maria clara

[listening to "earned it" by the weeknd]

a couple weeks ago, the Girls Drawin Girls weekly theme was "Girls Around the World" which i really really wanted to do. but cuz life and deadlines seem to rule my day to day, i was only able to do it now. but if u know me, u know i'm more of a better-late-than-never kinda gal.

SO! this is my Filipiniana drawing. anytime i see any series of international ladies drawings, my home of the Philippines is always left out. i've always had to choose the Japanese or the Chinese ones cuz it's as close as it gets. so when the opportunity presented itself, i wasn't going to miss out.

i saw this modern take on the Maria Clara dress (a traditional Philippine dress) online and i just had to use that to put my filipina in. it just looked so regal. the traditional ones are oftentimes this sheer off-white material for the top and something like a black or some solid color for the bottom. to me it seems like waaay too many layers for such a hot climate, but i guess it's supposed to be pretty & not practical. like dresses do.

i also put sampaguita flowers in her hair (the national flower of the Philippines). now if i can just get someone to make this into a doll.....