While designing requires a lot of discipline and skills, many may not know that it is also a playtime for designers. During the creative process, their minds go through all sorts of places as they try to turn their ideas into something wearable. For some, the way is to go forward, dreaming of unusual silhouettes and modern fabrication, while others think of the stories of the past.
The latter is true in the case of Filipino craftsman Neil Felipp and fashion designer Kelvin Morales’ latest collaboration. The two creatives produced a collection of accessories and bags inspired by the simplicity and nostalgia of childhood. To do that, they looked at the beloved game Jackstone.
“Jackstones remind me of my childhood and those carefree days when we loved to play,” Kelvin tells Style Weekend. “It's a competitive and fun game that brings back fond memories.”
“I chose Jackstones due to its design and colors,” Neil confesses. “I wasn’t really good at playing but I just loved its design for some reason as a child.”
The idea of making a collection centered on the game started with Kelvin’s 2023 “Dalaginding” collection, which featured Jackstones as one of its main elements. The collection was featured before in Neil’s boutique in Cebu. After a series of conversations, the research and sampling began.
Apart from paying homage to the jackstone, the collection also highlights Cebu’s rich culture and heritage. The pieces were handcrafted by skilled local artisans in Cebu City using materials sourced from the region. It features minaudieres made of Mother of Pearl and parchment leather, adorned with gold- and silver-plated jacks. Rounding the collection are the jewelry pieces, ranging from earrings and necklaces to cufflinks.
“We aimed to make it easy to wear and versatile in design so that it can be easily styled with any outfit,” Kelvin muses.
“We wanted to reimagine nostalgia in a way that is relevant now that we are adults,” Neil adds. “That even if we are adults, we would want our audience to still cherish their inner child.”
The "Jackstone" collection by Neil Felipp and Kelvin Morales will launch on Aug. 19 to 21, 2024, and will be available exclusively at The Peninsula Manila or online at www.neilfelipp.com.
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