Jor-El Espina’s new Makati atelier ‘not just a place to shop’
After two decades in the industry, renowned fashion designer Jor-El Espina has finally decided to take root in Metro Manila, with his newly opened atelier at the heart of Makati City.
It took a few places before Espina found The One. The 120-square-meter studio is a corner unit at the seventh floor of One Corporate Plaza building, overlooking Arnaiz Avenue. Jor-El Espina Atelier Manila is spacious and elegantly decorated, a fitting frame for his “homage to the rich textures, patterns, and intricate details borne from the Philippines’ rich culture of craft.”
“I’d like to think of our atelier as a sanctuary for local creativity and elegance,” he said in a statement.
Along one wall hang his latest designs, which consist of leftovers from his participation in the recent Artefino holiday fair, new versions of his classic Bomberong, a bomber jacket/barong hybrid (including a collaboration with Viktor Jeans), and his upcoming all-piña cruise collection—an assortment of vibrant, tactile and even aural resort wear first shown in a Singapore textile expo last month and, more recently, at Thailand Fashion Week.
A couple of ladder-type racks offers a glimpse of his collection of fabrics, which he has been amassing since he started designing 20 years ago.
Across from those are enshrined his exquisite bridal pieces, aglow from the almost ethereal light radiating through filmy curtains that cover floor-to-ceiling glass walls.
Maximalist
Espina intimated during a walk-through of his atelier in a private preview last week that he has always wanted an industrial look. But his maximalist tendencies just wouldn’t let up. (He didn’t hire a decorator, mind you. He designed the interiors himself.)
So while the walls remain an uncolored cement gray and the exposed pipes in the ceiling (which were one of the space’s biggest draws for him) remain uncovered, the furnishings, albeit sparse, are plush: Various carpets are strewn all over the floor; a thick stump coffee table rests near the corner where an ivory couch sits for guests to lounge on; an intimate yet roomy bespoke fitting area stands in another section enclosed in heavy drapery; and at the center is a gorgeous live-edge table and bench set, perfect for both working and entertaining.
The atelier, after all, was set up to allow Espina to further connect and collaborate with clients and other creatives alike, with plans for housing special design collabs and limited-edition designs specifically for the atelier’s clientele.
Outside his studio in Iloilo, the couturier would usually join pop-ups to cater to his broad Manila clientele. But that really only allows for limited interactions.
Calling it a natural progression for his brand, Espina didn’t want a new studio solely for the sake of showcasing his designs. He wanted to build a creative hub where clients could feel involved in the process, giving them an immersive experience where they can “design, collaborate, and innovate.”
“The atelier allows us to engage more personally with all our patrons, offering a deeper connection with our craft, story, and commitment to contemporary Filipino design,” Espina said, sharing his excitement over also exploring design beyond fashion as he adds home pieces and artisanal accessories to his repertoire.
“This isn’t just a place to shop. It’s a space for exchanging stories, inspiration.”
