The book traces the evolution and changing silhouette of the Filipino dress from the 1890′s to the 1960′s. It seeks to augment and further the public’s understanding of the Filipino dress, specifically the extant gowns worn by the upper class of society. .

The upper class female dress is an attire that reveals the psyche of the Filipina as she related to herself, to her society, to her times, and to the world. It is also an object for which Filipinos, through the many periods of Philippine history, have developed their skills and talent in weaving and embroidery. It is not surprising that today, the terno is regarded not simply as an artifact but as an art object that reached the level or artistry in the hands of designers like Ramon Valera, Pura Escurdia, and Pacita Longos.

This pioneering book on the Philippine dress, hopes to be a valuable reference and source book not only for designers in theater, film, and fashion, but also for cultural researchers and the general public.

Published in 1992 by Cultural Center of the Philippines

112 pages / Hardcover