Alfred Jor-el and his multi-fashion sense
Alfred Jor-el Espina.jpg
Jor-el designed this fantasy
bridal gown made of canvas
and organza while fellow
jewelry designer Eric Sua-an
created the pearl and crystal
accessories
Jor-el Espina and his
Barbarella-inspired collection
When Kathy M. Villalon saw Jor-el Espina for the first time, the impression was, "This person knows how to dress fashionably." He was wearing black long sleeves polo with white accents on it, coupled with jeans and tall boots. He carried a big bag. Seldom can you find someone who can carry an avant garde look that way and still turn out really classy.
The second time the writer saw him was during Robinsons Place Iloilo's Design Lab. That was when she knew his name and confirmed that his designs leaned on the avant garde. He was among the top three winners in the said competition.
Thus, the interview was set. Find out more about Jor-el in this piece.
Kathy M. Villalon (KMV): Have you always wanted to be a designer?
Alfred Jor-el Espina (AJE): Yes. Since high school, I always wanted to be a fashion designer. In fact, two years before the Design Lab, I already had clients. I design for mommies who attend weddings and to teenagers like my friends who wanted prom gowns. I also make men's wear for my friends. Also, I'm a jewelry designer at Ichi Pichi.
KMV: Who are your influences?
AJE: Don Protasio, Bo Parcon, Ivarluski Aseron, John Herrera and John Guiliano
KMV: Have you evolved since the Design Lab?
AJE: Well, yes. My personality is not just bent on making gowns, but I could be an avant garde designer as well. I could be a classicist, too. I see myself as versatile. You can make me design 'binuang' (crazy stuff) or formal wear. Also, since that competition, many schools wanted me to create costumes for their plays and dances.
KMV: But if you have your way, what is it going to be?
AJE: When you say Jor-El, it means 'sabog.' You know ... that Tessa Prieto and John Guiliano drama. I want maximum. Volume. Couture. Skirts that are as big as your house (laughs).
KMV: And have you made some for clients already?
AJE: So far, no. I have to be considerate with the people who will wear it because they won't be joining a fashion show anyway. It can be minimal, yet something that I want.
KMV: And how about the way you dress?
AJE: I want to dress intelligently. Sometimes, I have clothes that are torn. Sometimes, formal. Or T-shirt. There's evolution in the way I dress because it depends on my mood. But the whole thing that I want to project is intelligent dressing. I know what I am wearing. You don't need to criticize me because I have my own vision on how my fashion sense evolves on myself.
KMV: What about accessories?
AJE: Metal and wood. I don't wear accessories all the time. It depends on my get-up. As long as the dress and the accessories are harmonious.
KMV: Tell us more about accessory designing.
AJE: I work as jewelry designer for Ichi Pichi. It also has another line called Arte, which we supply in all SM Department stores. I also have my own jewelry designs.
KMV: What "look" do you hate?
AJE: Actually, I respect that a person has an individual style. Just make sure that you look neat. Make sure that you are not overloaded with too many colors and accessories to the point that you no longer look harmonious. It's like wearing heavy makeup on a very sunny day.
KMV: How many colors should one wear at one time?
AJE: Two to three will do.
KMV: Is dressing good that important?
AJE: Yes. Sometimes, we see people who don't dress well and we think low of them. It's just that, they were not educated on fashion. I think wherever we go, we have to dress appropriately. Gays should dress smartly too so that people will respect them.
KMV: What dreams do you have for Ilonggo fashion?
AJE: For everybody to dress well. One should have good taste all the time.