LIST: Local designers who are reimagining the barong tagalog with their modern designs

Randolf Clothing is one brand that perfectly incorporates pop culture into the Philippines’ traditional staple.

Its designer, RJ Santos shared with PhilSTAR L!fe that unlike the usual asking or looking for pegs in designing a ready-to-wear (RTW) or made-to-order (MTO) barong, he uses a song or a playlist that will “trigger” his creative ideas and help him “get [his client’s] vibe.” 

Apart from this, another approach is “like developing a tattoo” for the clients. 

“The main reason why I started making barongs really was because I liked the fabric because it looked like skin and wanted to make shirts that looked like a second skin,” he explained, adding, “One of my frustrations is getting a tattoo, so this is my way of releasing that frustration.” 

Some of his notable barong creations were worn by Filipino artist Yeo Kaa, actor Kyle Echarri, and content creator Miggy Cruz. His colorful and stunning embroideries are usually etched on his favorite fabric, pinya shifu.  

Fancy getting one for yourself? RTW barongs are available for pre-order on their website. If you opt for a custom-made one, Santos said that the lead time is usually three months.

Kelvin Morales 

Cute doodle embroidery designs on your barong? Why not!

With a vision to make this traditional staple "more casual," contemporary Filipino designer Kelvin Morales's designs are inspired by pop culture, flora and fauna, and even his clients' personalities.

One of his notable works is the Phalaenopsis Modern Barong, which was worn by award-winning Filipino actress Kathryn Bernardo. 

Check out his collections here.

Happy Andrada 

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Upgrade your street style looks with Happy V. Andrada’s unique take on barong. This Filipina designer pays homage to traditional fashion by incorporating edgy variations on the hybrid version of barong. Examples of such are puff sleeves, cardigans, bomber jackets, and a barong hoodie which “Da Baddest” Bretman Rock himself wore.

Francis Libiran 

Renowned Filipino designer Francis Libiran shared with L!fe that his designs take inspiration from anything that surrounds him—mostly from his travels abroad.   

The barong is beautiful as it is, but he makes it a standout by his masterful use of fabric and silhouette. 

“I make it a point to add something to my designs to make a barong look special and different. I also add a design feature that can become a conversation topic during an event. But usually, it is the shape or silhouette of a barong that makes a person wearing it stand out,” he told L!fe. 

According to him, he uses pure piña fabric (pineapple fiber) and jusi fabric (banana fiber) which are “very light and cool and perfect for tropical weather.” For a more affordable choice, they also use cotton, linen, polyester, and ramie fabrics for an affordable option to wear in corporate settings or daily wear.

“We want to make the barong wearable and for every age not just for weddings or special events, but for all events. So, the designs must appeal to younger people,” he said. 

His famous version of a modern barong is the “Agila” Barong Tagalog created for the Filipino athletes at the 2022 Southeast Asia (SEA) Games. 

Libiran shared that the production time of such staples is two days or less for a simple custom. For complex designs, the production time may take two to six months. It costs from P50,000 to P150,000, depending on the complexity design.  

Daryl Maat 

Filipino designer Daryl Maat pays homage to the traditional and evokes nostalgia in his “Pad paper barongs” which feature kiddie illustrations. The embroidery, which takes 120 hours to complete, is etched on modern fashion staples like crop tops, bomber jackets, and long skirts, among others.

Santi Obcena 

Another designer famous for his masterful embroidery on jusi barong is Santi Obcena.

Deeply rooted in Filipino culture, his designs bear evocative Tagalog names like "Sikwat" and "Ahon." While celebrating traditional styles, he also seamlessly blends in what his clients want. A prime example is his now-famous Pokémon-themed barong that took the internet by storm.