Fashion designer Francis Libiran has been regarded for his impeccable design of the Sinag Barong, which was worn by Filipino athletes at the recently concluded 2024 Paris Olympics. Apart from that, the fashion designer recently designed the wedding attire of Kyle Jennerman, the man behind the YouTube channel Becoming Filipino, and his bride, Therine Diquit.
With Therine being an advocate for bamboo and local weaving communities, Libiran managed to showcase the beauty of Filipino art in his design of her wedding gown. It was made from lyocell and bamboo, handwoven by the SM Sunrise Weaving Association from Ibaan, Batangas, as well as Philippine silk from the ABAI Weavers.
For Kyle’s barong, Libiran embroidered Canadian maple leaves surrounded by the rays of the sun, symbolizing the vlogger’s background as he was raised in Canada but has now fully embraced being a Filipino. The silk used for its textiles was developed by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) in Northern Mindanao, where Kyle had notably first begun his YouTube channel.
It featured the pure Philippine silk fabric SEDA, produced by Bombyx mori silkworms hybrid, as well as the Philippine Tropical Fabric KAWAYARN, which is a blend of lyocell and bamboo fibers.
The vlogger expressed his gratitude for the designer’s creations, which were made with deep meaning and celebrated not only an important milestone in their relationship but also what he and his wife are proud of—being Filipinos.
