Over the years, we have seen the line between sportswear and fashion blur. The athleisure movement blends people’s need for clothing that transitions seamlessly from the gym to casual wear. A true fusion of Filipino style with the contemporary and functional essence of sportswear, however, has remained largely unexplored—until now.
That is precisely what Filipino designer Avel Bacudio unveiled with his latest collection.Avel Bacudio with First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and Carlos YuloShowcased at Intramuros Esplanade, Plaza Mexico in Manila City, on March 25, 2025, Avel’s collection, dubbed “Gintong Sinag,” presents his take on sports luxe—a trend that merges high-end luxury with athletic elements. In this case, high-end luxury is defined by garments imbued with Filipino heritage.
“This collection is a love letter to the Philippines,” Avel says. “I wanted to create pieces that embody the spirit of our flag—its strength, its beauty, and its resilience—while also championing the incredible talent of our local weavers and embroiderers.”Creating the collection took months of research and preparation, beginning with material selection.
Avel sourced raw materials such as water lilies, pineapples, bamboo, and banana fibers, transforming them into textiles abroad. With the support of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), he paired these innovative textiles with local tapestries. The result? A collection that.