Rajo Laurel's barong designs for ASEAN leaders

Renowned designer Rajo Laurel is adding a dash of color to the barong Tagalog that leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are going to wear for the summit's gala dinner on Saturday.

Laurel, who shared sketches to GMA News Online, said that cotton linen will be used for the fabrics of the barong.

“The embroidery is inspired by T'Nalak of the T'Boli tribe in Southern Mindanao. Basically, the placement of the embroidery varies among the leaders to showcase diversity in designs,” he said.

A source told GMA News Online that some ASEAN leaders started fitting their barong outfits on Friday.

The gala dinner which will depict a Pinoy fiesta will be held at Sofitel Manila. —JST, GMA News