28/07/2026
Zarzuela Fashion in the Belle Époque: 1890s–1914
During the Belle Époque (1890s–1914), the zarzuela flourished as the Philippines’ most beloved theatrical form, and its costumes faithfully mirrored the era’s elite and middle‑class style—blending Spanish tradition, Filipino craft, and the flowing aesthetics of Art Nouveau.
Women: The Traje de Mestiza
The definitive formal look for ilustrada and noble characters was the traje de mestiza:
- Camisa: Sheer piña or abaca blouse with broad, graceful butterfly sleeves, often richly embroidered.
- Saya: Long, bell‑shaped skirt of sinamay or fine plaid fabric, sometimes with a sobrefalda overskirt.
- Pañuelo: Starched piña shawl draped over the shoulders, a symbol of modesty and elegance.
- Accessories: Abaniko fans, lace mantillas, pearl and gold jewelry, leather shoes or bakya.
Men: Tradition Meets New Influence
- Formal roles: Fine piña or jusi barong Tagalog worn over a collarless under‑shirt, paired with tailored trousers—for dons, clergy, and leading men.
- Rising modern style: Amerikana coats, early three‑piece suits, neckties, and soft hats, reflecting changing global tastes.
- Commoner roles: Simple camisa de chino, loose trousers, and woven salakot.
Stage vs. Everyday
Costumes were vivid, amplified versions of real life: richer fabrics, larger sleeves, and bolder colors to stand out under gas and early electric theater lights. Every design reflected the Belle Époque’s love of soft curves and natural beauty—making the stage a living mirror of Filipino identity at the turn of the century.
PHILIPPINE FASHION DESIGN COMPETITION 2026
Sining ng Ba’ag
This year, the Subaraw Biodiversity Festival Committee, in partnership with the Local Government of Puerto Princesa and the Office of the City Mayor, proudly presents the Philippine Fashion Design Competition 2026 – Sining ng Ba’ag.
Twelve outstanding finalists will be selected to compete across three distinguished categories, earning the chance to receive prestigious citations for their work.
CATEGORY II: ZARZUELA
Red carpet drama
Designers are challenged to artfully reinvent the iconic traje de mestiza 1900-1914 into breathtaking high formal wear, drawing inspiration from the rich, evocative hues of the WGSN Fall‑Winter 2027–2028 palette.
Designers may create complementary accessories—including footwear, bags, jewelry, hats, and belts—which will be evaluated separately under dedicated award categories. The use of indigenous ba’ag fiber must be clearly visible in the design and explicitly noted in your description, to honor the cultural heritage at the heart of this competition.
Submissions must include fully colored design renderings, which may be hand‑drawn or created digitally. Each entry must also be accompanied by a written description and statement of inspiration, to help the screening panel fully understand your creative vision and interpretation of the theme. To qualify for the Fashion Illustration Honor Award, the entry must be a traditional hand-drawn design. Digital and AI-generated illustrations are not eligible.
All design files and supporting documents may be submitted via the official email address provided below.
[email protected]
Note: Please ensure that submitted design drawings do not include watermarks or signatures.
Submission deadline:
August 25, 2026