Luxury woven carpet manufacturer Brintons has announced the launch of the Self Expression Winter 2026 Collection, by Senior Designer Cherise Porretto…
Inspired by the Maria Clara gown, a historic ensemble rooted in Philippine tradition, Brintons‘ new TERNO carpet collection draws on the Philippine heritage of the brand’s Senior Designer, Cherise Porretto.
Drawing on the Maria Clara garment’s distinctive use of layered fabric and colour, the design references one particular element known as dos paños, or ‘two cloths’. This layer symbolises the balance created when contrasting elements are brought together. With this new collection, Cherise has translated the concept into contemporary surface design through considered pattern, harmonious colour relationships, and rich texture.
The collection features seven distinct plaid patterns, each defined by contrast and balance. Embroidery-inspired details intersect with saturated colour, creating dynamic compositions that range from striking to refined and offer designers flexibility across a variety of interiors.
TERNO | Image credit: Brintons
At the heart of TERNO is a deeply personal narrative. As a child, Cherise interviewed her grandmother for a school project, rewriting her life story in the first person and then being chosen to perform it on stage.
“My grandmother introduced me to a version of the Maria Clara gown when she gave me one to wear on the evening of the performance. I remember feeling so proud to tell her story and wear the dress. I was drawn to how unexpected colours and textures came together so naturally, and that sense of harmony guides my work today.”
Cherise invites designers to reconsider tradition not as something static, but as something living and adaptable.
“Through this collection, I want the audience to reflect on what it means to reinterpret tradition: to honour the past, while adapting its forms to the present. The Maria Clara gown becomes more than a costume. It becomes a symbol of continuity, resilience, and personal reinvention. I hope these designs spark curiosity about cultural legacy, and encourage deeper engagement with history, identity, and artistic expression.”
With TERNO, Brintons continues its focus on craftsmanship driven design that supports creativity and self expression in contemporary interiors.
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Main image credit: Brintons
