MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – The kilt is Scottish. The kimono is Japanese. The terna is Filipino.

Make no mistake about, the Philippines will go the distance in protecting the unique identify of its national dress, and it is suing the Italian Fashion House Dolce&Gabbana for being a copycat.

It happened at the recent MET Gala, the invitation-only event at New York’s Metropolitan Museaum of Art.  The annual event is the red carpet of all red carpets.

American actress Zoey Deutch wore a Dolce&Gabbana Alta Moda corset inlay gown in illusion tulle with gold embroidery, crystal and cross-stitch floral motifs.  To the discerning fashion and cultural eye, it was unmistakably Filipina – with the butterfly sleeves, embroidery, and even the hair-in-a-bun sported by Deutch.  There was no mention whatsover of its Philippine inspiration.

Upon seeing Instagram photos of Deutch wearing the gown, the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs immediately filed a complaint with the Italian Embassy in Manila, while threatening to sue Dolce&Gabbana for an undisclosed amout and royalty.

What do our readers think? Does the Philippines have the right to sue Dolce&Gabbana?