Modern Filipiniana Experiments

By josip tumapa fashion design
May 01, 2026

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Josip Tumapa’s Constructed Light collection explores Filipiniana through experimental dresses built around shell and metal.

Josip Tumapa returns to Filipiniana through two experimental dresses built around shell, metal, and controlled volume. The focus is not on added decoration, but on how each material shapes the garment.

The white gown is made from Samal raw capiz shells. Each shell was shaped individually to form a continuous iridescent surface. The result is rigid and textured, but the pale tone and transparent sections keep the dress visually light. The sleeves still refer to Filipiniana volume, while the shell surface carries most of the visual weight.

The black and gold look works differently. Its lower structure is inspired by a Filipino cradle, or kuna. As the body moves, the skirt shifts with it instead of falling in a fixed line. The black upper part keeps the form compact, while the gold elements widen the silhouette.

Both looks stay connected to Filipiniana through volume and formal dress codes. In these garments, capiz shell and cradle motion are not used as simple references. They affect how the dresses are built and how they move.

modern Filipiniana dress with geometric metal skirt frame and structured butterfly sleeves — A rigid circular skirt structure built from layered metal segments expands the Filipiniana silhouette beyond fabricCaption

contemporary Filipiniana with circular metal cage skirt and structured black bodice — The silhouette is defined by a suspended metal framework that holds its form independently from the inner layersCaption

close-up modern Filipiniana with structured sleeves and metal architectural skirt details — Layered metal elements create a controlled radial pattern, turning the skirt into a constructed form rather than a draped oneCaption

modern Filipiniana close-up with layered ivory panels on sheer fitted base — Small rigid panels are set in overlapping rows, creating a dense surface that follows the body without drapingCaption

full-length modern Filipiniana dress with segmented ivory surface and fitted mermaid line — The garment is assembled through repeating panel units, forming a continuous pattern from shoulder to hemCaption

Designer: Josip Tumapa
Collection: Constructed Light
Model: Fatima Alsowyed
Looks: Ivory Light Filipiniana; Gilded Geometry Terno
Photographer: Steve Lumansoc
Makeup: Leonico M. Thogersen
Makeup Assistant: Patricia Goyenechea
Hair: Maxell Ablong, Ghale Requinaa