Get first dibs on the Filipino wear designer’s latest creations at the artisanal fair happening this long weekend, from August 22 to 25.
Since its inception in 2017, ArteFino has served as a prominent platform to showcase and celebrate local artisanal brands, Filipino craftsmanship, and emerging designers. One of its rising stars is the contemporary Filipino wear designer, Jor-El Espina. Arguably the country’s biggest artisanal fair today, ArteFino was instrumental to Espina’s breakthrough in the Manila ready-to-wear market. It was eight years ago, at the first ArteFino fair, where the Iloilo-based designer’s signature Bomberong jackets first gained a following among the metro’s fashionistas.
To this day, Espina credits the ArteFino festival for the pivotal role it has played in shaping his identity as a ready-to-wear designer. Encouraged by the initial response, he joined the fair again the following year, this time under the eponymous Jor-El Espina brand.
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Homegrown Craft
Fast forward to May 2025 when Jor-el will mark two decades in Filipino design.
Commencing a series of celebrations leading up to this career milestone, Espina recently hosted a private luncheon preview entitled “Adaptation.” The fashion designer describes why it is particularly meaningful that he kick off this celebration by showcasing his collection at ArteFino Fair 2024.
“The artisan movement opened countless doors for me: in retail, in building a brand, in creating a business, and being globally competitive,” he says reflecting back to his initial years.During the four-day festival, taking place over this holiday weekend, The Fifth at Rockwell will be transformed into a vibrant space for fairgoers to discover over 100 local heritage brands and products.
Espina’s latest designs will be highlighted in a special suite. “I want to utilize this space like a salon to give visitors of ArteFino a more immersive experience of the Philippine art-deco-inspired collection that was showcased during [the fashion show] Adaptation,” he says.
New Form
Why Art Deco? One might ask. Espina’s 20th year, coming up in 2025, coincides with the centennial of the Art Deco movement, hence the special connection. At ArteFino 2024, visitors will get a glimpse into the designer’s personal journey and his exploration of the design movement, infused with Espina’s distinctive style.
Apart from versatility and craftsmanship, Espina’s collection demonstrates how traditional fabrics, embroidery, silhouettes and patterns can be integrated into everyday dressing. Watch out for the vestina, the designer’s take on a vest made of barong. “I’ll also be introducing my version of the tapis,“ he adds.
Through the years, Espina’s contemporary Filipino designs continue to resonate with a loyal following of patrons within and beyond the ArteFino community. The designer consistently brings elements of bespoke craft, proudly honed in his hometown of Iloilo, to his popular ready-to-wear line. Perhaps the key to his success lies in Jor-El’s adherence to this formula. “The clients I cater to at ArteFino want pieces that are readily available, but still made with the same attention to detail as a made-to-order garment. So [while you may have a piece] that’s off the rack, when it comes to the fabric, details, and workmanship, it feels like you are wearing something that was made just for you…”
All photos courtesy of Jor-el Espina.
