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Jor-el Espina Arte Fino Dekada

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785497633218Jor-el 3.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>In the days leading up to ArteFino’s milestone celebration, <em>Isang Dekada Heritage in Motion</em>, Jor-el Espina’s atelier is a hive of activity. Every corner of the studio is occupied, every pair of hands at work. Even when the event was fast approaching, the collection continued to evolve.</p><p>I recall the media launch when co-founder Mel Francisco shared that this year&#x27;s participating brands were given a unique challenge: create exclusive <em>Dekada</em> collections inspired by the number ten, whether through ten-piece collections, ten colorways, or other creative interpretations. “We wanted the collection to reflect how far they’ve come, how their craft has evolved, and also where they hope to take Filipino design next,” Mel said.<br/><br/>“We are inspired,” Jor-el says simply.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:635px;display:block" width="635"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785497676518Jor-El Espina (1) (1).jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="635" style="width:635px"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Contemporary Filipino designer Jor-el Espina celebrates a decade with ArteFino</em></span></span></span>For the contemporary Filipino designer, creating a collection has never been about reaching a finish line. It is the act of making: the experimenting, refining, questioning, and discovering, that continues to draw him back, season after season. “I always feel like I’m starting all over again—discovering and experimenting, improving, and learning. Over the years, I’ve always believed that there is always room for growth and to never be complacent.”</div><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people-culture-events/2026/7/31/arte-fino-isang-dekada-heritage-in-motion-opens-10th-edition-0225" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">RELATED STORY: &#x27;Isang Dekada&quot; Heritage in Motion: ArteFino opens its 10th edition, celebrating a decade of Filipino craftsmanship</a></div><p>That mindset has shaped the decade he has spent with ArteFino. It has been 10 years since Jor-el first joined the artisanal trade fair, a platform he credits for helping him develop a stronger instinct for conscious, contemporary design within a retail setting. “It was where I really began to grow as a designer and a brand. I really began to establish my identity and clientele through ArteFino, and up to this day I regard this platform as my home,” he shares.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785498157801Jor-el 2.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:580px"/>For <em>ArteFino: Isang Dekada</em>, Jor-el will occupy the ArteFino Atelier at The Fifth in Power Plant Mall, just beside the elevators. Designed to resemble an Art Deco French studio, the space will showcase an extensive collection of contemporary Filipino garments. Preparing for ArteFino’s 10th anniversary has also meant growing behind the scenes. “My team has tripled in size in preparation for ArteFino’s 10th year. I wanted to be ready with my offerings, paying tribute to the 10-year journey I’ve shared on this platform.”</div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785498185403Jor-el 7.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:407px"/></div><p><br/>Despite a decade of successful showings at ArteFino, Jor-el approaches this year’s edition with the same commitment he had from the beginning, insisting on giving every presentation nothing less than his full effort. Rather than centering the collection on a single fashion proposition, Jor-el chose to present three distinct categories under the <em>Dekada</em> collection. The decision reflects a creative career shaped by different textures, colors, layers, and stories.<br/><br/>“I wanted to transfer my reflections on sophistication onto the garments. For <em>Dekada</em>, I was thinking of a diverse audience with varying sensibilities and preferences. There is something for everyone—reimagined hero pieces as well as newer designs and one-of-a-kind pieces. The goal was to let my clients and patrons know that they are seen and heard.”</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785498233103Jor-el 5.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:562px"/></div><div>Although<em> Dekada</em> is presented in a retail setting, every piece is still made by hand, with 70% of the collection using handwoven pineapple fabrics. “Yes, it is retail, but I always infuse my pieces with details that make it special or hark back to elements of couture. Details really tell the story. No two pieces are exactly alike because they are all made or guided by hand,” the designer says.<br/><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785497831666Jor-el 6.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:468px"/>Throughout the collection, Jor-el introduces techniques including laser cutting, silk screening, hand painting, and beadwork. He has also developed a new signature detail: colored safety pins. “I have been collecting these pins for years and decided to add them to my pieces in a way that is fun and completely unexpected.”</div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785498102144Jor-el 1.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:561px"/></div><p>As he completed <em>Dekada</em>, Jor-el also embraced a bolder approach to color. “After 10 years in ArteFino, it is now clear to me that I don’t need to hold back on color. Apart from the natural or muted tones that I am known for, I am now also dedicated to exploring brighter and bolder hues. We really reimagined <em>Barongs</em> for instance with distinguished vibrant stripes and blocks of candy colored hues.&quot;</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785497970862Jor-el 9.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:673px"/></div><p>Transformer pieces also play an important role in this season’s offering. Apron tops and<em> tapis</em> skirts are designed to be worn in multiple ways, reflecting Jor-el’s continuing exploration of a buildable wardrobe that moves effortlessly from day to red carpet. Through separates that invite layering, mixing, matching, and contrast, the collection encourages a more playful approach to dressing. “We really wanted to be playful with this collection,” Jor-el says.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785498453099Jor-el 10.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:667px"/>In many ways, <em>Dekada</em> serves as both a retrospective and a continuation. It reflects Jor-el Espina’s decade-long partnership with ArteFino while bringing together the many evolutions and iterations of his work as a designer.</div><p><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/health-beauty-fashion/2026/7/29/to-be-young-creative-free-designer-collectives-shaping-philippine-contemporary-fashion-2145" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: To be young, creative, and free: Designer collectives shaping Philippine contemporary fashion</a><br/><br/>“Everything that has unfolded for me in the past 10 years stems from my ArteFino roots. Since I showed with them, I have been in a constant state of evolution. Never stuck in one era. Always finding new skin, shapes and forms. Through this collection, I want to tell my success story with ArteFino and hope that it will inspire others.”</p><div><em>Photos courtesy of Jor-el Espina.</em></div><div><em>ArteFino: Isang Dekada – Heritage in Motion runs until August 2 at The Fifth at Rockwell and The Power Plant Mall.</em> </div>

<p>Jor-el Espina credits ArteFino with helping him find his identity as both a designer and a brand. For the fair’s 10th anniversary, he presents <i>Dekada: </i>a collection that reflects a decade of growth, handcrafted artistry, and enduring curiosity.</p>

Jor-el Espina credits ArteFino with helping him find his identity as both a designer and a brand. For the fair’s 10th anniversary, he presents Dekada: a collection that reflects a decade of growth, handcrafted artistry, and enduring curiosity.

A decade of evolution: Jor-el Espina reflects on his creative journey through 'Dekada'

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A decade of evolution: Jor-el Espina reflects on his creative journey through 'Dekada'

Mawi Fojas De Ocampo

Published July 31, 2026 07:53 PM PHT

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Updated July 31, 2026 07:55 PM PHT

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Jor-el Espina

ArteFino Isang Dekada

Filipino Designer

Philippine Craftsmanship

The Fifth At Rockwell

Powerplant Mall

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