Jo Ann Bitagcol’s evolution within the creative space is an ongoing journey of exploration and expansion. Over the years, the muse, icon, designer, and visual artist has seamlessly brought her work behind the lens into the realms of art and fashion. Her eponymous brand, bitagcol, was launched in 2020 with the introduction of satin silk scarves that featured digital photo prints. Compelling images that captured elements of Philippine life, heritage, and culture immediately drew distinction for the brand. From the first collection of scarves, bitagcol’s product range later grew to include signature t-shirt barongs, robes, dresses, aprons, and skirts.
As her choice of canvas diversified bitagcol also began to explore new avenues for showcasing her wares. At the start of the brand’s journey, it connected with audiences most through participation in trade fairs. Earlier this year, however, the designer announced the opening of her first studio in Poblacion. The showroom has since become a go-to for fashion cognoscenti and loyal patrons of the brand.
To close out a banner year, bitagcol will set up a pop up space at the Powerplant Mall from November 2024 to January 2025. “The work I do with bitagcol is rooted in the desire to celebrate and honor our culture.” Jo Ann begins. “I wanted to bring this vision to a wider market by holding a pop up this holiday season. The space is for those who have not yet been to the showroom or individuals who have not yet experienced the brand”
restart: looking back and moving forward
In preparation for the pop up space, Jo Ann revisited well-loved prints from past collections. “Since this would be the first pop up, I wanted to share with our new audience the prints and bestsellers that put our brand on the map,” she intimates. Instead of simply reproducing these well-loved pieces, the visual artist explored new shapes, silhouettes, fabrication, and details. “We will still carry the signature shirts, of course,” she emphasizes, “But we are adding long dresses into the mix along other pieces that utilize lace.” Three new baro prints will also be introduced via oversized scarves that can either be worn or framed as works of art.
home for the holidays
Like her showroom in Poblacion, the open space on the second floor of the Powerplant Mall reflects Jo Ann’s minimalist yet relaxed design inclinations. The visual artist shares that apart from garments, the pop up will carry home accessories that feature bitagcol’s iconic prints. The home collection by bitagcol will be available at the pop up space, just in time for the holidays. These include wooden serving trays featuring terno and baro prints. There will also be Pastillas prints that add a pop of color and vibrance to oversized coasters. bitagcol’s collaboration with S.C Vizcarra are also reimagined this season as placemats.
Jo Ann explains, “We wanted the pop up space to feel like home. We sought to build an ideal platform to introduce home accessories to our collection. The pop up may be a new location, but it will remain homey and welcoming as the studio.” The decision to venture into the home category was informed by feedback and requests from clients. “It was very inspiring to hear that patrons of the brand want our heritage to be present everywhere. A part of an entire lifestyle.” The expansion into new categories also speaks to the brand’s ethos for finding new applications, mediums, and canvases that birth limitless, boundless ideas.
The concept of a re-start has accompanied Jo Ann from the time the pop up idea was first hatched up to when new garments and the home collection for the space was put together. Jo Ann ponders, “This is a new venture for the brand that inspired me to think of a refresh. To look back, but move forward.”
The bitagcol pop store is located on the 2nd floor of the Powerplant Mall. For updates, follow @joannbitagcol on Instagram.
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