Journal

Close-up of sheer handwoven piña fabric, showing the fine weave and natural selvedge edge, from The Mestizo, a modern Filipiniana house in Los Angeles

Why October Is Filipino American History Month

Filipino American History Month marks the 1587 landing at Morro Bay. The history behind October, and why it matters to a Los Angeles Filipiniana house.

Two women in blush long-sleeve barong with tonal embroidery, styled with navy trousers and a black lace skirt

Barong, Lady Barong, and Bolero: A Guide to Modern Filipiniana Garments

The difference between a barong, a lady barong, and a Filipiniana bolero, and when to wear each.

Woman in a black and natural-toned Filipiniana look with structured sleeves, standing between two dress forms in an atelier setting

Made-to-Order vs. Ready-to-Wear Filipiniana: Which Is Right for Your Event?

Made-to-order or ready-to-wear Filipiniana? How timelines, fit, and cost compare, and how to decide based on your event.

Woman in a blush Filipiniana bolero with sculptural butterfly sleeves, worn over a lilac top and jeans

How to Choose a Modern Filipiniana Bolero: A Buyer's Guide

A practical guide to choosing a modern Filipiniana bolero: fabric, fit, occasion, and made-to-order versus ready-to-wear.

Four models in modern Filipiniana by The Mestizo: two women in red with embroidered butterfly sleeves and two men in embroidered short-sleeve barong

Why Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana Fashion Belong in Everyday Style

The barong tagalog and the Filipiniana bolero are not only for special occasions. How heritage dress is becoming part of everyday style in the United States.

Two models in heritage-inspired looks by The Mestizo: a floral-print jacket with cream trousers, and a blue patterned jacket over a sheer black skirt

Heritage-Inspired Fashion in 2026: Craft, Culture, and Conscious Design Driving Global Style Trends

Heritage-inspired fashion in 2026 is defined by craftsmanship, cultural collaboration, and traceable design. The global trends reshaping how traditional textiles are worn.

Woman in a black jacket with sculptural butterfly sleeves, layered beaded necklaces, and a houndstooth skirt, styled by The Mestizo

Why Heritage Clothing Is Making a Comeback

Heritage clothing carries identity, memory, and pride into everyday life. Why cultural dress is returning, and how people are wearing it now.

Two men in short-sleeve barong by The Mestizo, one ivory with tonal embroidery and one natural-toned with coral and teal embroidery

Wearing Your Roots: Bridging Tradition and Modern Style

Wearing clothing drawn from your heritage is a form of storytelling. How tradition and modern style meet, and why expressing your roots is about identity, not costume.

Model in a black-dyed piña barong with a printed scarf and black trousers, by The Mestizo, a modern Filipiniana house in Los Angeles

The Royal Fabric: Piña and the Barong Tagalog

The barong tagalog reaches its most refined form in piña, the sheer cloth handwoven from pineapple leaf fiber. Its history, and why it remains the formal fabric of the Philippines.

Embracing Tradition: How the Bolero Top is Making a Stylish Comeback

From the baro't saya and the terno to modern wardrobes, the Filipiniana bolero top has returned. Its history, and how it is worn today.