Filipino fashion designer Avel Bacudio is bringing Philippine heritage to the international stage with “Laro ng Lahi,” a new collection created for the country’s athletes competing in the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand from Dec. 9 to Dec. 20.
A collaboration between Bacudio and Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino, the “Laro ng Lahi” project aims to showcase national pride through fashion while supporting Filipino artisans across the country.
Bacudio said the initiative was inspired by a desire to honor athletes year-round, not only when they win medals.
“‘[Laro ng Lahi]’ alay ko sa lahat ng mga manglalarong Pilipino sa buong mundo. Ang bawat tagumpay ng Pilipino sa larangan ng palakasan ay tagumpay ng mga bagong sibol na henerasyon,” he wrote.
Drawing from traditional Filipino games such as Luksong Tinik, Patintero and Tumbang Preso, Bacudio said in an interview that he designed the uniforms using locally crafted fabrics made of piña, abaca, banana fiber, waterlily and kayawan.
The textiles were developed with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Textile Research Institute and feature embroidered motifs representing childhood games.
With the SEA Games’ tropical setting in mind, Bacudio created lightweight silhouettes similar to the barong but tailored for ease of movement.
The designer also emphasized that the collection was made through a collective effort involving weavers, embroiderers, sewers and artisans.
