For President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SoNA) on 27 July, the Batasang Pambansa once again became a showcase of Filipino fashion. But unlike previous years of grand couture moments, SoNA 2026 embraced restraint, with lawmakers arriving in simple Filipiniana that reflected the palace’s memo for this year’s outfits theme, “austerity.”

The fashion language of the day was defined by refined silhouettes, soft tailoring and a muted palette.

Blue emerged as the dominant hue, complemented by creams, whites and blush tones, mirroring the Pantone color of the year, “Cloud Dancer.” The iconic butterfly sleeve took center stage, appearing across modern ternos, column gowns, jumpsuits and contemporary separates — proving that Filipiniana continues to evolve while honoring tradition.

First Lady’s modern romance

Leading the sartorial conversation was First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, who chose a bespoke Michael Leyva Filipiniana in delicate blush pink. The look featured intricate calado embroidery, lace appliqué and an overlapping pencil-skirt silhouette that balanced timeless elegance with modern refinement.

Leyva’s butterfly effect

Few designers shaped this year’s visual narrative quite like Michael Leyva, whose creations appeared on several of the day’s most notable personalities.

Audrey Zubiri offered a playful take on Filipiniana, pairing the iconic butterfly sleeves with bold black polka dots — a contemporary reinterpretation of heritage dressing.

Chandreena Tulfo embraced classic glamour in a structured Filipiniana terno, featuring sculptural butterfly sleeves and a ruched, body-skimming bodice.

Kath Pimentel highlighted the enduring appeal of traditional craftsmanship through embroidered bands paired with Leyva’s signature dramatic sleeves.

Meanwhile, Social Secretary Bianca Zobel reimagined the terno entirely, wearing a striking Filipiniana jumpsuit complete with butterfly sleeves, a corseted floral bodice and fluid wide-leg trousers.

Blue also made a graceful appearance on Congresswoman Mica Gonzales, whose Michael Leyva creation celebrated the Filipina through clean structure.

Ladies in blue

If there was one color that quietly dominated SONA 2026, it was blue.

Senator Risa Hontiveros arrived in a Filipiniana-inspired ensemble by Jo Rubio, where sculptural sleeves introduced unmistakable Filipino character to an otherwise contemporary silhouette. Styled by Studio 24C, with beauty by Jim Ryan Ros and hair by JM Quebic, the look felt polished yet purposeful.

Justice Undersecretary and DAILY TRIBUNE columnist Margarita Gutierrez also embraced the hue in a sophisticated Mark Bumgarner creation, reinforcing blue’s quiet prominence throughout the afternoon in a draped dress embroidered with white “palay” (rice) motif, an homage to local farmers and to Filipinos’ most favorite commodity.

Mayor Jane Yap of Tagbilaran City wore a sculptural blue organza ensemble with scallop petal tiers, fluted bodice details and a graceful mid-length balloon silhouette by Cary Santiago.

Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo likewise joined the monochromatic movement, adding another interpretation of the palette that defined this year’s gathering.

Quiet luxury

Cream and ivory offered a softer counterpoint to the day’s sea of blue.

Jocelyn Tulfo, in Rajo Laurel, chose a sculpted cream Filipiniana whose gathered silhouette and refined sleeves reflected the day’s restrained elegance while remaining unmistakably Filipino.

Tootsy Angara presented a contemporary interpretation of the Balintawak, demonstrating how one of the country’s most recognizable traditional silhouettes continues to inspire modern dressing.

Meanwhile, Kabataan Party-list Representative Atty. Renee Co used fashion as a platform for expression, wearing a statement ensemble inspired by the theme “Pag-alabin ang Pag-asa,” reminding audiences that Filipiniana has long served as both cultural attire and political language.

Emma Maglipay-Villar in a Martin Bautista creation inspired by tropical forms, featuring hand-knotted textures and a sculptural silhouette softened by a mother-of-pearl button handbag.

Senator Imee Marcos wore an all-black “retaso” (scrap fabric) Filipiniana ensemble describing the “gutay-gutay” (shredded) look as a reflection of the state of the country. She completed the statement piece with a worn-out bag featuring photos of her late father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., and mismatched earrings.

A noticeable absence

For fashion observers, one familiar face was missing from this year’s SoNA style conversation. Heart Evangelista, whose annual appearances have become among the event’s most anticipated fashion moments, was notably absent leaving one less style spectacle on an afternoon defined instead by restraint.