Wearing Heritage: Lustico Reimagines the Kimona

Designer Dennis Lustico revisits the Kimona, turning a regional dress into ready-to-wear pieces made for modern life.

Words Gerie Marie Consolacion
Photos courtesy of Before Deadlines
January 03, 2026

Lustico’s pop-up space on the second floor of Powerplant Mall feels like stepping into a warm, intimate jewel box. Deep red curtains frame the space, Persian carpets line the floor, and a velvet chartreuse sofa invites shoppers to sit and stay awhile. The overall mood is cozy yet rich, echoing a quiet boudoir rather than a typical retail store.

When the pop-up first opened in November, designer Dennis Lustico filled the brass racks with modern pieces—satin tops with tassels, capes, vests, and pencil skirts finished with fringe. The edit quickly drew a steady crowd and offered a clear look into what defines the brand: clean lines, strong tailoring, and a deep respect for craft.

Lustico was thoughtful about how the store would unfold over time. He shared that while he planned for a “quiet opening,” he always intended to introduce a major Filipiniana collection halfway through the pop-up’s run. This new release reflects his belief in building a lasting zwardrobe and dressing with care and intention. At the heart of the collection is the Kimona.

The Kimona is known as the traditional dress of the Visayas. Light and airy, it is a cape-like version of the camisa, often paired with a wrap skirt called a patadyong. For Lustico, the Kimona is deeply personal. He remembers seeing women in his hometown wearing this easy yet graceful outfit when he was young. This collection, he says, is both a return to basics and a tribute to where he comes from.

The line includes five Kimona designs made from delicate piña fabric. Each top features careful details, including a callado bib, and all are hand-embroidered by skilled artisans in Laguna. The designs were developed in-house, with patterns inspired by local plants and traditional fans. The tops are paired with sarongs and tapis skirts, creating outfits that feel distinctly Filipino while remaining simple, flexible, and easy to wear.

A key goal of the collection is to bring Filipiniana into everyday life. Rather than saving these pieces for formal events, Lustico wants them worn often. Most items come in a one-size-fits-all design and are made for layering, mixing, and matching. While each piece is special because it is handmade, Lustico emphasizes that they are meant to be worn many times and even passed down as heirlooms.

Designing this Filipiniana line as prêt-à-porter was a new challenge for Lustico and his team. It pushed them to try new methods and work with unfamiliar patterns. Through this collection, he hopes to spark greater interest in Philippine handcrafts and give continued support to local weavers and embroiderers.

More than just a temporary shop, Lustico sees the pop-up as a period of growth and learning. It has become a space to understand daily store operations—from staffing and production to deliveries and layout—before opening a permanent location, which he plans to do in 2026. 

The LUSTICO Pop-Up Space is located at R2 Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Center, and will be open until January 31, 2026.