Cover Cebuano designer Neil Felipp is set to represent the Philippines in its debut at Révélations 2025 in Paris (Photo: courtesy of Neil Felipp)
Cebuano designer Neil Felipp is set to represent the Philippines in its debut at Révélations 2025 in Paris (Photo: courtesy of Neil Felipp)
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Cebuano designer Neil Felipp makes his first foray into large-scale sculpture with his ‘Constellation 1.0’, his contribution to Révélations 2025, the International Biennal of Crafts and Creation
Neil Felipp is set to make his mark at Révélations 2025, the International Biennal of Crafts and Creation, taking place from May 21 to 25 at the Grand Palais in Paris.
He is set to join fellow Filipino artists such as Olivia d’Aboville and Jude Tiotuico at the Biennal in an endeavour organised by the Design Center of the Philippines and curated by Milo Naval. Felipp will be representing the Philippines in its debut participation, both a personal milestone for the designer and an opportunity to champion Filipino craftsmanship on the world stage.
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Above A portrait of designer Neil Felipp (Photo: courtesy of Neil Felipp)
Above ‘Constellations 1.0’ marks Neil Felipp's first venture into large-scale sculpture (Photo: courtesy of Neil Felipp)
A portrait of designer Neil Felipp (Photo: courtesy of Neil Felipp)
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Felipp is perhaps better recognised throughout fashion circles as an accessories designer, known for his assortment of handmade shell minaudières with ornate brass metalwork. His participation in Révélations marks a significant shift in his artistic practice—his first venture into large-scale sculpture. His featured work, Constellation 1.0, is a three-piece instalment grounded in the traditional Cebuano shell inlay while incorporating digital tools like 3D scanning and printing.
Each sculpture began as a hand-moulded clay form, which was then 3D scanned and scaled up by 200 per cent before printing. For durability, the sculptures were reinforced with fibreglass, while yellow and white mother-of-pearl with cabebe shells bring the celestial pattern to life. Brass sheets were added as accents, enhancing its shimmer and structure. What would have taken three months to complete using traditional practices was finalised in just two weeks with the help of modern technology.
See also: Inside Gucci’s ‘Bamboo Encounters’ exhibition at Fuorisalone 2025 in Milan
Above ‘Constellations 1.0’ was designed using both traditional Cebuano methods of craftsmanship and modern technology (Photo: courtesy of Neil Felipp)
Above ‘Constellations 1.0’ was designed using both traditional Cebuano methods of craftsmanship and modern technology (Photo: courtesy of Neil Felipp)
‘Constellations 1.0’ was designed using both traditional Cebuano methods of craftsmanship and modern technology (Photo: courtesy of Neil Felipp)
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The inspiration behind Constellation 1.0 comes from the feeling of love observed from a distance, like admiring a constellation in the night sky. Felipp imagined his own cluster of stars aligned next to another, forming a shared universe. This poetic concept guided him through his entire creative process.
While the materials and craftsmanship reflect Felipp’s Cebuano heritage, the use of technology signals a new direction for the designer, celebrating Filipino craft at Révélations while questioning how tradition can evolve in the hands of future generations.
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About
Julianna has been interested in leading a literary life since she first read Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess at eight. Before working with Tatler, she was an archive intern at The Center for Fiction in Brooklyn, New York. She is a textbook Pisces who devotes most of her spare time to her crochet projects, watching classic films, and going through her never-ending pile of unread books. She studied creative writing, global literature and art history at Sarah Lawrence College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2022. Toni Morrison, Nora Ephron, Clarice Lispector and Jia Tolentino are among her all-time favourite writers.
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Julianna writes about fashion, beauty, sustainability, and the arts. She is always keen on conducting interviews with talented women who are changing the game in their respective fields.
For event invites and story leads, hit her up at julianna.cabili@tatlerasia.com
