Manila: More than an event to nourish bilateral ties with allies, traditional, and non-traditional partners, the annual Independence Day vin d'honneur (wine of honor) has also become a platform for the first couple to promote Filipino textiles and fashion. In this year's presidential reception, Filipino designers will again take center stage alongside their muses-the members of the diplomatic corps, who are the very bridge and people who enliven Philippine relations with the world.
According to Philippines News Agency, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu will wear a classic royal blue Francis Libiran terno (Filipino traditional dress), featuring the famous butterfly sleeves. Yu expressed her admiration for the design, emphasizing her love for the butterfly wing sleeves and the simplicity and elegance of the dress. She praised First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos' efforts to champion Filipino textiles and clothing, noting that fashion diplomacy is effective in promoting local clothing and heritage.
Similarly, Singaporean Ambassador to the Philippines Constance See will don a classic Dennis Lustico Filipiniana, reflecting the sophistication of Filipino design and the richness of Philippine culture. See highlighted the significance of wearing a Filipiniana on this important day in Philippine history, viewing it as a tribute to the nation's heritage. She emphasized that fashion diplomacy, when done sincerely, not only honors culture but also connects people.
New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Catherine McIntosh will wear a full-length opal blue dress paired with a handwoven Filipiniana bodice made from pi±a, designed by Lustico. McIntosh lauded the elegance and exquisite craftsmanship of the dress, viewing it as a metaphor for the Filipina spirit and a way to show respect for Filipino artisans.
Ukraine Ambassador to the Philippines Yuliia Fediv will wear an Avel Bacudio Filipiniana, featuring the Ukrainian national flag colors-blue and yellow. Fediv sees this combination as a representation of the profound connection between Ukrainian and Filipino identities and hopes to foster a closer relationship between the two nations through fashion.
Slovenian Ambassador Knez will wear a yellow Inabel dress, a nod to classic Filipiniana attire. Knez, having recently presented her credentials as the new Slovenian ambassador, expressed her interest in exploring both traditional and modern Filipino fashion, recognizing the First Couple's efforts in promoting Filipino heritage.
United Kingdom Ambassador Laure Beaufils and Swedish Ambassador Anna Ferry will wear Michael Levya dresses. Beaufils will sport a knee-length cream Filipiniana, which she describes as an epitome of Filipino style and elegance. The British ambassador expressed her enthusiasm for Filipino clothing, viewing it as a great storyteller of Filipino culture and a testament to strong modern Filipino women.
