The barong is back—well, not like it ever "died," though. But the recent upturn in Filipiniana wear has marked the heritage piece's grand debut in the Pinoy's contemporary wardrobe. What was once only donned for Buwan ng Wika celebrations or special church masses has gotten a long overdue revamp.
This is mostly thanks to the slew of young designers shaking up the local style scene. The humble garment, traditionally rendered in jusi and piña fabric, has been reborn into modern-day iterations. A barong can now be embroidered, adorned with puff sleeves, or even be cropped.
Ahead, we list down ten local labels that champion their unique takes on the classic piece.
10 Local Designers Who Make Modern Barong Pieces
1. Randolf Clothing
First on the list is a designer that's gained its own virality thanks to their eccentric and colorful embroidery style. An eponymous label by RJ Santos, Randolf Clothing specializes in pieces that are each a one-of-one original given their personalized designs, sure to be etched in the memory of anyone who sees them.
2. Kelvin Morales
If short-sleeved button-downs crafted out of delicate piña is what you seek more (especially given our humid tropical climate), then Kelvin Morales is your guy. Given a prompt, they stitch together intricate patterns, ranging from abundant flora to cityscapes and personal drawings. Kelvin's well-adored Phalaenopsis top was even once worn by our March 2022 cover girl, Kathryn Bernardo.
3. Gabbie Sarenas
With each piece produced serving as a "love letter to the Philippines," Gabbie Sarenas highlights our national identity through well-tailored ensembles that feature delicate designs and silhouettes. They produce dresses and tops for the modern-day "binibini," and button-downs and barongs for the contemporary "ginoo."
4. Happy Andrada
Happy Andrada's work is the intersection of cultural homages and unique takes on today's fashion trends. She's here to prove that the barong can break out of their usual forms, and can evolve into babydoll dresses, crop tops, and even bomber jackets.
5. CHED Studio
Christian Edward Dalagaog's mission with CHED Studio is to make our heritage wear an everyday staple. Its evident wearability doesn't sacrifice a classic feel with a touch of edge. The breezy sheer tops lend themselves to layering, but they certainly hold up on their own.
6. HA.MU
With style quirks recognizable from a mile away, HA.MU enters the jusi game with their own unique spins on the classic. Each barong is a 100% collaboration between you and designers Abraham Guardian and Mamuro Oki. The textile can be manipulated into ruffles, puff sleeves, exaggerated collars—what have you!
7. Daryl Maat
Daryl Maat takes us down memory lane with his Pad Paper Barong. By imprinting nostalgic child-like illustrations, the designer makes the jusi piece a statement-maker. Anthony Jennings definitely wore it well for our February 2024 In Focus feature!
8. Santi Obcena
Santi Obcena's mastery of embroidery has made him a go-to for individuals looking to add a personalized touch to their barongs. From anime figures to pop culture references, you can get virtually any motif done on the traditional silhouette.
9. Vinta Gallery
Although they're designed in Toronto, Canada, each VINTA Gallery piece is lovingly and thoughtfully made on local shares. Their barongs utilize breathable fabric that still has the same sheer effect as pina or jusi, making them a viable option for everyday wear.
10. Joey Samson
At the tail-end of 2023, Joey Samson introduced revamped takes on Filipiniana wear, infusing them with contemporary style cues such as exaggerated sleeves, cropped silhouettes, and playful patterns.
How Local Style Stars Wear the Modern Barong
Anthony Jennings
Gabbi Garcia
Kahlil Ramos
Kathryn Bernardo
Enchong Dee
Bea Alonzo
Kyle Echarri
Barbie Forteza
Erwan Heusaff
Toff de Venecia
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