Neil Felipp and Jewelle Yeung's collaboration retells the myths of Suzy Wong and the Phoenix through a majestic minaudière collection

Neil Felipp San Pedro is no stranger to local fashion’s limelight. With a degree in Industrial Design from the University of the Philippines and a sought-after internship under the wing of Kenneth Cobonque, the world of home design seemed set for him. Yet, it was through his family business of manufacturing and exporting metal components and accessories that he found his passion for using brass work, which would later be his signature style. Since the founding of his eponymous label in 2010, Neil Felipp has only continued to grow his brand.

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A single minaudière of Neil Felipp’s creation contains multitudes of stories—riddles, poems, and novels told through thoughtful craftsmanship. For this year, Neil Felipp partnered with renowned painter Jewelle Yeung in a retelling of myths and legends.

Tatler Asia
Above Neil Felipp San Pedro
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Above Jewelle Yeung

Jewelle Yeung is a graduate of the University of the Arts for Fashion and received a master's degree from The City and Guilds of London Art School for Fine Art. A born artist, it was a matter of time for Jewelle to find her way back to her true devotion—the arts. This same devotion to the arts would then swerve her away from the fashion track and slung her back to Asia. As it turned out, Jewelle’s art pieces would find themselves home to some of Asia’s most fascinating exhibits, mostly in Hong Kong and the Philippines.

The collaborative work of the two artists is a reimagination of Suzy Wong and Phoenix Minaudières. The brass hardware is plated in 24k gold while the body of each minaudière is hand painted in oil and then sealed with a topcoat.

The Suzy Wong Minaudière

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Photo 1 of 4 Suzy Wong Trio
Photo 2 of 4 Suzy Wong - Explorer
Photo 3 of 4 Suzy Wong - Empress
Photo 4 of 4 Suzy Wong - Creator

The Suzy Wong collection consists of three minaudières: the explorer, the creator, and the empress. Jewelle described the explorer as having a "fluid-like movement [that] ripples on water but always harnessing power, independence, and adventure." The creator showcases beauty with a youthful and playful energy that is "at times mischievous but always optimistic." And for the empress, she wants to present an elegant yet authoritative figure."Representing an entity that is well-respected yet feared when once provoked."

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The Phoenix Minaudière

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Photo 1 of 4 The Phoenix Trio
Photo 2 of 4 The Phoenix - Dreamer
Photo 3 of 4 The Phoenix - Mother
Photo 4 of 4 The Phoenix - Warrior

In the Phoenix collection, Jewelle designed minaudières named dreamer, warrior, and mother. The Dreamer signifies the endless world of dreams where "anything is possible." Describing the warrior, she said, "Encompassing ideals of loyalty, protection and strength. The warrior is the epitome of persistence and dedication." The mother is "the strongest of them all," Yeung noted. "Through the trials and tribulations that come from motherhood, her strength comes from within."


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Jio Baldesimo
Social Media Editor & Style Lead, Tatler Philippines
Tatler Asia
Jio Baldesimo

When Jio is not creating content for Tatler Philippines' social media channels or covering style-related stories, he's probably binge-watching David Attenborough-narrated documentaries or nursing his vintage shopping fixation. He plans on using fashion criticism as a force for good. Follow him @hijowho or send him an email at jio@tatlerphilippines.com.