Jor-el Espina celebrates two decades in fashion with ‘20 Design Anthologies’

WHEN Jor-el Espina began to think about how he would celebrate two decades in fashion, it seemed impossible for him to capture his creative journey in just one collection or show.

“So many things have taken place since I began in fashion,” the contemporary Philippine designer reflects.

“This is why we decided on the concept of anthologies — a series, a collection. We began the countdown last year with a series of capsule collections, pocket celebrations and collaborations. For the culmination, I was drawn to the idea of putting together a rich collection of colors, details, texture, fabrics and patterns. It’s very much like my diary as a designer,” Espina added.

20 Design Anthologies embodies the musings, ideas and dreams of a maximalist. It is a bold departure from the designer’s signature Filipiniana fare — creams, muted tones punctuated by diaphanous fabrics. At the same time, the collection is a rumination of his roots and natural inclinations as a creative.

“It’s not the usual Filipiniana theme that you often see in my past collections,” he explains, adding, “Of course, the use of local fabrics will be apparent. I’ve been wanting to work with jewel tones and metalics for a long time now and this is the collection where I get to do just that. I feel like the deep hues reflect my aesthetic and fascination with old world glamor.”

Espina’s 60-piece collection was presented on Oct. 24, 2025 at the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La the Fort in partnership with the Philippine Financial and Inter-industry Pride.

WHEN Jor-el Espina began to think about how he would celebrate two decades in fashion, it seemed impossible for him to capture his creative journey in just one collection or show.

“So many things have taken place since I began in fashion,” the contemporary Philippine designer reflects.

“This is why we decided on the concept of anthologies — a series, a collection. We began the countdown last year with a series of capsule collections, pocket celebrations and collaborations. For the culmination, I was drawn to the idea of putting together a rich collection of colors, details, texture, fabrics and patterns. It’s very much like my diary as a designer,” Espina added.

20 Design Anthologies embodies the musings, ideas and dreams of a maximalist. It is a bold departure from the designer’s signature Filipiniana fare — creams, muted tones punctuated by diaphanous fabrics. At the same time, the collection is a rumination of his roots and natural inclinations as a creative.

“It’s not the usual Filipiniana theme that you often see in my past collections,” he explains, adding, “Of course, the use of local fabrics will be apparent. I’ve been wanting to work with jewel tones and metalics for a long time now and this is the collection where I get to do just that. I feel like the deep hues reflect my aesthetic and fascination with old world glamor.”

Espina’s 60-piece collection was presented on Oct. 24, 2025 at the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La the Fort in partnership with the Philippine Financial and Inter-industry Pride.