A virtual exhibition opening on Feb. 16 aims to encapsulate a piece of Filipino identity and culture in two to three feet tall ensembles.
Entitled “Figuras Miniaturas,” the show will feature miniature versions of the classic Filipiniana and other traditional garments constructed from recycled materials and fabrics. It will include pieces visualized from the pages of the 1887 novel Noli Me Tangere by Dr. Jose Rizal, from the elegant traje de mestiza of Maria Clara and Doña Victorina to Ibarra’s gentleman’s attire and Sisa’s dress.
Also part of the virtual show are the classic styles of the Mestizos Sangley y Chino (Sangley Chinese-Filipino Mestizos) as seen in the 1841 painting by Filipino artist Justiniano Asuncion and the 1850s fashion channeled by characters Don Paeng, Doña Lupeng, and Amada in the 1972 short story Summer Solstice written by National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin.
The quintessential barong Tagalog, as well as the humble attire of Filipino farmers complete with the salakot, will be displayed together with the detailed ensembles of Tagalog and Visayan royal couples and una india visayota, (an Indio woman of the Visayas).
The showcase will likewise depict the complementing sophistication of the timeless vestido de Gala (formal dress) and the luxe silhouettes of 1900s to 1920s Serpentina.
The pieces, made by young artists from the Production Design Program of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Design and Arts, underwent meticulous screening by a group of industry experts composed of scenographer and Gawad Urian Awardee for Best Production Design Gino Gonzales and noted New York-based costume designers Raven Ong and Jelena Antanasijevic.
The virtual exhibit is free and open to the public. It will be livestreamed on Feb. 16, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on www.facebook.com/benildearts.