Simple, elegant, and Mindanao-inspired best describe the outfits that President Rodrigo Duterte and his common-law wife, Honeylet Avañcena are wearing for the various activities of the ongoing Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit.
Just like in his inauguration ceremony and his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Duterte once again tapped Davao-based designers for the event, including Bonie Adaza and Aris Escarillo.
Adaza created eight cotton sleeves, corduroy pants, and seven barong tagalogs made from piña jusi for President Duterte.
“‘Yung pattern na embroidered, inspired po sa Mindanao, ‘yung sa mga ethnic tribes po. It also represents Mindanao and yung pagiging simple ni Presidente,” Adaza told News 5.
On the other hand, Escarilla designed two Filipiniana attires, two business suits, and one cocktail dress for Avañcena, who is hosting the spouses of ASEAN leaders.
Escarilla,who designs gown for Avanceña since 2009, noted that one of the gowns, an orchid-colored gown in particular, was already worn by Avanceña during the last Miss Universe pageant.
The other gown, in emerald green color was made from silk gazar, Avanceña’s favorite textile, according to Escarillas..
“Made-describe ko siya as minimalist lang talaga. Very simple. Ayaw niya ng may nakalawit or too much bead works. Ayaw niya,” the designer also told News 5.
Meanwhile, President Duterte is also re-using his leather brown boots made by Marikina-based shoemaker, Rolando Santos.
It can be remembered that these pair of boots were first worn by President Duterte during his meeting with the US Secretary of State, John Kerry.
