Cover Situated on the seventh floor of One Corporate Center along Arnaiz Avenue, Jor El-Espina's BRGY is here to prove a point: that it is more than just a retail destination (Photo: Before Deadlines)
Situated on the seventh floor of One Corporate Center along Arnaiz Avenue, Jor El-Espina's BRGY is here to prove a point: that it is more than just a retail destination (Photo: Before Deadlines)
1 / 1
A vibrant community of designers is emerging in Makati, and at its heart is Jor-El Espina’s ‘BRGY’ concept store
The very essence of BRGY, an abbreviation of barangay, lies in its celebration of Filipino identity and the communities that give it life. This is what designer Jor-El Espina’s new concept store seeks to embody as it opens its doors in Makati this August.
This brand new space serves as a gathering area for creatives to express themselves through pieces that reflect their individuality. Situated on the seventh floor of One Corporate Center along Arnaiz Avenue, BRGY is here to prove a point: that it is more than just a retail destination.
In case you missed it: When fashion meets ballet: Jor-El Espina collaborates with Ballet Philippines for ‘Ang Panaginip’
Above Jor El-Espina for ‘BRGY’ (Photo: Jor El-Espina)
Above Lorico for ‘BRGY’ (Photo: LORICO)
Jor El-Espina for ‘BRGY’ (Photo: Jor El-Espina)
1 / 2
Above Viktor for ‘BRGY’ (Photo: Viktor)
Above Jun Escario for ‘BRGY’ (Photo: Jun Escario)
Viktor for ‘BRGY’ (Photo: Viktor)
1 / 2
Contemporary Filipino designer Jor-El Espina brings his vision and flair for curating objets d’art to the space. “After opening my atelier on the same floor, I decided to take this space with the intention of doing something creative. It was actually the idea of (fashion director) JR Arce to invite my designer friends and collaborators to be a part of this evolving project,” he recalls.
“The concept of a barangay is unique to our country,” Jor-El adds. “For BRGY, we wanted to highlight a small community of creatives and diverse brands.”
Every three to six months, BRGY will introduce fresh brands and collections, unveiled alongside a curated mix of lifestyle gems including furniture by Jed Yabut, photographs by Doc Marlon Pecjo, home décor from Paperbound and handcrafted yarnwork by Reverie of Ria Bolivar.
More from Tatler: Inside the making of ‘Heirloom’, a collection by Jor-El Espina in tribute to Patis Tesoro
Above Jun Escario, Jor El-Espina, Ino Caluza Jr and Jerome Lorico for ‘BRGY’ (Photo: Before Deadlines)
Jun Escario, Jor El-Espina, Ino Caluza Jr and Jerome Lorico for ‘BRGY’ (Photo: Before Deadlines)
1 / 1
“The collections we featured in BRGY are exclusive to the concept store and are done in small batches. The pieces I have here, for example, are totally different from the ones you will see at the atelier or pop ups,” says Jor-El.
The same applies to the featured designers of the space, namely Jun Escario, Lorico and Viktor. Their capsule collections, each reflecting a distinct range and interpretation of contemporary design, will be presented in rotation.
“We endeavor to continuously showcase new creative discoveries and ideas…mostly fashion, but we are always open to anything design-centric,” the designer concludes.
NOW READ
All Eyes On: Tropa opens in Rockwell, Renz Reyes’s ‘Codex of Design’, and more style happenings
A Pitoy Moreno exhibition is set to open at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila
Credits
Interview: Before Deadlines
Images: Before Deadlines, Jor El-Espina, Jun Escario, Lorico, Viktor
Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
