The scene is set at the Goldenberg Mansion. Mapped across its interiors, extending outward to its lush pavilion and into the dark emerald glass house, Dennis Lustico found the stage for his salon show—a marker of his 25 fruitful years as a Filipino designer.

Dennis Lustico for his 25th anniversary show 'Pamana' | Photo by Kim Montes

Pamana is more than just Dennis’ creations; it is his ode to our heritage, placing himself at an intersection between the past and the future of Philippine fashion. “Usually, when we hear the word Pamana, we immediately think of the terno or baro’t saya. I wanted to do something that had not yet been done. Something that’s contemporary, yet that will resonate even to a global audience. Something that’s wearable even years after this show,” the designer shared

Elements of nature are meticulously woven into Philippine fabrics | Photo by Kim Montes

There was quite an organic simplicity to Dennis’ story behind Pamana. Less drama and no pretension, the designer’s focus was “simply and solely to make beautiful clothes”—and this he did splendidly as he crafted a collection of over 50 handmade pieces that have each been meticulously produced.

Pamana, in more ways than one, is a celebration of Philippine craftsmanship. Through cross-regional collaborations spanning Aklan, Lumban, and northern Luzon, Dennis’ collection was brought to life as he worked with artisans who shared the same goal of preserving our heritage, elongating the narratives of tradition in the context of modern Philippine fashion. The designer explained, “The collection is distinctly Filipino, but also relatable to a global audience. I imagine some of my pieces being worn abroad and standing out because of the elements that tell the Filipino story.”

Pieces of wood cut into squares, lacquered, and embroidered into the garments | Photo by Kim Montes

Dennis began working on Pamana in February of 2024 and finally debuted the collection last October 3 following the postponement of its initial date of September 5. As his collection was paraded across the Goldenberg Mansion by the likes of global ambassadors and beauty pageants Ara Arida and Kim Ross Williams, a warm energy of life permeated the venue as garments flowed with each step and shone under every ray of light that they caught. Much like Dennis intended, Pamana is a testament to the story of Philippine history—rich, vibrant, and ever-evolving, it is a marker of hope knowing that this heritage is well-preserved under the hands of passionate talents who continue to breathe life into it.

Take a look into Dennis Lustico’s Pamana in the gallery below.

Photo Courtesy of Dennis Lustico

Article Written by Mavi Sulangi

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