MANILA, Philippines — The First Lady has made her choice.
After revealing to The Manila Times that three of the country's leading designers had submitted sketches for this year's State of the Nation Address (SONA), Deputy Social Secretary Dina Arroyo-Tantoco has confirmed that First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos selected the design of Michael Leyva for Monday's annual address.
The sketch, shared with The Manila Times, reflects the understated elegance Tantoco had described in an interview ahead of the SONA.
"I know that this year everyone's toning it down," Tantoco had said.
"I know she's still wearing terno, but it's not going to be too embroidered or too intricate. It will certainly be a little bit more simple."
Leyva's interpretation stays true to that direction.
Rendered in a soft blush pink, the modern terno features a clean, column silhouette with a square neckline and restrained butterfly sleeves that offer a contemporary take on the Philippines' national dress. Rather than relying on elaborate ornamentation, the design draws attention through delicate floral detailing concentrated around the waist and an asymmetrical embroidered panel that cascades gracefully along one side of the skirt. Moreover, Most striking is its departure from the traditional sweeping gown, with the hem falling below the knee in keeping with this year's call for simplicity.
The overall effect should be refined and quietly elegant — a marked departure from the more elaborate ternos that have often taken center stage at previous SONAs.
In her earlier interview with The Manila Times, Tantoco said the first lady traditionally makes her final wardrobe selection on the day of the SONA. She also disclosed that sketches had been submitted by Leyva, Francis Libiran and, most likely, Paul Cabral before Araneta-Marcos made her final choice.
