Multi-hyphenate artist Jo Ann Bitagcol honors Filipino heritage with fashion and lifestyle pieces at her first pop-up in Rockwell that runs till January
Can evolution be more of a quiet revolution than a loud spectacle? Fashion designer, model, and photographer Jo Ann Bitagcol has a new milestone to celebrate: her first solo pop-up titled “Re-Start”. It’s a space at Power Plant Mall with fashion and new lifestyle pieces that feel as though the universe itself had a hand in their creation, urging you to rethink what’s possible—so much so that they practically beg to be worn every day.
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For the woman who captivated with her “Tao” collection and impressed audiences at BENCH Fashion Week, Bitagcol’s decision to bring her creations to Power Plant Mall marks a natural progression—a step forward that feels as intentional as it is exciting. What made the artist—who’s been known for three-day pop-ups like the celebrated Katutubo, decide this was the moment to step out on her own?
“It’s simple,” Bitcagcol says, straight-faced but with the warmth of someone who truly believes in what they’re doing. “I feel like we’re contributing something good to our culture, and I want to spread that.”
As a result, she’s introducing her creations to a whole new market, and in Power Plant, she’s found the perfect home. “We believe it’s a good house for us,” she explains with the kind of confidence that can only come from being both a creator and a curator of Filipino culture.
Old Meets New, with a Bit of Spice
Bitagcol’s pop-up creates a balance between familiar favorites and new ideas. Revisiting popular prints from past collections, she’s expanded them into renewed formats like wooden trays, coasters, and placemats, allowing her art to spill into everyday spaces. It’s an insight that style can find its way into the most unexpected corners of our lives, like a kitchen looking as glamorous—if not also expensive—as our wardrobes.
The designer took the best-sellers of her past collections, reimagined them with new materials, and sprinkled in some surprises. “We refreshed, reviewed, and revisited,” she says, smiling at the evolution of her work. “Now we’ve mixed in some new prints and materials.”
A fan of innovation without sacrificing tradition, Bitagcol also indulges in the timeless “reversible” technique—a cheeky wink to the fashion world’s obsession with versatility. New, yes—but familiar enough to feel like home.
For this debut, she’s reaching into her archive to revisit the bestsellers that first put her on the map, but with a twist—think new shapes, fabrics, and details, as a way to introduce these beloved prints to a broader audience. And if you were wondering, there’s some magic here, too. The newest pieces feature delicate prints on tulle, sheer materials, and lace, conjuring up styles so light and airy, they might just disappear into thin air. “You can wear them as tapis and alampais,” Bitagcol says. Even three new baro prints are featured on oversized scarves that can be worn or displayed as art.
The pop-up expands into lifestyle pieces, with wooden serving trays that showcase her terno and baro prints, as well as Pastillas patterns splashed on oversized coasters. And for those looking to add Bitagcol to their tablescapes, her collaboration with S.C. Vizcarra brings new takes on placemats, just in time for the festive season.
A Little Bit of Bitagcol in Your Life
The pop-up surrounds itself with lifestyle, identity, and a larger conversation surrounding Filipino excellence. “I’m just so happy that people are making it part of their lifestyle,” she admits, with a joy that’s almost too burning to touch. No longer confined to your wardrobe, Bitagcol’s designs are now part of your daily rituals—whether you’re dining on placemats adorned with her prints or draping yourself in something that carries the story of Filipino heritage.
As the conversation winds down, Bitagcol pauses for a moment of reflection. “I’m just so thankful for all the support we’ve received,” she says, with a gratitude that could fill a thousand thank-you notes. “Everyone’s together to celebrate our own, and that’s really the mindset we have now.”
Bitagcol is planting seeds like a gardener with a knack for the unexpected—nurturing her craft with the kind of care that promises a lush harvest and the occasional bloom. With her pop-up aglow, Bitagcol’s brand has found its place in the sun as it pushes Filipino culture into current perspectives. This is simply her dawn. “I’m excited to see where it goes,” she says, her eyes sparkling with possibility.
Jo Ann Bitagcol isn’t just dressing the body, but layering out the threads to tell a story. Her solo pop-up might be a new chapter, but it feels more like the universe is blessing what’s to come: Loudly thoughtful, full of joy, and all the flowers of what’s yet to grow. Evolution doesn’t have to be loud; it’s just a bit of magic, with a lot of heart.
Photos: BEFORE DEADLINES
