Shades of green for president's inaugural gowns

President Gloria Arroyo will wear two ternos (gowns), also called Philippine mestiza dresses, for her pre-inaugural speech at Manila's Luneta Park and her oath-taking in Cebu, a fashion designer told Gulf News.

One terno is made of green chiffon silk. The other is made of aquamarine silk gazar, which is composed of three panels and shaped into a wispy princess cut, said Inno Sotto, who is dubbed as the 'Prince of Philippine Fashion'.

"I chose various shades of green because of their calming effects, which is good for the president after all the stresses she underwent during the campaign period," said Sotto.
He does not know which terno Arroyo will wear in Manila and in Cebu.

At the same time, Arroyo will have two pantsuits, which she will wear after the pre-inaugural speech and the major event in Cebu, said Sotto. One pantsuit is beige, the other is reddish orange, said Sotto, adding they are elegant, formal and austere in design.

"She will look good in her gowns and suits because she lost about three inches from her waistline due to the rigours of the recent presidential campaign," said Sotto.

"My first consideration when I make her dress is that she is the head of state who happens to be a woman. I think of her as a president, like US President George Bush and other heads of state when I design her dress," said Sotto.

She is exceptionally easy to dress up," said Sotto, adding, "Despite her petite frame, she walks straight."

Arroyo has decided to wear a pair of shoes from Janilyn, which are manufactured in suburban Pasig City, said Joanne Zapanta-Andrada, the president's wardrobe consultant
She will also wear jewellery which she inherited from her mother, the former first lady Eva Macapagal, said Andrada, adding that Arroyo's favourite jewelleries are South Sea pearls.