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What they wore: The first ladies at the 49th Asean Summit

Pauline Joyce Pascual · Nov 16, 2026, 3:38 AM

FIRST Ladies and spouses of Southeast Asian leaders, including Brazilian First Lady Janja Lula da Silva, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Philippine First Lady Louise 'Liza' Araneta-Marcos, Alouny Kommasith and Thananon Charnvirakul, showcase their respective countries’ fashion and cultural heritage through their ensembles at the 49th Asean Summit in the Philippines. — PPA POOL

Fashion and cultural heritage came together at the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (asean)Summit as the spouses of regional leaders showcased looks reflecting their countries’ distinct sartorial traditions.

Leading the Philippine representation was First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos, who wore two Filipiniana creations by Filipino designer Francis Libiran for the summit's opening ceremonies and a reception for leaders’ spouses at Likha.

FIRST Lady Her Excellency Louise Araneta-Marcos embodies Filipino elegance and heritage through her ensemble. — Photographs courtesy of FRANCIS LIBIRAN/FB

For the opening ceremonies, Araneta-Marcos wore a classic midi dress in soft blush crepe featuring delicate filigree inspired by traditional Filipino embroidery. Its understated silhouette and intricate detailing offered a graceful interpretation of the Filipiniana.

SOFT blush crepe, finished with delicate, ornate filigree, inspired by traditional Filipino embroidery.

For her second look, Libiran gave the traditional attire a contemporary spin with a short, pleated Mikado dress embellished with intricate callado embroidery and sunburst details. The ensemble brought a fresh silhouette to Filipino craftsmanship while retaining elements of the country's textile heritage.

Libiran described the second creation as something “fresh, modern and unmistakably Filipino,” expressing his appreciation for the First Lady's trust and support for local design.

A MODERN Filipiniana pleated short dress in Mikado, finished with sunbursts of intricate Callado embroidery.

The gathering also offered a glimpse into the fashion traditions of other attending nations.

Brazilian First Lady Janja Lula da Silva kept her look understated in a monochromatic cream ensemble, pairing a tailored single-breasted blazer with matching wide-leg trousers. Dark sunglasses and open-toed heels completed her outfit.

Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, wife of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, embraced traditional Malaysian dressing in a magenta long-sleeved tunic and a pastel blue-and-pink floral sarong skirt. She complemented the ensemble with a soft lilac hijab and carried a red-and-gold folding fan.

Alouny Kommasith, wife of Lao Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, wore a dark forest-green traditional ensemble consisting of a long-sleeved blouse and matching ankle-length sinh. Intricate gold-thread geometric patterns accentuated the neckline, cuffs, sash and hem.

Meanwhile, Thananon Charnvirakul, spouse of Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, wore a champagne-gold embroidered jacket with a high collar, paired with an olive-brown woven skirt featuring subtle metallic stripes and a patterned border.

Beyond the diplomatic engagements, the visiting spouses gathered at the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls at the International Trade Center Complex along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay on Sunday, 15 November. The visit formed part of the cultural activities accompanying the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, hosted by the Philippines.

The showcase highlighted Philippine craftsmanship and creative industries, providing an opportunity to introduce the country's artistic traditions to regional representatives.

From contemporary Filipiniana silhouettes to traditional ensembles from across Southeast Asia, the summit became a meeting point for fashion and cultural identity, with each look offering a glimpse into the heritage represented by its wearer.