A Project Runway, WEAR IT OUT!

There are actually two traditional wardrobes for women in the Philippines. One of them is what we Filipinos called Maria Clara. It is a traditional gown worn by women in our country. The name was taken from the name of the protagonist in the national epic novel Noli me Tangere- Maria Clara. It has been connected to the María Clara character because of her traits: delicate, feminine, self-assured and with a sense of identity. The attire is composed of four pieces, namely the camisa, the saya, the pañuelo (a scarf, also spelled panuelo) and the tapis. The camisa is a collarless chemise whose hem is at the waist, and is made from flimsy, translucent fabrics such as pineapple fiber and jusi. The sleeves of the camisa are similar to the so-called "angel wings", or shaped like bells that have cuffs. The pañuelo is a stiff covering for the neck, which acts as an accent piece because of embellishments added to it. The purpose of the pañuelo is related to modesty, used to cover the low-necked camisa'. The saya is a skirt shaped like a bubble with a length that begins from the waist reaching the floor. The another is the saya. It's details has a little similitude as the Maria Clara but it became first before the Maria Clara because of the influence of the Spaniards during 1500s. It is the unofficial national dress of the Philippines.