Although they come from different backgrounds, Salcedo Auctions, DAILY TRIBUNE and Jor-el Espina share a spirit of vanguardism that enabled them to overcome challenges and become dominant forces in their respective fields. All three will mark important milestones this Sunday, 20 July, in a joint three-part celebration of art, fashion and journalistic excellence at Salcedo Auctions’ NEX Tower gallery.
It is undoubtedly a special occasion, with friends from Manila’s social set, the fabulously fashionable, established collectors and representatives from the diplomatic and business sectors expected to attend in support of the celebrators. In this special Q&A feature, Salcedo Auctions’ Richie and Karen Lerma, Jor-el Espina and DAILY TRIBUNE’s president Willie Fernandez and executive vice president Chingbee Fernandez share their inspiring journeys and future plans.
Jor-el Espina’s two decades as fashion innovator
When did you realize that you wanted to become a fashion designer?
Jor-el: “That dream started when I was still very young. I was always fascinated with how clothing could tell stories. As a child in Iloilo, I would observe my lola and aunts dress up for special occasions, and it left an imprint. I became intrigued by the idea that clothes can capture emotion, culture, and identity all at once.”
Who and what inspired you to pursue fashion?
Jor-el: “I’ve always been inspired by the richness of our culture. The textures of local fabrics, the silhouettes of traditional wear, the rituals behind dressing up — all these stirred my imagination. I admired designers like Patis Tesoro, who celebrated Filipino culture with authenticity and flair. Fashion, for me, became a way to honor heritage and push it forward.”
How did you get started in your career?
Jor-el: “I started on my own. I was very young and fearless, and maybe a little naïve, but I had this fire in me to create and share my own vision. I started with just a few clients and slowly built my name from there. I officially launched my brand in 2005. It was a humble beginning with just me, a few sewers, and a lot of faith. Twenty years later, we’ve grown in so many ways, but I’ll never forget those early days filled with trial, error, and heart.”
What were the challenges you faced while starting your own brand?
Jor-el: “So many! Limited resources, finding the right people to work with, earning the trust of clients — all while figuring out how to sustain a business creatively and financially. There were also moments of self-doubt, wondering if I was doing the right thing. But every challenge taught me something essential.”
What was your design philosophy then? Did it change through the years?
Jor-el: “My design philosophy has always been rooted in telling stories through clothing, especially Filipino stories. I’ve always been fascinated by how our culture can evolve, yet remain grounded in heritage. Over time, the silhouettes and techniques may have changed, but the core idea remains: to create pieces that feel timeless, soulful, and proudly Filipino.”
On your 20th year, how would you describe your brand?
Jor-el: “The brand is a celebration of contemporary Filipiñiana — elegant, culturally rich, and wearable. Over the years, we’ve expanded to include made-to-order pieces, curated pop-ups, and our stand-alone atelier in Makati. Each one reflects the same vision: to elevate Filipino artistry with care, passion, and integrity.”
Have you always championed local materials?
Jor-el: “Always. From the start, I’ve believed in the beauty and strength of our local materials — piña, jusi, inabel and beyond. They carry our history, and working with them is both a responsibility and an honor. My goal is to show how these materials can be modern, luxurious, and globally relevant.”
Right now, what is your focus in terms of your designs?
Jor-el: “I’m deeply focused on pushing the boundaries of modern Filipiñiana. We’re blending old techniques with new structures — taking risks while staying grounded in our roots. I’m also exploring more collaborations, sustainable practices, and ways to make the brand more accessible to the next generation of Filipinos who want to dress with pride.”
You are celebrating 20 years in a very unpredictable market. What is the secret to your longevity?
Jor-el: “Resilience, authenticity, and love for the craft. I’ve stayed true to who I am and to what I believe in, even when trends shifted. I’ve also learned to adapt without losing my identity. And above all, I treat every piece as an offering something made with heart.”
How do you see your brand in the future?
Jor-el: “I see the brand continuing to evolve, perhaps, stepping more into global spaces while remaining rooted in the Filipino soul. I want to mentor younger designers, collaborate more with artisans, and maybe open more creative spaces for people to experience the beauty of Filipino fashion. This isn’t just about clothes — it’s about culture, identity, and pride in who we are.”
In a first in your career, you are making five designs inspired by the modernist art of Constancio Bernardo. How did you approach this project?
Jor-el: “Constancio Bernardo’s art speaks volumes — it’s layered, emotional, and vibrant. I approached this collaboration as a dialogue between two storytellers. I took key elements from his work — the textures, the color stories, the emotional tension — and translated them into garments that echo that same energy. It was a very organic and intuitive process.”