Jaggy Glarino Takes Inspiration from His Childhood in Mindanao for TernoCon 2024

The Cultural Center of the Philippines and BENCH present TernoCon KKK, featuring Jaggy Glarino’s nostalgic ode to Mindanao and childhood memories

At the Museo Del Galeón, the terno unfurls its butterfly wings. The Cultural Center of the Philippines and BENCH once again celebrated the creative adaptability of the traditional Filipino garment, in another terno tribute show titled TernoCon KKK: Kasarinlan, Kultura, Kasuotan 2024. In his evocative collection, Jaggy Glarino threads a memoir through fashion with Lemlunay, inspired by childhood memories and the diverse cultural heritage of Mindanao.

RELATED: Designing Tomorrow’s Fashion With Rio Cuervo and Jaggy Glarino

^{Jaggy Glarino incorporated Mindanao memories from his childhood in his TernoCon collection}

The designer has a number of eponymous brands under his sleeve, each one a memory capsule, preserving fragments of his artistic evolution. Like stumbling upon a box of childhood keepsakes mixed with Mindanao magic, it’s a wonder how Glarino can remember them all. Perhaps his designs are his way of ensuring those memories never fade into oblivion and revision.

^{Fringe detailing adds movement to the garment}

Lemlunay is a heartfelt homage to his childhood in Mindanao. Glarino reflects on his youth, recalling vivid memories of cultural shows that left a cherished effect on his creative psyche. “I have a lot of vivid memories of cultural shows that I saw growing up in Mindanao,” he says. Now residing in Manila, he often finds himself reminiscing about those formative experiences. “Living in Manila, I love recollecting those moments once in a while. This collection is inspired by those memories.”

^{Gold gleams in various textures with floral accents}

Mindanao’s diverse cultural heritage poses a unique challenge for any designer striving for authenticity and respect. Glarino approached this task with careful consideration. “It’s tricky because doing the terno means respecting the national garment,” he explains. His reference point for this collection is the T’boli tribe of South Cotabato, Lake Sebu. “I spoke with people to ensure I was respectful. Their artisanal work inspired me,” Glarino says, highlighting the meticulous effort he put into understanding and honoring their culture.

Incorporating traditional Mindanaoan motifs and materials into modern couture required equilibrium and order. Glarino describes his process as a blend of old and new. “It’s a mix of traditional and non-traditional. We used T’boli brass work and beadwork, incorporating and tweaking them. I aimed to give it a fresh take while keeping it respectful and appropriate,” he shares. This thoughtful adaptation is evident in each piece, where heritage and innovation coexist together.

^{Mindanoan motifs become the center-focus of the collection}

Through Lemlunay, Glarino hopes to broaden the understanding and appreciation of Mindanao’s cultural heritage. He addresses a common misconception in the design world. “Some think that being bound by a particular culture limits design and creativity. This was a challenge to show that you can embrace a culture or tribe and create something fresh and respectful,” he asserts. For Glarino, it’s about showing deep appreciation for the heritage and presenting it in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences.

^{Childhood memories are the core of Jaggy Glarino’s TernoCon collection}

Glarino’s collection is a sentimental return through memory and heritage, in a respectful nod to Mindanao’s rich culture. His designs keep in mind that these cherished memories, much like the timeless terno, continue to live on.

---

Photographed by EXCEL PANLAQUE

The post Jaggy Glarino Takes Inspiration from His Childhood in Mindanao for TernoCon 2024 appeared first on MEGA.

Jaggy Glarino Takes Inspiration from His Childhood in Mindanao for TernoCon 2024
Trending Updates Central