Fashion Museum unveils terno greeting cards

The Benilde Fashion Museum (BFM) shines a spotlight on the ladies’ Philippine national dress, the terno, in another much-appreciated approach.

This latest collection of greeting cards features 15 ternos by a selection of the most revered names in Philippine fashion.

Known for its distinctive butterfly sleeves, this cultural garment has long been associated with Filipino identity and serves as the go-to formal dress for celebratory milestones. This recent assemblage gathers creations by National Artists for Fashion Ramon Valera and Salvacion Lim-Higgins, better known as Slim, together with Pitoy Moreno, Ben Farrales, Aureo Alonzo and Christian Espiritu.

Established in 2024 by the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in Manila, the BFM commenced through the generous donation of 350 clothing articles from the family of Ben Farrales after he passed away in 2021.

Under the direction of Architect Gerry Torres, its portfolios expanded to more than 1,000 artifacts, which has solidified its position as a crucial resource for Philippine fashion. Conservation and preservation remain central to the museum’s work, with science-based policies and practices to guide, tend, and care for its treasure trove.

Previously, the BFM had released postcards that presented some ternos. Following public clamor, it then issued a second release of Slim creations during her final decade. Heightened interest led to this fresh assortment.

Fifteen ternos are divided into three sets, with five different cards in each pack. Every purchase includes five greeting cards and envelopes, and an information card, all packaged in a lovely keepsake box. Let’s admire these eye-catching pieces:

Christian Espiritu

Espiritu is represented by a wedding ecru satin overlay gown with a chiffon overlay. The 1963 piece is embellished with beadwork and hanging floral appliqués and was worn by Dr. Sonia Duque.

Aureo Alonzo

The first Alonzo is a cream rayon-satin sheath with an overlapped front skirt adorned with beaded lace appliqués. A tulle panel runs diagonally from the right chest to the left back, connecting to a golden-yellow satin panel finished with a bow. It belonged to First Lady Leonila “Inday” Garcia. The second is a straight-cut pink chiffon terno with a ruched bodice and two beaded appliqués near the bust. This was fitted out by former First Lady Luz Banzon Magsaysay.

Ben Farrales

The first Farrales is an Indian-inspired red crepe with detachable sleeves and a sari-style drape attached at the shoulder, embellished with metallic gold beadwork. It was worn by socialite model, newspaper columnist, and book author Bambi Lammoglia Harper. The second is a red organza A-line with a long train, asymmetrically decorated with beaded lace and rose appliqués. Stick boning reinforces the butterfly sleeves to support the flourishes. The third is a white lace mermaid-cut with beads and sequin appliqués, and its butterfly sleeves likewise reinforced with stick boning.

Pitoy Moreno

Moreno’s contribution is a black chiffon sheath accompanied by a matching scarf accented with a beaded trim.

Salvacion Lim-Higgins

National Artist for Fashion Slim brings three opuses. The first is an ivory Italian silk with an asymmetrical side train and slate-blue gazar sash, dating from the 1950s. The second is a 1954 ivory satin wedding gown with an asymmetrical spiraling peplum and feather-shaped sequin appliqués. It was worn by Genoveva Ignacio Bueno. The third is a 1950s mermaid-cut with floral appliqués and ruched organza detail, worn by former First Lady Leonila “Inday” Garcia.

Ramon Valera

National Artist for Fashion Ramon Valera had five obras. The first, from 1958, is white satin with a voluminous pink-and-green floral-printed skirt and slight train. The surface is fully enhanced with sequins, while a satin cummerbund and large half bow accent the waist. It was owned by Presidential First Daughter Linda Garcia Campos. The second is an orange satin sheath with a peplum train and silver-and-gold beaded floral appliqués. It was worn by former First Lady Leonila “Inday” Garcia at a formal event at the Malacañang Palace and the Kahirup Ball.

The third is a cream jersey-knit with pleated detailing extending from its one-sided beaded bust, reflecting a design theme popularized by him. Dating from the 1950s–1960s, it was worn by former First Lady Luz Banzon Magsaysay. The fourth is a cotton sheath with a violet floral print and short godet train. Stitched tulle rosettes add texture to the fabric, while the butterfly sleeves carry cutwork appliqués using the same floral material. The fifth is an ivory Alaskin A-line with an asymmetrical faux front overlap, geometric bead and rhinestone trimming, and a pink satin bow.

Together, these masterpieces showcase how Filipino designers developed changing silhouettes, experimented with fabrics and construction, and incorporated elaborate decoration techniques — all while preserving local preferences and incorporating global trends.

The greeting cards offer a small but tangible way to appreciate these pieces while the BFM continues its larger work of preserving Philippine fashion. Its museum building is scheduled to open to the public in 2027.

¡Enhorabuena, Benilde Fashion Museum!