Held last Monday, July 22, the 2024 State of the Nation Address (SONA) had attendees arriving in their interpretation of formal Filipiniana attire. Among them was Congressman Toff de Venecia, who chose to pay homage to his hometown of Pangasinan by wearing a modern barong jacket by Randolf Clothing to the opening of the third Regular Session of the 19th Congress. It was one of the two bangus-themed ensembles that the politician donned for the important affairs lined up for the day.
LOOK: Congressman Toff de Venecia Wears a "Daing na Bangus" Barong to SONA 2024
Styled by Roko Arceo, Cong. Toff wore a buttoned-up bomber-style jacket made out of pinya shifu, an organic textile that's usually used to craft the heritage garment. The standout piece was embroidered with an anatomical heart and a body of a fish upfront, while a tail and a wave-like pattern were present at the back.
Motifs incorporated all throughout the jacket were rays representing the sun, as well as Randolf's signature sparkle design. The different elements were a subtle nod to the Philippine flag with their red, blue, and yellow hues.
Designer RJ Santos of Randolf Clothing on the Making of the "Daing na Bangus" Barong Jacket
In an interview with Preview, RJ Santos of Randolf says that the piece was inspired by Pangasinan, of which Cong. Toff serves as a representative. According to Preview's 2023 Best Filipino Fashion Designers honoree, the look was the fruit of a productive discussion with his stylist Roko Arceo, particularly noting that he was "really keen on incorporating bangus, which is one of the things Pangasinan is famous for."
The designer adds, "I wanted it to be fun and a bit humorous."
RJ sought to create "something playful but not too bold" for the national event. He details that the "daing na bangus" on the front was "layered with shades of blue organza, [which were] cut on the bias from light to dark tones to mimic both the sea and the actual fish."
This wasn't the first time RJ had dressed Cong. Toff, having made him a piece for past SONAs. This year, he wanted to craft something "that looks back to when Randolf was starting out," which the politician was more than game for.
Shoot Randolf Clothing a direct message on Instagram to have your own custom modern barong pieces made. You may also email them at inquire@randolfclothing.com.
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