Cover Jor-El Espina and Ballet Philippines join hands for ‘Ang Panaginip’
Jor-El Espina and Ballet Philippines join hands for ‘Ang Panaginip’
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As he marks a milestone in his career, Filipino designer Jor-El Espina unveils a captivating collection of costumes for Ballet Philippines’ ‘Ang Panaginip’
For Jor-El Espina, design has always been about more than aesthetics—it’s about storytelling. As he celebrates 20 years in the fashion industry, the renowned Filipino designer has teamed up with Ballet Philippines to bring a stunning new dimension to the world of dance through a collection of costumes for the full-length Filipiniana ballet Ang Panaginip.
Espina is no stranger to finding harmony between creativity and technique. His approach, always meticulous and visionary, has now found expression in the fluidity of ballet, a form of movement he describes as “storytelling through motion, emotion, and music.”
“This collaboration allows me to marry my love for design with my admiration for the discipline of ballet,” Espina says. “In ballet, the focus is on grace and precision—qualities that I’ve always sought to embody in my work.”
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Above Here, ‘Matalino’ is in a modern Maria Clara made of tulle and viole fabric
Above ‘Masining’ in a Maranao-inspired top and an Okir-patterned malong
Here, ‘Matalino’ is in a modern Maria Clara made of tulle and viole fabric
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Designing for Motion
While his work has always been a celebration of texture, colour, and craftsmanship, designing for ballet presented Espina with a unique challenge: creating costumes that conveyed beauty and supported the dancers’ demanding performances. “In creating costumes for the show, I thought about how the garments would move and transform when in motion,” he explains.
For Ang Panaginip, Espina focused on materials that would flow effortlessly with the dancers’ every move, selecting handwoven Philippine fabrics that lend the costumes a lightness and durability. The result is a collection that enhances the performance with textures and colours that shift and transform, much like the dancers themselves.
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Above Meet the character ‘Reyna’ in an ensemble inspired by the Dugso Dance of Bukidnon
Meet the character ‘Reyna’ in an ensemble inspired by the Dugso Dance of Bukidnon
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The Dream of a Designer
The title Ang Panaginip, meaning “The Dream,” was no accident. Espina sees it as a reflection of the possibilities that lie within the realm of creative collaboration. “Ballet Philippines’ legacy and dedication to excellence has elevated this partnership into something truly special,” he says. “As a designer, creating for such a prestigious dance company feels like a milestone that marries my love for design and culture in a way I’ve always envisioned.”
Espina’s designs include costumes for every character in the ballet, but he cites the princesses as a personal highlight. Their costumes are a blend of Filipino traditions and theatrical elegance, offering a rich canvas for Espina to experiment with colour, texture, and movement. “The interplay of these elements made the princesses’ costumes a true design challenge and, ultimately, a favourite,” he confides.
Honouring Tradition with a Modern Twist
Espina’s commitment to preserving Philippine heritage is evident in every stitch. Rather than relying on conventional Filipino patterns, he created a fusion of textures and fabrics, incorporating beadwork and local patterns, while remaining mindful of sacred weaves used by indigenous communities. “Many of the fabrics used are ones I’ve collected over my 20 years as a designer,” he says.
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Creating with Purpose
For Espina, the Ang Panaginip costumes are not merely beautiful pieces of clothing—they’re an extension of the narrative unfolding on stage. “Each piece has a purpose beyond its visual appeal,” he says. “They need to empower the wearer through both functionality and beauty."
As Ang Panaginip takes its place on the stage this February, Espina is already looking ahead. “There’s a possibility that elements from this collection will make their way into my ready-to-wear lines,” he reveals. “The textures, drapery, and Filipino-inspired details are timeless, and I envision creating pieces that are both theatrical and wearable—offering a bridge between the stage and everyday life.”
Ballet Philippines’ Ang Panaginip runs February 28, March 1, and March 2 at The Theatre at Solaire. For tickets, visit ballet.ph.
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
