by Diana Gillo | photography Astrid Nina Vidal

As I settled into my seat at the Embrace You fashion show at Jpark Island Resort—part of the much-anticipated Brides at Triton 2025—it felt less like attending a fashion event and more like witnessing a cultural moment. An all-women lineup of designers—Claudia Yeung, Pinky Magalona, Yoko Sato, Valerie Alvez, Rachel Rama, Ixa Escario, Jessica Ouano, and Marichu Tan—took the reins, delivering a collection that was both reverent and radical, seamlessly bridging the past and present in honor of Women’s Month.

The show’s creative direction paid homage to bridal traditions dating back centuries. Silhouettes like the ball gown—rooted in 19th-century Victorian fashion—were reimagined with modern fabrics and bolder proportions. Corset bodices, reminiscent of the structured undergarments from the Renaissance, were elevated to outerwear status, celebrating the female form with both strength and sensuality. Veils took on new life—long cathedral trails spoke to ecclesiastical grandeur, while fascinator hats, inspired by Edwardian and mid-century European millinery, evoked aristocratic charm with a contemporary twist.

Fabrics such as silk and lace—long associated with bridal opulence—were used with intention, referencing centuries-old craftsmanship while championing innovation. The embroidery, often echoing folk motifs and baroque florals, nodded to ancestral techniques that once symbolized familial legacy and social status. In this context, every thread became a tribute—not only to heritage but to the self-expression of today’s bride. The show captured that rare balance: a reflection of timeless rituals while daring to redefine them. It was a reminder that bridal fashion is not just about the ceremony—it’s about individuality, etched in fabric, form, and fearless creativity—the very essence of what it means to be a Triton bride.