Images courtesy of Nice Print Photography
I’ve been covering fashion shows for nearly two decades, and in that time, I’ve had the privilege of watching countless designers evolve—many of whom have become close friends. Their boundless creativity continues to inspire me, a constant reminder that inspiration is all around us and that success is the result of passion and perseverance.
One designer I’ve watched from the very beginning is Jot Losa. During a recent chat, we reminisced about the early days when he was just starting to make his mark. I’ll never forget the first time I saw his works at Philippine Fashion Week—his designs immediately left a lasting impression. Losa has remained true to his design aesthetics, consistently offering a unique take on femininity that blends subtle playfulness and a quiet, yet undeniable, strength.
Treasuring the past
In celebration of his 15th anniversary, he presented a stunning 42-piece collection titled “Pangako” at the atrium of San Juan City Hall on December 6, 2024. Given that he calls San Juan his home, it was only fitting that he chose his hometown as the backdrop for his Spring/Summer 2025 collection, adding a personal touch to the presentation. “Pangako” is his promise to stay true to his roots and who he is as a designer.
“Jot grew up here in San Juan, continues to live here, and even operates his shop here,” said San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora during his opening speech. “Tonight’s fashion show is not only a celebration of Jot’s personal achievements, but also a reflection of someone’s potential.”
Having lived in San Juan his entire life, Losa holds his childhood memories, especially those spent at his grandmother’s house, close to his heart. "I still distinctly remember the fragrance of Sampaguita flowers and the sight of elegant lace curtains and the vintage heirlooms," he shares. "Each piece in this collection is an homage to that space-turned-memory—an ode to the floral patterns hand-stitched by my grandmother and to the timeless beauty that exists in the things passed down through generations."
Living in the present
And that’s what I exactly felt as soon as I watched the pre-show video and when the models sashayed out in his creations. As someone who loves flowers, and the scent of Sampaguita, I immediately fell in love with the designs..
“I wanted my collection to embody the essence of spring—its beauty, renewal, and vibrancy. Over the years, I’ve made it a point to infuse Filipino elements into my designs, giving each piece a touch of our rich culture and heritage. This time, I thought, why not draw inspiration from the Sampaguita, our National Flower? Its delicate beauty and symbolic significance perfectly align with the story I want this collection to tell.”
I was in awe at how he was able to creatively infuse the Sampaguita flower into his designs. “I incorporated intricate threadwork to create three-dimensional floral embellishments, giving the pieces depth and texture. Delicate beadwork was meticulously crafted to form the iconic Sampaguita blooms, adding a touch of elegance and sparkle,” he explains. “Additionally, I utilized digital rendering to capture the essence of the flower, which was then printed onto flowing chiffon and lustrous taffeta fabrics, creating a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.”
The collection is dominated with immaculate whites, neutral nudes, denim blues, and pops of chartreuse greens. “I incorporated traditional piña cloth, a material rich in heritage, and Mindanaoan silk sourced from the southern Philippines, as part of my commitment to supporting and promoting our talented local weavers,” he shares. “To add a contemporary edge, I used denim—a fabric that is both timeless and one of the most sustainable options available today.”
What I adore most about his current collection is how his designs effortlessly evoke both strength and femininity. His ability to blend these contrasting elements seamlessly is truly special. “I played with layering techniques, combining sheer and opaque fabrics to create a dynamic interplay of weight and transparency, adding depth and movement to the pieces while staying true to the spirit of spring.”
Part of his processing journey was revisiting his works for the past fifteen years, remembering and staying true to his vision that’s rooted in Filipino heritage. “My early collections prominently featured abaca fabric, celebrating its rustic beauty and durability. Shortly after, I introduced barong-inspired dresses for women, reimagining this traditional garment with a modern twist,” he reminisces. “Looking back, it’s evident that integrating Filipino themes into my designs has always been a fundamental part of my creative identity, shaping the core of my brand and honoring the culture that inspires me.”
Keri Zamora, president of Metro Manila Mayors’ Spouses Foundation, Inc. and the Caring Keri Foundation, is a regular client of Losa. “I love how his pieces are timeless and exude elegance. What I truly appreciate about working with Jot is how effortlessly he creates designs that perfectly match your personality. It’s always a pleasure collaborating with him."
Moving toward the future
As part of the vision for his 15th anniversary show, Losa enlisted some of his muses to walke the runway, incuding student/athlete Hugo Sotto, marketing professional Patita Tumpalan, supermodel Alayne Umali, content creator Alexis Alonte, drama prince Kyle Echarri.
“It symbolizes the idea of rebirth and the infusion of youthful energy. By highlighting emerging talents, I wanted to emphasize the spirit of renewal, vitality, and the promise of new beginnings, which perfectly align with the essence of spring and the overall theme of this showcase.”
Losa is dreaming even bigger, with plans to wave the Philippine flag proudly abroad through his works. "The goal is to bring the spirit and craftsmanship of the brand to a wider audience, while showcasing the Filipino creativity on a global stage.”