Olympics Style: The Designer + Inspiration Behind Sinag Barong
Talk about wearing Philippine pride on your sleeve.
(SPOT.ph) The Philippine team positively beamed with pride as they joined the parade of nations for the Paris Olympics, all of them aboard quite a sizable white boat gliding along the River Seine. As they waved the Philippine flag to audiences and cameras, one can't help but feel a similar sense of pride—not only for the lengths it took for our athletes to get there but also for how they looked: elegant in their barongs and wearing their love-of-country quite literally on their sleeves.
No small thanks to the designer Francis Libiran who clearly understood the assignment—he was, by the way, commissioned by the Philippine Olympic Committee—and dreamed up the look for this year's Filipino Olympians. "I have to make them shine and stand out on the opening day of the Olympic Games," thought Libiran. The opening ceremony outfit was inspired by the rays of the sun, a major element in the design of our Philippine flag, a symbol of hope and pride.
Also read: How to Watch The Olympics 2024: Schedule, Channels and More
What inspired Francis Libiran's design
“For this once-in-a-lifetime occasion, I created this Olympic barong using a light and airy piña-jusi fabric sourced from Kalibo, Aklan," describes Libiran of his two-piece look aptly called "Sinag." "It consists of a detachable, contemporary silk organdy blue and red sling, colors that pay tribute to the the Philippine flag. The embroidery is inspired by the Pintados warriors, which depicts fierceness in battle. It then covers the left shoulder and upper arm, carefully draping around the torso with a bright yellow sun ray pattern decorating the chest, just like a warrior's armor symbolizing bravery and hope."
The look has gained positive feedback not only from Pinoys. The TikTok fashion duo Jasmina, known to be brutally honest in their reviews, is all praises for Libiran's work, calling it "very cool." "This is a cool way to interpret the flag without being obvious, and make it fashion."
Libiran is known for his impeccable tailoring, whether it be in women's formal wear or a man's suit or barong. He's dressed many celebrities on the red carpet and for special occasions—Maricar Reyes-Poon, Tricia Centenera and Pauleen Luna-Sotto all wore Libiran gowns on their respective altar dates. Clearly, the guy knows how to make clothes for a person's one shining moment. Just look at our Philippine Team wearing his clothes in Paris, the fashion capital of the world and currently the venue for the greatest show on earth.
Says Libiran: “I strongly believe that our athletes are heroes in their own right and if creating the 'Sinag' Barong is able to encourage and inspire them as they carry our flag, then that for me is already manifesting victory.”
Also read: Meet The Filipino Athletes in the 2024 Paris Olympics