A milestone anniversary brings together Jo Ann Bitagcol’s work as a designer, photographer, model, and visual artist in one new collection.
Jo Ann Bitagcol is celebrating three decades in the industry, and she’s marking the milestone with a new pop up space at Power Plant Mall alongside a fresh collection called Thank You, Universe. The designer, photographer, and former model opened the space on the mall’s second level as the first of three planned celebrations this year.
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Inside The Collection Thank You, Universe By Jo Ann Bitagcol
For Thank You, Universe, Bitagcol returned to a familiar source of inspiration: Gino Gonzales’ archive of vintage Philippine dresses. Working from Maria Clara and Baro silhouettes, she arrived at otherworldly, almost alien shapes that gave the collection its name and its link to gratitude. “I guess you can call them aliens or creatures from another universe,” she says.
The collection includes her established pieces like boxy shirts, kamisas, sporty kimonas, sarong pants, as well as new additions such as a multiway wrap that converts from skirt to dress, lace undergarments, and a bubble saya. Her prints appear in full color and in black and white, extending into art works on silk and a series of large scale limited editions.
From Muse To Maker: Tracing The Career Of Jo Ann Bitagcol
Jo Ann’s career began in 1996, when a talent scout discovered her in a panceteria in Bulacan, launching a modeling career that took her to Paris and back to Manila, where she became a favorite muse among the country’s leading designers. She later shifted toward photography, studying at the University of the Philippines and apprenticing under Lilen Uy before building her name in the field by 2007.
Her move into design followed years later, shaped by collaborations with scenographer Gino Gonzales, a solo art exhibit in 2015, and a growing line of scarves and signature pieces that took hold during the pandemic. The past few years have brought rapid momentum, including a New York Fashion Week debut under Filipinxt.
Gratitude As Practice
Bitagcol describes gratitude as central to her process, saying it has become second nature to acknowledge the opportunities and support she has received over the years before beginning any new work. That sense of gratitude, she explains, has held together three decades marked by transformation and reinvention, from her early years on the runway to her recent ventures into design and fine art.
“Thank You, Universe” is available now at her pop up on the second floor of Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center. For more information, follow @joannbitagcol on Instagram.
Photos courtesy of Jo Ann Bitagcol and Before Deadlines
Frequently Asked Questions
Jo Ann Bitagcol is a Filipino designer, photographer, and model celebrating 30 years in the fashion industry.
“Thank You, Universe” is Jo Ann Bitagcol’s latest fashion collection, created to mark her 30th anniversary in fashion.
The collection draws inspiration from vintage Philippine dresses, including Maria Clara and Baro silhouettes, reimagined into contemporary designs.
The collection is available at Jo Ann Bitagcol’s pop-up space on the second floor of Power Plant Mall in Rockwell Center.
Jo Ann Bitagcol began her career as a model after being discovered by a talent scout in Bulacan in 1996 before later becoming a photographer and fashion designer.
