It was a festive, star-studded evening in celebration of Filipino heritage and fashion at the very first Paskong TernoCon 2023 at SM Aura. A joint project of SM Supermalls, Bench/Lifestyle + Clothing, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the inaugural Paskong TernoCon marked a milestone in Philippine fashion with visionary designers Joey Samson and Lesley Mobo taking center stage in TernoCon’s first fashion show in a mall.
(L-R): Acclaimed fashion designer Lesley Mobo, Bench founder Ben Chan, Cultural Center of the Philippines Vice-Chairperson Margie Moran-Floirendo, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, SM Investments Vice Chairperson Tessie Sy-Coson, Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, and celebrated fashion designer Joey Samson(L-R, front): Acclaimed fashion designer Lesley Mobo, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, and celebrated fashion designer Joey Samson, accompanied by models Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee (left, back) and actress Janine Gutierrez (right, back)
Set against the backdrop of SM Aura’s exquisite Filipiniana-themed Christmas centerpiece, the runway showcased the impeccable technique and artistry of Samson and Mobo, as well as the range and versatility of the Philippine terno. Samson’s collection showcased masterful minimalism and tailored, architectural forms, while Mobo’s was a celebration of draping, unabated maximalism, color, and folk aesthetics.
Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee (center) and Miss Universe Philippines 2013 Ara Arida (left) grace the runway for renowned fashion designer Lesley MoboActress Janine Gutierrez (left, front) and model-photographer Jo Ann Bitagcol (right), with actor David Licauco (left, back), elegantly showcase the creations of renowned fashion designer Joey Samson(L-R, front): Acclaimed fashion designer Lesley Mobo and celebrated fashion designer Joey Samson, accompanied by models Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee (left, back) and actress Janine Gutierrez (right, back)Acclaimed fashion designers Joey Samson and Lesley MoboMinimalism maestro Joey Samson, TernoCon Artistic Director Gino Gonzales, and avant-garde designer Lesley MoboMiss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee walks the runway for avant-garde fashion designer Lesley MoboMiss Universe Philippines 2013 Ara Arida models for renowned fashion designer Lesley Mobo.Lesley Mobo’s collection is a vibrant celebration of tropical sensibilities and folk crafts, adorned with bold printed fabrics.Lesley Mobo, the Aklan-born and London-based designer presents a seamless fusion of contemporary aesthetics and tropical inspirations.Actress Janine Gutierrez models a timeless and elegant gown crafted by the maestro of minimalism, Joey Samson.Model-photographer Jo Ann Bitagcol showcases Joey Samson’s creation, seamlessly bridging the gap between menswear and womenswear.Actor David Licauco wears Joey Samson’s modern interpretation of the Barong Filipino.Designer Joey Samson is renowned for his clean, supple lines, and subtle romantic undertones.
But more than a fashion spectacle, Paskong TernoCon served as a platform for inclusivity, making the best of Philippine design more accessible to a wider audience.
“The event epitomizes SM Supermalls’ commitment to championing Filipino culture and artistry, and provides a platform to bring this closer to more people through our malls”, said SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan. “The exquisite designs by Lesley Mobo and Joey Samson beautifully represent our rich cultural traditions and Filipino creativity, and SM is honored to have been part of this trailblazing project”.
Paskong TernoCon’s glittering front rows comprised some of the biggest names from Philippine fashion, film, culture, business, and society – who all came out to support and celebrate Pinoy culture and fashion. Gracing the occasion were First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, SM Investments Corporation Chairperson Tessie Sy-Coson, Bench founder Ben Chan, CCP Vice-Chairperson Margie Moran-Floirendo, and SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan. Likewise, the runway featured actors Janine Gutierrez and David Licauco, Miss Universe Philippines 2013 Ara Arida, model-photographer Jo Ann Bitagcol, and Michelle Dee in her first public appearance after the Miss Universe pageant.
Oishi’s Archie Chan, Suyen Vice President for Finance Nenita Lim, and Suyen President Virgilio LimAmbassador of Singapore to the Philippines Constance See(L-R): Shaan Chainani and his wife, Neelam Gopwani-Chainani of Vision Express, along with Jica Sy-Bell, Assistant Vice President of SM Prime, and her husband Michael Bell(L-R): Models Nicole Hernandez-de los Angeles, Mikaela Lagdameo, Vanna Garcia, Georgia Schulze-Del Rosario, Patty Laurel-Filart, and Kelly Misa-FernandezLongtime Bench endorser, Representative of Leyte’s 4th district, and actor Richard GomezLiwayway Marketing Corporation Vice Presidents Rinby Lao and Sheraleen TiuSM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan, fashion educator Mark Higgins, and TernoCon Artistic Director Gino GonzalesProminent designer and fashion educator Mark HigginsCelebrated designer Inno SottoFamed fashion designer Jojie LorenSuyen Corporation’s Migs Pastor, Gambia Consul Agnes Huibonhoa, Monaco Consul General Dr. Fortune Ledesma, and Manila Bulletin Lifestyle Editor AA PatawaranDesigner Tonichi Nocom and distinguished hairstylist HenrI CalayagEstée Lauder Companies Country General Manager Sharyn WongPhilippine Tatler Editor Mia Borromeo, Kaye Tinga, and Wildflour’s Ana Lorenzana de OcampoActress-singer Cris VilloncoSuyen Corporation’s Bryan and Kai LimSuyen Corporation’s Suyen Lim-Yap (right) with Benny YapZuellig Family Foundation’s Men ZuelligNational Bookstore’s Xandra Ramos-PadillaMelinda Sia, fashion designer Rhett Eala, Nelly See, Philip Cuazon Jr., and The Lind Boracay’s Linda Tan
Paskong TernoCon 2023 is a celebration of the Filipino spirit, artistry, and creativity that define the country’s vibrant culture. The event was also made possible by collaborators of the two featured designers. For Joey Samson: Lakat for the footwear and Unang Panahon for the jewelry. For Lesley Mobo: Ash & Muff and Harold & Harry for the earrings, and Adante Leyesa for the bags.
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