To mark her 80th birthday, Maritess M. Pineda, a revered patron of Philippine art and design, will be celebrated through a retrospective exhibition titled Terno: Celebrating a Legacy Forged from Design and Art. The event, organized by ART HOUSE, will take place from October 24 to 27 at the Southcourt of Power Plant Mall. The exhibit will feature eight contemporary artists responding to eight iconic designs that highlight Maritess’s journey as a patron.
As co-founder of ArteFino and the Friends of Manansala Foundation, Maritess M. Pineda has long championed local art and heritage. Reflecting on her decision to host an exhibition instead of a typical celebration, she explains, “It was important to have an activity that would tell the story of Philippine art, heritage, and design. This exhibit may even evolve into something bigger, perhaps a book or larger showcase.”
Inspired by Maritess’s personal collection of gowns, Terno pays homage to the Philippine national dress, representing significant milestones in her life. The concept of the exhibit originated from her archive. This includes designs by renowned couturiers Ramon Valera, Steve de Leon, and Patis Tesoro. It also features contemporary creations from BAYO Atelier, Len Cabili, Jor-El Espina, Rajo Laurel, and Cora Manimbo.
Terno designed by Patis Tesoro for Marites
Terno designed by Steve de Leon
Terno designed by Ramon Valera
“This exhibit goes beyond fashion,” explains ART HOUSE founder Carlo Pineda, Maritess’s son. “The terno symbolizes Philippine identity, and the show is about blending fashion and art to tell a story of our cultural creativity.” Indigenous fabrics such as abaca, T’nalak, Inabel, Sinamay, and banana fibers serve as the canvas for both designers and artists, merging traditional craftsmanship with modern art.
The exhibition will feature contemporary artists from ART HOUSE’s roster. It includes 0270501, Enon de Belen, Alvaro Jimenez, and Ronna Manansala, whose works are paired with the designs. Both Patis Tesoro and Jo Ann Bitagcol, known for their unique approach to heritage fabrics, will also contribute new works. Tesoro will present studies done on local textiles. Bitagcol will apply her signature photoprints to Len Cabili’s intricately embroidered gowns.
“We wanted to explore new ways to bring fashion and the arts together,” Carlo notes, adding that Terno is the first step toward creating more collaborative platforms for artists and designers.
Beyond the visual spectacle, Terno also offers a glimpse into Maritess’s deeply personal connections with the pieces on display. “Every gown and artwork in my collection has a story to tell,” she says. “It was never about acquiring things; it was about the relationships and memories that came with them.”
Maritess’s legacy of patronage is rooted in the friendships she has cultivated with both artists and designers over the years. “Art and fashion have always been a part of my everyday life, something I share with my family,” she explains. This passion is what has driven her to support the arts, helping keep Philippine heritage alive through every piece she collects.
As the exhibit looks back on eight decades of Philippine fashion and art, it also sets the stage for the future. “Terno is an inspiration for ART HOUSE to continue exploring how art and fashion can evolve together,” Maritess M. Pineda shares. “Both can adapt to address contemporary issues like climate change, while still preserving our heritage.”
ART HOUSE envisions Terno as a launching point for more collaborative exhibitions that blend the boundaries between fashion and fine art. This initiative showcases how both can thrive and contribute to the cultural landscape of the Philippines.
Terno: Celebrating a Legacy Forged from Design and Art runs from October 24 to 27 at Southcourt, Power Plant Mall, and will later move to the ART HOUSE Gallery in Pasig City. For more information, follow @thearthouse_ on social media.
Photos Courtesy of Before Deadlines
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