Llamanzares Barongs made a bold debut at New York Fashion Week, redefining the traditional barong tagalog with intricate Filipino craftsmanship and contemporary flair

Words Mika Reyes
Photos courtesy of Llamanzares Barongs
September 24, 2024

A humble yet profound symbol of Filipino heritage, the barong tagalog took center stage at one of fashion’s most prestigious global platforms—New York Fashion Week. LLAMANZARES BARONGS, a burgeoning menswear label that showcases the fine needlework of Lumban’s artisans, made its global debut at the FILIPINXT Fashion Show on September 7, captivating audiences at the Annex 417 on Fifth Avenue.

At the heart of this debut was Llamanzares Barongs’ inaugural capsule collection, a modern reimagining of the classic barong tagalog. The collection featured the timeless Classic Luna and Bonifacio designs, along with two exclusive pieces crafted for the New York runway—a bold departure from tradition while staying deeply rooted in its heritage. These runway designs offered an innovative take on the traditional Safari jacket, created with luxurious piña fabrics sourced from Aklan and intricately embroidered with the brand’s signature callado details. Each piece celebrated the artisanship of the Philippines, weaving centuries of craft into the modern sartorial landscape.

"We're thrilled to have debuted Llamanzares Barongs on such a prestigious stage at New York Fashion Week,” shared founder Brian Poe Llamanzares. “FILIPINXT has done an extraordinary job showcasing Filipino talent, and it’s an honor to be part of that. For our team, this moment is a tribute to Lumban’s artisans—every barong that walked down that runway is a testament to their skill, dedication, and artistry."

About Llamanzares Barongs

A relatively new entrant in the fashion scene, Llamanzares Barongs is a Filipino menswear label with a mission to elevate the barong tagalog into the realm of contemporary fashion. With deep roots in Lumban, Laguna—the "Embroidery Capital of the Philippines"—the brand pays homage to the region's time-honored embroidery techniques, reviving them with a modern sensibility.

The vision of founder Brian Poe Llamanzares is clear: to create a brand that not only celebrates his personal connection to Lumban but also ensures that the craftsmanship of its artisans continues to thrive on a global stage. From handwoven piña fabrics to the intricate needlework that adorns each piece, every barong from Llamanzares is a labor of love, requiring up to 30 days to complete. This attention to detail and commitment to preserving tradition elevate the barong tagalog from formalwear to a wearable piece of art.

Generations of Artisans

Llamanzares Barongs prides itself on its deep connection with the artisans of Lumban, led by the expertise of Miss Rose, a third-generation embroiderer who has mastered the delicate callado technique passed down through her family. Today, she works alongside her son, Alex, who designs many of the intricate patterns for the brand. Together, they ensure that Lumban’s craft remains relevant, bringing their art to discerning modern wardrobes around the world.

Miss Rose and Alex are part of a larger movement within Llamanzares Barongs—a mission to collaborate with local artisans, weavers, and tailors to not only preserve but evolve the tradition of barong-making. In doing so, the brand is redefining what it means to wear Filipino heritage, one stitch at a time.

In the Company of Global Filipino Brands

The FILIPINXT Fashion Show, founded in 2023 by fashion designer Bessie Besana and Filipino-American entrepreneur Rob Mallari-D’Auria, has quickly become a premier platform for Filipino talent at New York Fashion Week. This year’s show featured collections from some of the Philippines' most esteemed designers, including Chynna Mamawal, Andrea Tetangco, and Adrienne Charuel of Maison Métisse, alongside Llamanzares Barongs and other rising brands like Tagpi and NiñoFranco.

The showcase was a celebration of Filipino creativity, further highlighted by an exclusive trunk show before and after the runway event. Notable guests, including Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach Jauncey, added a touch of glamour to an already star-studded evening, proving that Filipino fashion is not just about tradition—it’s about innovation and global influence.

A Celebration of Filipino Craft and Tradition

This year’s show held special significance, as FILIPINXT partnered with the FPJ Panday Bayanihan Foundation, an organization led by Brian Poe Llamanzares. The foundation’s involvement underscored the shared mission of promoting local craftsmanship and creating sustainable opportunities for artisans. As the runway buzzed with the energy of global recognition, one thing was clear—Filipino creativity has arrived, and it’s here to stay.

Reflecting on the momentous event, Brian Poe Llamanzares noted, “We couldn’t have chosen a better way to launch Llamanzares Barongs than at New York Fashion Week, surrounded by fellow global Filipino brands. Our brand was established to provide a platform for our artisans and to showcase the incredible craft and culture of the Philippines to the world.”

With the world now watching, Llamanzares Barongs is well on its way to making the barong tagalog a must-have for the modern man—whether he’s on the streets of New York or back home in the Philippines, carrying centuries of tradition in every thread.