Art deco with Filipino flair is how the designer describes his new collection, to be previewed at the upcoming ArteFino Festival
Jor-El Espina will celebrate a dual milestone in 2025: his 20th anniversary in fashion and the centennial of Art Deco. The designer’s upcoming collection is a tribute to both his career and the history of the Art Deco movement, which is prominently reflected in Filipino architecture.
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In a Filipino-themed luncheon kickoff, Espina revealed that the ready-to-wear pieces that were showcased will be featured at the ArteFino Festival 2024. The upcoming collection, titled ADAPTATION, reflects his evolution as a designer, capturing the various adaptations and influences he has woven into his work over the years.
“Looking forward to 2025, which is my 20th year anniversary, also marks 100 years of Art Deco,” Espina shares. “The Philippines has its share of art deco buildings that inspired me. I’ve incorporated this into my Filipiñana looks, blending local heritage with a classic aesthetic.”
Over the past two decades, Espina’s design philosophy has evolved, but he remains true to his core aesthetics. “Design influences change over time,” he notes. “But I’m still true to the core of my aesthetics. It grows with how fashion moves forward and the needs and demands of the clientele.”
The sneak peek of his milestone collection reveals just a taste of what’s in store. “What you see from the preview is the RTW version of the collection for next year,” he explains. “We are working on materials like piña, hablon, and hand-woven textiles from different regions, complemented by hand embroidery. It will be a celebration of artisanal craftsmanship throughout the collection.”
Joe-El Espina’s upcoming showcase promises to be an intriguing intersection of legacy and progress, paying tribute to Filipino workmanship and design. It’s exciting to see how this century-old style and current design combine—history can always seem glamorous.
Photos and Featured Image: JOR-EL ESPINA
