Today is election day. However, I will leave the serious discourse on our country’s future to the news and editorial departments. What would be interesting, though, is how the female candidates, such as Grace Poe, Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Leni Robredo; vice-presidential candidate’s wife Heart Evangelista-Escudero; and presidential candidate’s daughter (and de-facto First Lady, if ever) Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio will fare in the fashion department, should they be victorious.
In world affairs, the Philippines has been governed by two female presidents (Corazon “Cory” C. Aquino and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo), same as Argentina (Isabel Peron and Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner). If either Grace or Miriam wins, we would be in the same league as Sri Lanka, Haiti, Finland, South Korea and Lithuania, with three female leaders (either as president or prime minister). Switzerland, by the way, has been led by six female presidents.
After the excesses of the conjugal dictatorship, Cory was concerned with the more important affairs of the nation. Fashion was furthest from her priorities. A “plain housewife,” she dressed understatedly, but with dignity, usually clad in Auggie Cordero. Then-President Arroyo, basking in the economic flush of her nine-year administration, was partial to Pitoy Moreno and JC Buendia for her ternos and overcoats.
On this year’s campaign trail, dressing chic was the least of the concerns of the women. In a nod to the sweltering masses—usually shirtless—the women opted to wear their official campaign shirts, for maximum exposure for them and their candidates.
Should her father win, Inday Sara (who’s in a Sinead O’Connor circa 1990 phase), can go beyond her usual casual tees and ruffled blouses and try couture. Her native Davao City has several talented designers. I could totally see her in one of Dubai-based couturier (and Duterte die-hard) Garimon Roferos’s exquisite confections.
New Collezione designer JC Buendia is a Leni fan. I found a beautiful, long-sleeved gown from his 25th anniversary gala that could be perfect for the prim and proper Bicolana should she become our next vice president.
I love Maid Miriam when she wears the baro’t saya in formal affairs. Chris Diaz’s creation at the recent Manila Fashion Festival can be worthy of my all-time favorite politician, but without the frilly appliques.
Heart used to be the muse of Inno Sotto, but she has recently collaborated with young designer Mark Bumgarner by hand-painting his custom-made designs. It follows that should her husband win the vice presidency, Heart will wear Mark—but in a sleeveless gown.
Should she win, Grace, who is usually in crisp white shirts, will be better dressed by an American designer. Carolina Herrera comes to mind, as she is impeccable.
No matter who wins in this most brutal and vicious election period, may fashion and all things pleasant and beautiful rule in the next six years.