New exhibit of creations by Ramon Valera, Steve de Leon, Patis Tesoro and more celebrates Maritess Pineda’s 80-year legacy.

To celebrate Maritess Pineda’s 80th year, Terno: Celebrating a Legacy Forged from Design and Art brings together fashion and contemporary art in a tribute that honors the rich heritage of Filipino culture. This exhibition by Art House at Power Plant Mall’s Southcourt, running from October 24 to 27, documents the evolution of the terno, the Philippines’ national dress, and explores the historical connections between fashion and art.

Instead of opting for a typical birthday celebration, Pineda chose something more thoughtful and deliberate: a celebration of the milestone itself through an exhibit that reflects her commitment to preserving and promoting Filipino art and design. “It felt more meaningful to come up with an exhibit that tells the story of Philippine art, heritage, and design, rather than throw another party,” Pineda said. This exhibition is both a personal reflection of her journey and a broader celebration of Filipino creativity.

Maritess Pineda

Couture creations by Ramon Valera, Steve de Leon, and Patis Tesoro served as key inspiration for mounting the show, showcasing the use of heritage fabrics. Contemporary reimagining of the national dress by BAYO Atelier, Len Cabili, Jor-El Espina, Rajo Laurel, and Cora Manimbo were also chosen to represent a creative revolution in everyday Philippine wear. “These gowns or dresses were also chosen because they were a part of my life’s milestones,” adds Maritess. 

The terno

The term terno never just referred to a formal dress. It is a symbol of national pride, beginning as a multi-piece ensemble worn by Filipino women during the Spanish colonial era. Over time, the terno shed its elaborate layers, becoming more practical but still retaining its signature butterfly sleeves.

For Pineda, the terno reflects milestones in her own life. “For my debut and wedding, I wore Ramon Valera,” she recalls. “He was so detailed that I fully trusted him to create something beautiful.” This garment has always been a part of her most important moments—whether by legendary designers like Valera or reimagined by contemporary visionaries.

The exhibit traces how the terno continues to inspire a new generation of designers who interpret it for the modern Filipino. Today, the terno is worn in everyday fashion, becoming an instant sign of cultural identity.

A blend of fashion and art

One of the most striking aspects of the show is how it blurs the line between fashion and art. Design pieces were paired with contemporary artworks from Art House’s roster, including 0270501, Enon de Belen, Alvaro Jimenez, Ronna Manansala, Anina Rubio, and Melissa Yeung-Yap.

“Terno is more than just a national dress—it’s a symbol of our identity, our creativity,” Pineda says.

Beyond fashion, art has also shaped Pineda’s life. Her relationships with Filipino artists such as BenCab and Vicente Manansala were never just about collecting pieces. In her eight decades of patronage, Pineda has built lasting friendships with both artists and designers. “Every piece of art or gown in my collection has a personal story to tell,” she says. “Collecting was never about just acquiring pieces or investing. It was always something very personal and meaningful. Something that was part of everyday life, something that I also share and impart with family.”

Preserving heritage through sustainability

Patis Tesoro

The exhibition also touches on an issue that has become increasingly urgent in recent years: sustainability. Pineda’s appreciation for this aspect of fashion is clear. “Patis was ahead of her time,” she says, referring to designer Patis Tesoro’s early advocacy for sustainable fashion. “She showed us how to create beauty without waste, while still honoring the tradition of weaving and craft.”

A call to the next generation

Alvaro Jimenez, Carlo Pineda, Cora Manimbo, Patis Tesoro, Peching Gomez, Maritess Pineda, Anna Lagoon, Patty Pineda, Steve de Leon

The collection illuminates and contributes to a diverse and highly sustainable legacy for future generations of Filipinos to build upon. As Marika Constantino notes in her curatorial statement for Terno:

“The exhibition invites young Filipinos to not only be consumers but also active participants in preserving and developing Filipino culture.”

Pineda echoes this sentiment: “Terno is inspiration for Art House to now look into showing how art and fashion can evolve hand in hand. Both can adapt to the direction and the needs of the times. They can adapt while taking into consideration the need to address the climate change crisis. They can do all of this while keeping in mind that preservation of heritage is key.”

Terno: Celebrating a Legacy Forged from Design and Art runs from October 24 to 27 at Power Plant Mall’s Southcourt

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