When you see a parade of piña and colors on the runway, you know Philippine fashion’s queen of knit is back! After last year’s successful ball, seasoned fashion designer Lulu Tan Gan’s pieces are back on the runway and this time for the iconic TernoCon 2025, a visionary event that happens once every two years and an ingenious legacy testament in cooperation with the Cultural Center of the Philippines to promote, support, preserve and redefine fashion through its rich history, culture and tradition. Lulu’s collection at this spectacular edition held at a national landmark, the Philippine International Convention Center, was inspired by the works of National Artist Ang Kiukok.
A contemporary take on modern wear.
Stylish pieces that are wearable for everyone.
The collection was a contemporary take on modern wear. It was a fusion and mix of street, lounge, resort and a few formals. One can tell from the variety and range that there’s practically a stylish piece of wearable art for anyone. Models paraded the runway in a refreshing palette of bright desaturated hues and updated neutrals — intentionally interpreted in contrast to Kiukok’s signature and popular tales from the dark side. The designer also took inspiration from the National Artist’s use of primary and secondary ochres, from light yellow to brown or red, cobalt blue and raw sienna.
Tan Gan said, “These earthy tones are perfect for the natural materials and dyes that I use on piña, abaca and silk.” As a result, it complements the fabric at its best.
Print made an interesting presence in the collective. Abstracted Ang Kiukok motifs in black and white made a style statement that was subtly easy on the easy but very now. They were well thought of details beautifully placed with no obstruction.
“The motifs were simplified, stylized, or reinterpreted in an abstract way, rather than being represented in their original or traditional form,” Tan Gan said.
Beyond the seams, one can tell that it takes a lot of passion and mastery to create pieces designed and crafted to perfection. From fabric experimentation and manipulation, coloration and attention to detail, Tan Gan is in a league of her own and has championed her distinct artistry. Acknowledged as one of the most respected industry pillars in Philippine fashion, the designer remains humble and constantly challenges and pushes herself to greater lengths and newer boundaries.
Print made an interesting presence in the collective.
A fuhion and mix of street, lounge, resort and a few formals.
In TernoCon 2025, there were several criteria that differed from the previous TernoCon shows that were quite demanding. Tan Gan ended, poised with grace, “This experience truly challenged me, both as a designer and a mentor — easier said than done! I had to bring the kimona, balintawak, and terno into focus, weaving in inspiration from an artist while staying true to my own design identity. Balancing these three elements demanded both restraint, discipline and meticulous refinement.”