FASHION STATE OF THE NATION

 THE DAWN OF SOCIAL MEDIA FASHION INSPIRATIONS

The 21st century was a mash-up of different styles from different eras, but the era was characterized by the emergence of spaghetti strap clothes. Women reveled in wearing their innerwear as outerwear. Men’s fashion remained the same, with cargo pants and oversized shirts still popular.

Colorful clothes made a comeback in the mid-2000s, with flannel and checkered polos taking over the shelves of the clothing shops. Layering became the thing – dresses worn over leggings. Short shorts made an appearance, often paired with ugg boots and shirts.

 In the advent of new technology and social media in 2010, the Filipinos were exposed to different fashion style and brands. As more and more shopping malls and clothing stores popping up in the metro, the people have more choices; hence, the styles became more varied. They also look for fashion inspirations from various social media apps such as Tumblr, Instagram, Facebook and what have you. Skinny jeans and shorts are no longer just for women. Men begin to wear androgynous fashion items. Women’s fashion becomes more feminine. Fashion look from mid-1960s and mid-1990s came back, with the popularity of midi-skirts, denim jackets, knitted sweaters, boat shoes, among others.

In the digital era, the introduction of e-commerce, coupled with the increasing number of people with disposable income, has altered the way Filipinos consume fashion. 

A STYLE FILLED OUTSIDE INFLUENCES

But as more and more Filipinos traveling and living in Europe and the US, Western influences were becoming more prominent. Women started doning loose dresses and knee-length skirt, foregoing the conservative look of floor-length skirts and dresses. Men donned suit and coat, replacing Barong Tagalog.

Floral dresses eventually replaced Traje de Mestiza in 1930s.While the elders still used it for everyday wear, the younger generation thought differently. The traditional dress was deemed as merely a formal dress for special events and occasions, especially for carnivals and galas.

In 1920s, the Traje de Mestiza underwent another transformation.The wide sleeves was replaced by the butterfly sleeves, and the panuelo became much smaller. The look made its debut, and became prominent due to the annual Manila Carnival.

By the turn of the 19th century, the Hispanized baro’t saya transformed again as the European influences arrived to the country because of the rising economy and globalization. It was the birth of the Maria Clara, which was named after the female protagonist in Joe Rizal’s novel Noli Me Tangere. This fashion ensemble now had four components – the full-wide skirt with long train, camisa or blouse, panuelo or scarf, and tapis or knee-length over-skirt.