Rhett Eala curates a selection of designs from his namesake brand, BITAGCOL, TdLG, and Ivarluski Aseron.
Following the success of his stores at the Powerplant Mall and SM Aura, Rhett Eala launches a new design platform that showcases a fresh and distinct take on everyday dressing for the contemporary Filipino.
The 150-square meter space, located on the 2nd floor of Greenbelt 5, will carry curated pieces from BITAGCOL by Jo Ann Bitagcol, TdLG by Tweetie de Leon Gonzales, and Ivarluski Aseron.
There is a common thread that binds everyone in the platform. Eala expounds: “Through our shared point of view, we realized that there is more to dressing local than tribal or craft details. Wearing local clothes is also not just limited to formal gowns. It can be much more sophisticated yet wearable and accessible.”
The designer’s own collection for the space will feature everyday pieces that transition from day to night. Easy silhouettes are paired with new patterns, prints, and colorways, which continue the designer’s distinct style narrative. Retail collections will be on display alongside one-of-a-kind-pieces in the store. “We also wanted to create a full experience of the brands by including showcase pieces,” he explains.
With the new store, Eala wanted to create a space that would elevate and support the design community. In the coming months, guest designers will be invited to showcase their pieces at the shop.
The designer confesses that this collective is his first time curating a retail experience where pieces are not solely designed by him. “It was important that the designers showcased in the space share the same brand values and standards in quality,” he adds.
BITAGCOL’s vision
Bitagcol is the culmination of multi-hyphenate Jo Ann Bitagcol’s creative journey. As a model, photographer, and visual artist, Bitagcol captures moments, memories, and musings through imagery digitally transferred onto garments. Silk scarves, tops, aprons, and wrap skirts are infused with Bitagcol’s distinct take on nostalgia to create wearable pieces of fashion.
“Tito Rhett is a retail visionary. When I was invited to join, I knew right away that it would be a privilege to learn from him through this space. It was an immediate ‘yes!’,” she shares.
Pieces from the collection will feature her signature prints applied on contemporary, reimagined everyday garments–a bomber jacket turned skirt, sheer lace overcoats, and apron dresses. “The idea is to convey the rich story of Philippine culture through fashion that speaks to all ages, genders, and body types,” Bitagcol adds.
TdLG’s curated selections
Founded by supermodel, actress, and TV personality Tweetie de Leon Gonzalez, TdLG is an accessories label that fuses craft, creativity, and the Filipino spirit for wanderlust. The unique, handmade pieces reflect the founder’s pursuit of novel style expressions. Conceived as personal fashion amulets, every piece from TdLG tells the story of adventure and discovery.
“Rhett remains a retail specialist. He possesses a unique intuition for what will work and what will not. I’ve had some presence in Rhett’s other retail spaces and it has worked well for both of us. He and I share a deep respect for each other’s craft and business ethics,” notes Gonzalez.
Although returning to the retail space was not in the agenda for her, she couldn’t resist becoming part of the concept store.
“[My pieces for the store] are a continuation of what I have started—pieces that grace instead of overwhelm. I’ve been having this extended love affair with earrings, so there will be quite a few of those,” she shares. TdLG’s selections for the Rhett Eala store will also showcase handpicked home items like tassels and art trays.
Ivarluski Aseron’s reimaginings
Ivarluski Aseron has a penchant for reimagining Filipino design elements into contemporary sculptural masterpieces. The designer has been celebrated for his mastery in both tailoring and complex detailing. Mostly known for his bespoke pieces, Ivar returns to RTW as he joins the Rhett Eala concept space.
“My collection is very casual, but there are details that are aligned with my aesthetic. Most [of the] pieces are gender-neutral. I came up with the collection thinking of pieces that I can wear myself. [I also wanted to] give consumers options that are unique,” he adds.
Rhett Eala’s collective concept is located on the 2nd floor of Greenbelt 5, near the entrance from the elevated walkway connecting the mall to Ayala Museum.
