Jor-el Espina’s “20 Design Anthologies” Collection Is the Picture of Maximalist Dreams

From the first look alone, it was clear that 20 Design Anthologies was Jor-el in full creative bloom.

The collection, which he calls his “playground,” pushed beyond the soft, diaphanous Filipiniana pieces he’s known for. Instead, it embraced jewel tones, metallics, and intricate surface treatments—an unapologetically maximalist approach that redefined and strengthened his storied design language.

The runway shimmered with richness: fringe swayed with every turn, beadwork caught the light from all angles, and paillettes glimmered alongside colored shell embellishments. Jor-el also ventured into new terrain, experimenting with pleating, ruching, and corsetry.

The craftsmanship was seen in each piece as a testament to two decades of technical precision and evolving artistry.

In many ways, the silhouettes reflected Jor-el’s confidence as a designer who knows his voice. Barrel pants paired with sheer tunics offered balance between structure and fluidity. Embroidered serpentine skirts hugged the body before blooming into exaggerated hips, while tulip skirts anchored paillette blouses that felt both playful and poised.

Jor-el shared through a press release before the show and on the runway that promise was fully realized. His mastery lay not just in creating visual abundance but in maintaining harmony amid the influx of details.

Beyond the glamour, the evening also stood for something greater. By collaborating with the Philippine Financial and Inter-industry Pride (PFIP), he aligned his milestone celebration with a cause close to his heart—the empowerment of LGBTQ youth through education.

PFIP, a leading advocate for workplace inclusion, supports underrepresented members of the LGBTQ community through its Rainbow Youth Academy Scholarship Program. The Bahaghari Fundraiser Gala, where Jor-el’s collection debuted, raised funds for this initiative.

“Education is very important, especially for members of the LGBTQ community,” he says. “Being part of this community, I believe that we each have a role to play in shaping its culture. For me, it’s partnering with PFIP’s Bahaghari Charity Gala to help raise funds for the Rainbow Youth Academy.”