The first-ever Indigenous Filipino-led fashion show, *Cordillera Night*, took place on November 9 at Da Mikkel Palazzo in Woodside, celebrating the vibrant traditions and contemporary interpretations of fashion from the Cordillera region in northern Philippines.
Over 140 guests gathered for the event, which featured a mix of handwoven garments, intricate designs, and cultural pride reflecting the craftsmanship of the Cordillera people. The region is renowned for its rich Indigenous culture, particularly its textile traditions, including inabel fabrics woven with geometric patterns inspired by nature. These textiles, often crafted using bamboo upright looms, represent a fusion of ancient artistry and modern adaptation.
The show showcased a variety of traditional and contemporary attire, combining modern fashion trends with the distinct geometric patterns and earth-toned fabrics of Cordilleran communities. The event took a participatory turn when attendees were invited to join the models on the runway, creating a unified celebration of shared heritage.
“I wear this attire as a tribute to my roots,” said participant Jet Lochinvar Saguid, who donned a custom-made tribal-patterned shirt representing his family’s heritage. “It allows me to carry my parents and my cultural identity wherever I go.”
The runway featured traditional handwoven gowns, skirts, and blazers designed by pro-bono Indigenous Filipino designers. Bonsai Cielo, one of the designers, wore a black maxi dress paired with a red wrap-around skirt, blending geometric patterns with floral motifs. Cielo, dedicated to reviving Indigenous textiles, shared her vision of incorporating sacred materials like the *tapis* into modern fashion. “My point was that you can only use the tapis so much; it deserves to be appreciated in all its forms,” she said.
Event coordinator Olive Miguel also wore one of Cielo’s designs—a navy blue empire dress with arrow-patterned details—emphasizing the evolution of Indigenous clothing from ceremonial wear to everyday attire. “These attires were once reserved for special occasions, but now they’re a part of our daily lives,” said Miguel.
The event highlighted the importance of preserving traditional weaving techniques, particularly the centuries-old practice of *inabel* textile weaving. Models showcased garments that reflected the specific provincial heritage of the region, with bold colors and vertical patterns distinctive of the northern and southern Cordilleran provinces. “The materials were more varied from the south, while the north mainly used reds, blacks, and greens,” explained Cielo.
Among the guests, Janice Guhan blended tradition and modernity in her outfit, wearing light green pants with vertical snake-like stripes paired with a denim jacket. Camilo Nacatab also showcased a fusion of styles, donning a leather cowboy hat with a bright blue blazer adorned in red and yellow geometric stripes.
Saguid, whose attire paid tribute to his heritage, concluded the runway show with his custom-made shirt. “I’m proud to wear this piece that honors my heritage while reflecting my personal style,” he said.
The evening ended with Saguid being named the best-dressed participant by a panel of judges. Though he won a gift basket, he said the true honor was representing his family and heritage so far from home.
The celebration continued with performances of traditional dances, including the *Sisiwit*, which mimics bird wing movements, and the *Pattong*, a ceremonial dance of strength. By the end of the night, the atmosphere was filled with joy as attendees, including Saguid, danced to celebrate their shared cultural legacy.
“We take pride in sharing this vibrant legacy on a global stage,” Saguid said, reflecting on the evening’s powerful display of cultural pride and unity.
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