Neil Felipp’s latest boutique at the Peninsula Manila enchants visitors with storytelling, art, and iconic designs
First designs spark a flurry of inspirations that light up countless stories. A bag can turn to a decorative element can turn to a door knob—and this is precisely what you see first at the door of Neil Felipp’s latest boutique at the Peninsula Manila, the third and final permanent destination after Amanpulo and Cebu. “I wanted it to be very demure,” the designer muses in his characteristic sarcasm voiced in trend. Yet, what unlocks beyond that door is his deep-rooted passion for design, art, and storytelling which is anything but.
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Penned Memories
The choice of Peninsula Manila was steeped in nostalgia. “I’ve had fond memories here, especially in the lobby,” he recalls a hint of sentimentality in his voice. The prestige of the hotel and the allure of its iconic setting made it an ideal choice.
It wasn’t an overnight decision—conversations with the Peninsula spanned nearly two years before the perfect space opened up. January of this year marked the finalization of what can only be described as the next chapter in Felipp’s already illustrious journey.
Film Fame, Timeless Treasure
You might recognize the Siren minaudière—a piece that’s become synonymous with Felipp’s brand. Spotted in 2018’s Crazy Rich Asians, it was his first design and remains an iconic creation.
But that’s just the beginning. The Oshana minaudière, inspired by the sardine run in Moalboal, Cebu, swims into view with its two-tone handle—a tribute to the underwater spectacle. It’s a piece that captures the essence of Filipino design and has also found a place in Philippine design history, proudly displayed at the National Museum and the Design Center of the Philippines last February.
Felipp’s creations expand into home accessories, transforming the Siren minaudière into a mother-of-pearl dish and crafting a Turtle Jewelry Box that’s as charming as it is functional.
A Partnership of Surprises
Collaborations are a cornerstone of Felipp’s designs, and his recent partnership with Martin Bautista for Jasmine Curtis at the GMA Gala was a surprise.
The trio had their reservations, but Curtis’s confidence in the project led to one of Felipp’s most celebrated pieces to date—a design that left both collaborators and onlookers in awe.
The Jackstone collaboration with Kelvin Morales touches on a rather poignant look at childhood games but reimagined into a chic minaudière and choker. Felipp reflects on the playfulness of the piece, acknowledging the negative connotations often associated with the game. “Playing jackstones as a kid… it immediately assumes you’re gay,” he quips, yet the design embraces this notion with Felipp’s signature whimsy.
Then there’s the collaboration with Jefferson Si, where a Suzie Wong minaudière finds new life as a heel. Si, with over ten years in the industry and a deep connection with Marikina shoemakers, helped Felipp turn this idea into a reality. Together, they uplift fellow industries while crafting something that resonates on multiple levels.
Kevin Kwan and the Suzie Wong Story
But perhaps one of the most intriguing stories behind Felipp’s work is his connection to Kevin Kwan, author of Crazy Rich Asians. The “Suzy Wong” minaudière, inspired by the “hooker with a golden heart”, caught Kwan’s eye.
What began as a curiosity about the bag’s name soon turned into a deep conversation. “It was coincidental,” Felipp recounts. “When they made the film adaptation of The World of Suzie Wong, Kevin’s aunt, Nancy Kwan, played the lead role.” This serendipitous connection led to Felipp’s appearance in Kwan’s book.
On the Horizon
And what of the men? “I’m so stressed already,” Felipp laughs, admitting that the demand has been relentless. “All the guys are already asking, where’s your men’s line?” he says, acknowledging that a launch is imminent.
Expect men’s bags and brooches—pieces that will undoubtedly carry the same aura of sophistication and subversion that Felipp is known for.
A Gallery of Inspirations
The design aesthetic of the boutique itself is a study in restraint—a clean, almost gallery-like space where the pieces take center stage. “These artworks are personal collections that inspired the minaudières you see here today,” he explains. It’s a space where painting strokes mingle with Felipp’s Siren minaudière, like the Tree of Life by Gustav Klimt. This fusion of art and fashion isn’t stopping with Klimt—Felipp teases upcoming limited editions inspired by Monet, Van Gogh, and the local art community in Cebu.
The boutique also offers heritage, with pieces by Filipino artisans bringing the cultural craftsmanship of the Philippines into the space. “We’ve been getting a lot of international clients, and we wanted to show them touches of Filipino,” he shares.
Neil Felipp’s final boutique at the Peninsula Manila is a culmination of the stories that inspire his designs. The designer invites us to knock on the siren’s tail. We enter a space where a bag can spark a tale that lingers long after its call.
Photographed by GRANT BABIA
