bernardo. Vicky Rodriguez’ Valera wedding gown is joined by another by Aureo Alonzo, worn by the mother of designer Eric Pineda. As a way of showing appreciation for their generosity, the terno exhibit highlights the donors together with the designers.
Joining the show are Benildean cosplayers who were tasked to design their version of the terno based on an original Filipino character. Their creations will be installed with the vintage ones, illustrating the garment’s continuing evolution into the contemporary milieu through the creativity and innovation of the Benilde designer. “Fashion, Power, Modernity: The Ternos in the Benilde Collection” is produced by the Center for Campus Art and curated by Ar Gerry Torres.
