Cover Jo Ann Bitagcol opened her new pop up concept at Power Plant Mall, revisiting some of her past collections (Photo: courtesy of Before Deadlines)
Jo Ann Bitagcol opened her new pop up concept at Power Plant Mall, revisiting some of her past collections (Photo: courtesy of Before Deadlines)
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Creative multihyphenate Jo Ann Bitagcol delves into past collections for a new pop-up concept
There always seems to be something new in the making for designer Jo Ann Bitagcol. Her practice involves continuous exploration and expansion, stretching from the realms of visual art and modelling, to fashion and homeware. A distinctive aesthetic is incorporated into each category, whether it be her striking looks and confident presence as a model to the cultural resonance in her photography.
June 2024 saw Bitagcol, the multihyphenate’s eponymous brand, open its first brick-and-mortar studio in Poblacion. Most recently, to cap off a year of landmark events, Bitagcol opened a pop-up location at Powerplant Mall. Set in an open kiosk on the second level, the small yet substantial space will be in operation from November 2024 to January 2025.
“The work I do with Bitagcol is rooted in the desire to celebrate and honour our culture,” she comments. “I wanted to bring this vision to a broader audience [...] It’s an opportunity for those who haven’t visited the showroom or experienced the brand firsthand.”
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Above Designer and visual artist Jo Ann Bitagcol models a new dress design for her new pop up concept (Photo: Courtesy of Before Deadlines)
Above Designer and visual artist Jo Ann Bitagcol models a new dress design for her new pop up concept (Photo: Courtesy of Before Deadlines)
Designer and visual artist Jo Ann Bitagcol models a new dress design for her new pop up concept (Photo: Courtesy of Before Deadlines)
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Bitagcol launched her brand in 2020 with a line of satin silk scarves bearing digital photo prints she captured herself. She soon expanded to include signature t-shirt barongs, robes, dresses, aprons and skirts, broadening her creative canvas. The entirety of her lineup bears images of antique hair combs and costume jewellery, juxtaposed with vintage terno and other fashionable Filipino accessories.
The pop-up revisits some of the brand’s most coveted prints from previous collections. Rather than recreating past favourites, Bitagcol infused these designs with fresh silhouettes and details. “We will still carry the signature shirts, of course,” she emphasises, “But we are adding long dresses into the mix along other pieces that utilise lace.”
“This new direction for the brand has inspired me to think of it as a refresh—a way to honour our roots while moving forward,” she shares.
Above A wooden tray by bitagcol featuring one of the designer's statement prints (Photo: Courtesy of Before Deadlines)
Above Coasters by bitagcol featuring the designer's statement prints (Photo: Courtesy of Before Deadlines)
A wooden tray by bitagcol featuring one of the designer's statement prints (Photo: Courtesy of Before Deadlines)
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Beyond garments, the holiday pop-up will also showcase Bitagcol’s signature home accessories. These items include wooden serving trays adorned with terno and baro prints, oversized coasters, and specially crafted placemats.
“We wanted the pop-up space to feel like home. We sought to build an ideal platform to introduce home accessories to our collection. The pop-up may be in a new location, but it will remain as homey and welcoming as the studio,” Bitagcol comments.
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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.
Work
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
