With just a few more days until the grand opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics on the 26th of July, many are excited to see this year’s line-up of athletes and the dazzling display of National Team costumes from all over the world.

Designs of every fabric, color, and silhouette add another layer of intrigue as we take a step closer to the games. Each outfit carries a powerful statement and sense of pride. Take, for instance, the buzz surrounding the Philippines’ Olympic attire created by Francis Libiran. The vibrant colors and traditional patterns aren’t just visually stunning but they exhibit national identity and cultural heritage.

The barong tagalog is traditionally a long-sleeved formal shirt made from sheer textiles like piña and abaca. Through the years, we’ve seen the barong interpreted in many ways from using sustainable fabrics and embroidery. Francis reinterpreted the look for Team Philippines by adding a vibrant contemporary sling.

Francis Libiran's Sinag barong for the Paris Olympics

In an exclusive interview with Francis Libiran, the designer shared the story, process, and message behind the captivating Sinag barong.

The design is mainly inspired by the Sun and the famous tattoo patterns of the Pintados. “The Sun represents the beauty of our islands the resiliency of our people. We will rise and shine no matter how hard life is. The tattoo patterns of the Pintados symbolize our athletes and their dedication,” says Francis. To set Sinag apart from traditional barongs, Francis added a contemporary sling that gives off the look and feeling of an armor.

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A post shared by Francis Libiran (@francislibiran)

Francis furthers his vision for the Sinag barong by using a light and airy fabric sourced from Kalibo, Aklan called piña-jusi. It’s a crisp and paper-like silk organdy that feels luxe and sturdy.

Stay tuned on Metro.Style for more fashion coverage of the Paris Olympics.

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