TERNO and Barong Artisans Spotlight: Meet the skilled hands crafting our traditional clothing

In the world of Filipino fashion, the Philippines' TERNO and Barong Tagalog stand as iconic symbols of elegance and cultural pride. Behind the intricate embroidery and delicate craftsmanship of these traditional garments are the skilled hands of artisans who have dedicated their lives to preserving and evolving the art of Filipino attire. Join us as we shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes—the TERNO and Barong artisans who bring our cultural heritage to life.

1. Fabric maestro

The process of Terno and Barong creation starts with the preparation of the fabric, a specialist role as the artisans lay the groundwork. Traditional sheer fabric hand-woven from abaca fibers and silk such as jusi, jusilyn, abaca cotton, cocoon and organza are decorated with delicate strokes of non toxic, environment friendly fabric paint mimicking the looks of piña fabric or piña silk, one of the most expensive and luxurious sheer fabric that is 100% handmade and handwoven in Aklan, Philippines.

2. Traditional artisanal designers

While artisans play a pivotal role, designers are the visionaries who breathe new life into traditional clothing. These creative minds fuse contemporary aesthetics with timeless elements, ensuring that the Terno and Barong remain relevant and captivating. Traditional designers, up to this day, use classic designs and manual process of drawing, tracing and stamping. Once decorative drawings or stamps are incoporated, these serve as the embroidery experts' silhouette in bringing the designs to life.

The Philippines' fashion designers like Ramon Valera, Pitoy Moreno, and more fashion talents continue to push the boundaries of tradition, keeping this beautiful heritage alive in the modern world.

3. Embroidery Maestros:

At the heart of Terno and Barong crafting are artisans with an unparalleled mastery of embroidery. These skilled individuals painstakingly create intricate patterns, often inspired by nature, folklore, and historical motifs. Their nimble fingers transform plain fabrics into works of art, adding depth and symbolism to each stitch. The art of embroidery by hand (also known as "kalado") or by machine (hand-guided embroidery on sewing machine) is an invalauble craft that never ceases to amaze us of the beautiful designs it creates.

4. Washing experts

After the laborious embroidery process, comes the washing stage. Washing experts carefully attach delicately embroidered pieces onto a wooden frame called "bastidor" which is usually made from recycled pieces of timber wood. Washing the fabric involves proper rinsing with the use of appropriate soap that won't damage the fabric.Still attached to the "bastidor", the fabric are slowly dried until it is ready for the next step, cutting and tailoring.  These "washing experts" do the washing process every single day and requires not only a skill but agility, strength and knowledge of the craft.

5. TERNO and Barong Tailors:

Terno tailors are the architects of grace, turning yards of fabric into the iconic butterfly sleeves and flowing silhouettes that define the TERNO and the Barong. With an eye for precision and an understanding of how the fabric falls, these artisans play a crucial role in ensuring that each Terno and Barong Tagalog is not just a garment but a testament to the wearer's grace and style. Their meticulous attention to detail results in the fine garment that sets the TERNO and Barong apart as formal wear with a touch of Filipino sophistication.

6. Passing Down the Craft:

The tradition of TERNO and Barong craftsmanship is often a family affair, with skills passed down from one generation to the next. Apprenticeships within families or master-apprentice relationships help preserve the techniques and artistry, ensuring that the legacy endures through the years. But like many other countries, our artisans also face challenges in growing and enriching their industry due to labour and skills shortage, lack of quality raw materials at reasonable price, lack of technology and training, lack of demand due to changing society habits and fast fashion, lack of funds or investment, and lack of marketing and knowledge sharing. This is why TERNO by TCG is committed in promoting continued use of our traditional clothing and with the support of every Filipino, we will be helping our artisans in keepin this heritage alive throughout decades and centuries to come.

7. Embracing Sustainability:

In a world increasingly conscious of sustainability, TERNO and Barong artisans are also continuously adapting. Some are incorporating eco-friendly practices and materials, blending tradition with a commitment to the environment. This is evident in several areas of the creation process from fabric selection, designing, embroidery, washing and tailoring. Eco-friendly packaging, recycling, and waste reduction are values that drive TERNO by TCG team in operating the business.

As we celebrate the beauty of the TERNO and Barong Tagalog, it's crucial to recognize and appreciate the artisans whose hands bring these garments to life. Their dedication, skill, and artistic vision breathe soul into every stitch, turning fabric into a cultural masterpiece. So, the next time you don a TERNO or Barong, take a moment to acknowledge the artisans—the custodians of our cultural heritage, weaving together the threads that connect us to the rich tapestry of Filipino fashion.