This innovative dress design brings together the world of sustainable fashion and cultural heritage by integrating recycled denim and modern Filipiniana-inspired elements into a contemporary masterpiece. The fusion of materials like denim, jeans, and zippers, along with the traditional silhouette of the Filipiniana, results in a striking, eco-conscious garment that speaks to both modern fashion and cultural roots.
At the heart of the design is the use of **recycled denim**, repurposed and upcycled to form the body and skirt. The upper bodice retains the rugged charm of denim with a structured appearance, resembling classic denim jackets. Clean seams and sharp lines give the dress a sleek, modern edge, while the **zippers**, traditionally seen in jeans, are cleverly placed as both functional and decorative details, maintaining a connection to denim’s practical origins. The zippers contribute to the dress’s structure while adding metallic accents that elevate its overall aesthetic.
The **sleeves** are the most striking feature of this dress, drawing direct inspiration from the **Filipiniana terno**. The sleeves have the iconic butterfly shape, but here they are crafted with a modern twist using a combination of sheer fabric and denim. This homage to the Filipiniana, a traditional garment known for its exaggerated sleeves, brings a cultural element to the design, grounding it in Filipino heritage while transforming it for the contemporary era. The sleeves are more structured and architectural, providing a bold contrast to the textured, flowing skirt below. This modern interpretation symbolizes strength, power, and elegance, qualities deeply associated with the terno in Filipino culture.
The **skirt**—a rich tapestry of distressed, layered, and shredded **recycled denim**—adds depth and volume to the ensemble. The intricate layering creates a dramatic, sculptural effect, resembling the voluminous shapes of classic Filipiniana dresses, while using denim to root the design in modern, everyday fabric. The repeated use of frayed denim strips is symbolic of fashion’s ongoing evolution, showing how even discarded materials can be reimagined into high fashion statements.
The overall design bridges the gap between **sustainability** and tradition. By using recycled denims and jeans, the dress highlights the importance of environmental responsibility in fashion while simultaneously honoring Filipino cultural attire. The interplay between structured denim and flowing, layered details, punctuated by the culturally significant sleeves, makes this dress a forward-thinking yet deeply meaningful creation. It stands as a testament to the power of fashion in not only preserving heritage but also innovating for a sustainable future.
Hanz Coquilla Alta Costura x Muse Novus x #TheRamenBoi_Project STYLING TEAM x
in partnership with Studio125 Plus
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LOCATION:
Studio125 Plus
DESIGNER:
Hanz Coquilla of
Hanz Coquilla Alta Costura
PHOTOGRAPHER:
Dexter Maneja Photo
Junmar Sprite G. Dulosa
Hamidah Maquiling
ASSISTED BY:
Shanida Myra Javier- Maneja
SET DESIGN:
Kateryll Shazneigh Maneja of Muse Novus
CREATIVE DIRECTOR & HEAD WARDROBE STYLIST:
Stevan Ichael Serneo of #TheRamenBoi_Project STYLING TEAM and #TheArtOfGiving TAG Creatives & Artisans
MODEL COORDINATOR & ASSISTANT STYLIST:
JM Jusay of Mytheiuss Models and Artist Management
ASSISTANT STYLIST & PRODUCTION STAFF:
Glenmar Gajudo
HAIR & MAKE-UP:
The Romero Vergara
MODELS: Mytheiuss Models and Artist Management
Pamela Sancio
Janna Rodriguez Maloloy-on
Lou Salameda