Kimona: Dennis Lustico’s Filipiniana Collection Launches At His Pop Up Space At The Powerplant Mall

A new collection of hand-embroidered kimonas, bibs, tapis skirts, and sarongs fill the pop up space of Dennis Lustico. Beyond it being a holiday offering, the Filipiniana Collection echoes the designer’s musings on what it truly means to build an enduring wardrobe and dress beautifully.

Dennis Lustico’s pop up space on the second level of the Powerplant Mall resembles a jewel box. A velvet chartreuse sofa, Persian carpets, deep red curtains create a sense of being cocooned inside the boudoir. When the store first opened in November, Lustico filled the brass racks with contemporary essentials. Capes, vests, pencil skirts with fringe details, satin tops with tassels drew a steady flow of well-heeled clients to the store. In true form, the initial drop showcased the design codes that distinguish Luistico: impeccable tailoring and a razor sharp sense for craft.

“I was intentional about having a quiet opening,” the fashion designer shares. “I also knew that midway, I would be introducing a Filipiniana Collection.” Lustico’s new collection is anchored on a central garment: the Kimona. Also regarded as the national dress of the Visayas region, this lightweight, cape-like variation of the camisa is traditionally paired with the patadyong or wrap skirt. “It is a garment that I remember vividly from childhood,” Lustico intimates. “As a young aspiring designer, I would observe women in our province wear this airy, effortless yet elegant set. In a way this collection is a return to basics, and an ode to my roots.”

The collection features five different Kimona designs, including a callado bib. These pina tops are all hand embroidered by artisans in Laguna. Designs are developed in-house, drawing from local flora or patterns found in fans. Sarongs or tapis skirts complete the collection, resulting in a multitude of distinctly Filipino ensembles that are versatile, effortless, and easy to wear. 

Garments are done such that one size fits all. They are also intended for playful layering, mixing, and matching. “It’s heritage dressing, but at the same time, the pieces emphasize how Philippine fashion is now essential for everyday dressing–and not just for special occasions. They are special in that everything is handmade, but at the same time they can be worn many times in different ways. They can also be passed on like heirloom pieces.”

Lustico reveals that creating a Filipiniana collection for prêt-á-porter is completely different from the projects he has done in the past. “We worked with a completely new set of patterns and explored new techniques,” he elaborates. “By introducing this collection, we hope to spark more interest in our handcrafts, especially our embroiderers and weavers.” He also intimates that the pop up space is a prelude of what’s to come. Lustico hints, “This is a transition. A training period–learning about spaces, manning, deliveries, and production–before we establish a store in 2026.”

LUSTICO’s Pop Up Space is located at R2 Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Center and will run until January 31, 2026. For more information, follow @dennis_lustico.