More than just a collaboration, Jor-El Espina&rsquo;s new collection is a heartfelt ode to the enduring legacy of the Grand Dame of Philippine Fashion.

Within every Filipino home are treasured pieces of the past &mdash; relics, keepsakes, and mementos that act more than just adornments of the rooms within; they also serve as vessels for the stories of generations. These include timeworn pieces of furniture that have stood the test of time, beloved jewelry glinting with untold tales, and delicate garments holding the history of those who once wore them.&nbsp;
True to its name, Jor-El Espina&rsquo;s new collection Heirloom is cut from the same cloth &mdash; a thoughtful dialogue between tradition and reinvention. Inspired by and crafted under the guidance of the Grand Dame of Philippine Fashion, Patis Tesoro, the collection stands as a love letter to legacy, reimagining heritage as something intimate, tangible, and deeply personal.&nbsp;

<h4 style="text-align: center;">Where It All Began</h4>

Like all things inherited, the collection was born with a moment &mdash; and for Espina, it started one afternoon during a visit at Patis Tesoro&rsquo;s home in Laguna. Invited by the ladies of Artefino, he found himself immersed in a space where tradition isn&rsquo;t merely preserved, but endlessly reimagined. &ldquo;When you see her place it's full of artistry &mdash; everything is there,&rdquo; he shared.

What followed was more than a collaboration, but rather an artistic rite of passage. From Tesoro's atelier to her personal archives, Espina spent months exploring and immersing himself in the creative world of the Grand Dame herself &mdash; learning about traditional Filipino techniques and craftsmanship, including embroidery, weaving, and needlepoint.
&ldquo;Although this approach to designing and the techniques are not necessarily new to me, learning from Patis herself pushed me to develop and refine my craft further,&rdquo; he shared. &ldquo;It was so enriching to watch the artisans in her shop bring her designs to life. During these visits, I really began to value the work that Patis has done to preserve our traditions of craft.&rdquo;

Back to his own studio, Espina translated all the inspirations and discussions into form and reshaped it through his contemporary style. When the collection took its final form, Espina made his way back to Laguna to present the finished pieces to Tesoro. &ldquo;Her blessing, guidance, feedback, and advice were integral to this collection. I was eager to learn, and Patis was generous with her knowledge.&nbsp;

&ldquo;I wanted to make sure that every single garment reflected her essence. More than a collaboration, this is a tribute; my way of honoring Patis Tesoro.&rdquo; - Jor-El Espina

<h4 style="text-align: center;">Heirloom Realized</h4>

The result is a 30-piece collection that highlights both of the artists&rsquo; distinct design sensibilities &mdash; blending Espina&rsquo;s contemporary approach to color and structure with Tesoro&rsquo;s love for artisanal details and textures. &ldquo;When you see the construction of these pieces, it's actually more modern than what she does. So, I explore more of these using her techniques and also inject the techniques that I've already been doing,&rdquo; said Espina.
Entitled Heirloom, it was a fitting title for a collection that celebrates the beauty of inheritance &mdash; where each piece is more than just fashion. From multifunctional coats and embroidered jackets to painted skirts and pi&ntilde;a tops, it&rsquo;s a preservation of culture and a tribute to generations of knowledge passed down.

&ldquo;My takeaway is that as a Filipino designer, you have to always stay true to who you are and what your style is. Patis, regardless of the changes in fashion throughout the years, stuck to her guns. She continued to champion Philippine craft, fabrics, and design. She didn&rsquo;t compromise her love for the Filipiniana. This exercise was a reminder of how important it is to stay authentic to who you are as a designer,&rdquo; Espina expressed.
With this realization, Espina reflected on how this will shape the next chapter of his journey as a designer. &ldquo;I have to borrow her line that a good Filipiniana actually stays forever. So, I think my next goal is to make clothes that can be passed to your children or to your family &mdash; so, make pieces that will last.&rdquo;
Experience all the details and artistry behind Jor-El Espina&rsquo;s &lsquo;Heirloom&rsquo; collection exclusively at the ArteFino Fair, happening from July 31 to August 3 at The Fifth at Rockwell.

Woven Stories: Jor-El Espina Celebrates Patis Tesoro in ‘Heirloom’

Woven Stories: Jor-El Espina Celebrates Patis Tesoro in ‘Heirloom’

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