Our Traje de Mestiza

In no other former Spanish colony will you see any fashion that equals or surpasses the elegance, the refinement, the exquisite aesthetic of the "baro't saya" (English: dress and skirt), in Spanish called "el traje de mestiza".  
 

The traje de mestiza is a wonderful creation that combines modesty and coquetry, and that showcased the art of fabric creation that was unique to Filipinas:  wonderful, lightweight, transparent fabrics made from the fibers of the pineapple and the abaca plants.  Called "piña" and "juse", they were used for the butterfly-sleeved blouse, and the stiff "pañuelo" or fichu worn over the shoulders over the décolletage.  So the neck, shoulders and chest were covered but, at the same time, demurely seen through the transparency.  The arms were visible through the transparent sleeves.

The "camisa" or blouse and the sleeves were richly decorated with embroidery and lace.

The skirts were also layered, either with petticoats as underskirts, or if the top skirt was translucent silk or taffetan, an overskirt was worn over it, draped or snugly wrapped down to the knees.

The traje de mestiza was perfect for the hot, humid climate.

Women had no need of corsets.  Comfort and gracefulness, the beautiful colors and rich ornamentation and craftsmanship, the floating, rustling lightness of the woman's movements created the nimbus of gorgeous femininity, languorous Oriental seduction, at the same time projecting decorousness and innocence.

Irresistible.

Filipina women had / have and were / are known for their beautiful skin, hands and feet, their natural grace.

Mestizas --- half-castes, mixed-bloods, were famous for their beauty and charm.

More images of the traje de mestiza, past and present (note how some of them look very camp, they are huge and floating on the lady):

This photograph is a visual statement of Hispanic-Filipino urbanidad.

DEFINITION:

urbanidad

1. nombre femenino

   Cortesanía, comedimiento, atención y buen modo.

Courtesy, restraint, attentiveness and good manners.

. . .

La cortesanía, los buenos modales, la educación y la urbanidad sugieren principalmente la observancia de maneras correctas en el trato social. La cortesía, la amabilidad y la afabilidad pueden comprender también la disposición o actitud interna que adoptamos ante los demás; sentimos la cortesía como más afectuosa, y por esto nos halaga más ser tratados con cortesía que con simple urbanidad. 

Courtliness, good manners, politeness, and civility mainly suggest the observance of good manners in social interaction. Courtesy, amiableness, and affability can also encompass the inner disposition or attitude that we adopt in front of others; we feel courtesy as implying more affection.  For this reason it is a greater compliment when we are treated with courtesy more than with simple civility.