Where To Get The Best Designer ‘Terno', As Seen On Celebs
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Where To Get The Best Designer ‘Terno', As Seen On Celebs
Pauline Lacanilao Arnould
Published Jun 18, 2025 12:30 PM PHT
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Updated Jun 18, 2025 12:49 PM PHT

The terno has come a long way from its origins. Once a symbol of tradition, it is now a canvas for bold, modern self-expression. Today’s top designers are reimagining the national dress with edge, elegance, and just the right amount of drama, and celebrities are taking note. From red carpet glamour to editorial showstoppers, these standout ternos prove that Filipino fashion is having a global moment. Here are the designers charting a new path—and the stars who are bringing their vision to life.
The terno has come a long way from its origins. Once a symbol of tradition, it is now a canvas for bold, modern self-expression. Today’s top designers are reimagining the national dress with edge, elegance, and just the right amount of drama, and celebrities are taking note. From red carpet glamour to editorial showstoppers, these standout ternos prove that Filipino fashion is having a global moment. Here are the designers charting a new path—and the stars who are bringing their vision to life.
Lesley Mobo as worn by Anne Curtis
Photo from @lesleymobo on Instagram

Lesley Mobo’s white terno with black polka dots nods to retro glam, but the Boracay-blue tulle sash and daring slit pull it into the now. On Anne Curtis, it’s a reminder that Filipiniana can evolve across eras and islands—without ever losing its local soul.
Lesley Mobo’s white terno with black polka dots nods to retro glam, but the Boracay-blue tulle sash and daring slit pull it into the now. On Anne Curtis, it’s a reminder that Filipiniana can evolve across eras and islands—without ever losing its local soul.
Michael Leyva as worn by Heart Evangelista
Photo from @iamhearte on Instagram

The modern Filipina bride comes to life in Michael Leyva’s terno. A classic in shape rich with texture, his white gown features a sculpted bodice, layers of tulle, sweet bow details, and just enough drama. On Heart Evangelista, it’s grace, confidence, and opulence rolled into one.
The modern Filipina bride comes to life in Michael Leyva’s terno. A classic in shape rich with texture, his white gown features a sculpted bodice, layers of tulle, sweet bow details, and just enough drama. On Heart Evangelista, it’s grace, confidence, and opulence rolled into one.
Michael Cinco as worn by Pia Jauncey
Photo from @piajauncey on Instagram

Why sparkle like a star when you can be the sky? Michael Cinco’s terno is a glittering masterpiece, dripping with pendant jewels and encrusted in black crystals. From the plunging front to the open back and sweeping skirt, Pia Jauncey owns the night in this celestial stunner.
Why sparkle like a star when you can be the sky? Michael Cinco’s terno is a glittering masterpiece, dripping with pendant jewels and encrusted in black crystals. From the plunging front to the open back and sweeping skirt, Pia Jauncey owns the night in this celestial stunner.
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Rochelle Perejas as worn by Nikki Huang
Photo from @nikkihhuang on Instagram

A modern take on heritage, Rochelle Perejas fuses the terno with a barong-inspired elements, a mandarin collar, bridal looped shank buttons, and architectural influences. Nikki Huang’s version is sleek, sexy, and unforgettable—a new kind of power dressing rooted in culture.
A modern take on heritage, Rochelle Perejas fuses the terno with a barong-inspired elements, a mandarin collar, bridal looped shank buttons, and architectural influences. Nikki Huang’s version is sleek, sexy, and unforgettable—a new kind of power dressing rooted in culture.
Mark Bumgarner as worn by Kylie Verzosa
Photo from @markbumgarner on Instagram

Think Paris runway meets Manila gala. With a corseted waist, silky drapes, and a quietly commanding silhouette, Mark Bumgarner’s terno is black-tie elegance with an edge. Kylie Verzosa smolders in a look that redefines modesty.
Think Paris runway meets Manila gala. With a corseted waist, silky drapes, and a quietly commanding silhouette, Mark Bumgarner’s terno is black-tie elegance with an edge. Kylie Verzosa smolders in a look that redefines modesty.
Rajo Laurel as worn by Karen Davila
Photo from @iamkarendavila on InstagramUnexpected, layered, and impossibly chic. Rajo Laurel gives tradition a twist with a long-sleeved terno top layered over a soft wrap dress. Karen Davila added the ballgown skirt and wears the full look like a woman who knows fashion should be fun.

Vania Romoff as worn by Rocky Barnes
Photo from @vaniaromoff on InstagramLacy, floaty, and romantic, Vania Romoff’s creation is an airy confection. With a peek of bralette beneath a sheer blouse paired with a merengue-light skirt—this is Filipiniana that whispers instead of shouts. Rocky Barnes brings the sweet seduction to life.

Martin Bautista as worn by Lovi Poe
Photo from @martinbautista on Instagram

Bright, leggy, and unapologetically modern. Martin Bautista's hot pink crop top and mini skirt terno, embroidered and edged with a sweeping marigold wrap, is youthful and fearless. Paired with a cowrie shell purse, Lovi Poe proves that Filipino fashion can be both playful and powerful.
Bright, leggy, and unapologetically modern. Martin Bautista's hot pink crop top and mini skirt terno, embroidered and edged with a sweeping marigold wrap, is youthful and fearless. Paired with a cowrie shell purse, Lovi Poe proves that Filipino fashion can be both playful and powerful.
AJ Javier as worn by Kim Chiu
Photo from @ajjavierph on Instagram

A Y2K fever dream in terno form, AJ Javier delivers bejeweled satin, nude tones, and a belly-baring silhouette that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Kim Chiu channels early-2000s pop royalty with a Filipina twist.
A Y2K fever dream in terno form, AJ Javier delivers bejeweled satin, nude tones, and a belly-baring silhouette that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Kim Chiu channels early-2000s pop royalty with a Filipina twist.
Gabbie Sarenas as worn by Juliana Gomez
Photo from @gabbiesarenasph on InstagramA love letter in every stitch, the terno worn by Juliana Gomez during her graduation is an ode to where we come from. This ecru piña set by Gabbie Sarenas, delicate with floral embroidery, scalloped edges, and hand-stitched initials—likely a nod to her parents—the intimate details make this look stand out as meaningful as the milestone it marks.

Norman Malagueño Acuba as worn by Nadine Samonte
Photo from @nadinesamonte on Instagram

Bringing Filipiniana to Paris with flair, Norman Malagueño Acuba’s design features feathered butterfly sleeves, sequined embroidery, and a dramatic drop waist that nods to couture traditions while staying proudly local. Nadine Samonte wears it like royalty.
Bringing Filipiniana to Paris with flair, Norman Malagueño Acuba’s design features feathered butterfly sleeves, sequined embroidery, and a dramatic drop waist that nods to couture traditions while staying proudly local. Nadine Samonte wears it like royalty.
Bree Esplanada as worn by Lou Dominique Piczon
Photo from @breesplanads on Instagram

Patchwork but polished, Bree Esplanada’s joyful terno is playful without being precious or juvenile. A tiered tulle skirt nods to ‘50s nostalgia but is reimagined through a sheer, contemporary lens. On Lou Dominique Piczon, it’s less picnic-chic and more editorial.
Patchwork but polished, Bree Esplanada’s joyful terno is playful without being precious or juvenile. A tiered tulle skirt nods to ‘50s nostalgia but is reimagined through a sheer, contemporary lens. On Lou Dominique Piczon, it’s less picnic-chic and more editorial.
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