Cover Ivarluski and Bitagcol bring their distinct approaches to contemporary Filipino fashion into one thoughtful pop-up (Photo: courtesy of Before Deadlines)
Ivarluski and Bitagcol bring their distinct approaches to contemporary Filipino fashion into one thoughtful pop-up (Photo: courtesy of Before Deadlines)
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Running from December 2025 to February 2026, the Ivarluski and Bitagcol collaboration brings together two distinct design perspectives shaped by long-standing friendship and mutual regard
A new fashion dialogue unfolds as contemporary designers Ivarluski Aseron and Asia’s Most Stylish 2025 honouree Jo Ann Bitagcol open their first shared pop-up space at R2 Power Plant Mall. It is a partnership rooted in friendship and an ongoing creative exchange, one that reveals how two designers with differing aesthetics can still speak a common design language.
“We don’t necessarily have identical aesthetics, but we both lean towards contemporary design,” they say. “In fact, we often wear each other’s designs.”
The space reflects this conversation. Mannequins greet visitors at the entrance, establishing craft as the centrepiece rather than an afterthought. Beyond them is a reception area that encourages guests to linger and look closely. Ivarluski’s unisex separates occupy one side; Bitagcol’s refined reworks of her signature pieces take the other. The room feels intentional, almost museum-like, grounding their work in structure, texture and clarity.
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Bitagcol’s contribution revisits silhouettes that have become touchpoints for her clientele. “I had this idea of updating my designs, pieces that many consider classics. This season, I’m introducing new editions of my prints,” says Bitagcol.
Her boxy tops appear anew as kamisa chinos bearing her barong print, while sporty kimonos are elevated in handwoven piña with hand-beaded accents. The collection’s breadth—scarves, skirts, trousers and lace dresses featuring her Terno Terno prints—illustrates her ongoing dialogue with Filipino form and pattern. Detachable terno sleeves, first introduced at this year’s Ternocon, extend this exploration of tradition reimagined.
Read more: What it means to dress with purpose for the Philippines’ most stylish
Above A closer look at the collaboration between Ivarluski Aseron and Jo Ann Bitagcol (Photo: courtesy of Before Deadlines)
Above A closer look at the collaboration between Ivarluski Aseron and Jo Ann Bitagcol (Photo: courtesy of Before Deadlines)
A closer look at the collaboration between Ivarluski Aseron and Jo Ann Bitagcol (Photo: courtesy of Before Deadlines)
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Above A closer look at the collaboration between Ivarluski Aseron and Jo Ann Bitagcol (Photo: courtesy of Before Deadlines)
Above A closer look at the collaboration between Ivarluski Aseron and Jo Ann Bitagcol (Photo: courtesy of Before Deadlines)
A closer look at the collaboration between Ivarluski Aseron and Jo Ann Bitagcol (Photo: courtesy of Before Deadlines)
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Ivarluski, meanwhile, presents a wardrobe built from modular separates designed for all genders. His white shirts, detailed with puzzle-shaped cut-outs, anchor the collection. “I first introduced the puzzle piece detail when I presented my collection for the Red Charity Gala in 2023. Puzzles were a childhood pastime of mine,” he explains. “They also symbolise autism, which is very relevant for me since I have a nephew who is on the spectrum.” He layers checkered tulle over pleats to create gentle shifts in geometry, keeping his palette pared back to greys, whites and black trims.
What ties the space together is intention. Both designers examine how contemporary dressing can balance function and refinement, offering pieces that can be layered, combined or worn independently without losing coherence. The pop-up feels like a study in the buildable wardrobe—thoughtful, adaptable and grounded in a distinctly Filipino sensibility.
Syrah is Tatler Philippines’ Power & Purpose editor, where she spotlights extraordinary journeys shaping the Philippines and Asia. She covers business, innovation, impact, and culture—chasing the people, ideas and forces shaping how we live and think today.
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