Last 25 March, in Plaza Mexico, Manila, fashion designer Avel Bacudio presented a collective of athletic/leisure wear channeling a contemporary fusion of heritage and active performance. “Gintong Sinag (Sports Luxe)” has a patriotic vibe that celebrates artisans, athletes and the Filipino.

Sportswear is made modern in a vibrant parade of hues reminiscent of the color of the Philippine flag — white, red, blue and yellow. Bacudio says, “Ang koleksyon na ito ay isang liham ng pag-ibig sa Pilipinas,” Bacudio intones, “Gusto kong lumikha ng mga piraso na naglalaman ng diwa ng ating bandila — ang lakas nito, ang kagandahan nito, at ang katatagan nito — habang itinataguyod din ang kahanga-hangang talento ng ating mga lokal na manghahabi at mga burdador (This collection is a love letter to the Philippines. I wanted to create pieces that embody the spirit of our flag — its strength, its beauty and its resilience — while also championing the incredible talent of our local weavers and embroiderers).”