Stepping into Neil Felipp’s boutique at the Peninsula Hotel in Manila feels like entering a fairytale. A golden siren tail adorns the door, a nod to Felipp’s very first minaudière, designed for his mother, Luz San Pedro, whom he calls his eternal muse. The design, he recalls, was a labor of love and a challenge, as his mother was also his harshest critic. “She was going to an event wearing a beautiful blue gown, shoes, and earrings, but she didn’t have a bag,” he reminisces. “So she asked me, ‘Neil, can you design one for me?'” The siren minaudière, inspired by both his mother’s love for the beach and Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid,” embodies Felipp’s unique approach to design.
Every piece he creates is layered with meaning. Folktales intertwine with personal stories and perspectives, forming a tapestry of imagination and emotion. The “Kiss of Midas and Medusa” minaudière, a rectangular clutch adorned with golden serpents, is another testament to his imaginative storytelling. “As Medusa becomes gold and Midas turns into stone, their lips are forever sealed in a kiss,” he explains, transforming tragedy into a surreal and captivating design.
Felipp finds true fulfillment when his clients connect with his designs on a personal level. The Suzy Wong minaudière, inspired by the Chinese legend of a woman with a golden heart, holds a special place in one client’s story. The woman shared that her late father was born in the year of the dragon, and she uses the bag as a tribute to him, feeling his presence at every event she attends.
Felipp’s narratives are woven with warmth and charm, reminiscent of a storyteller captivating an audience. He avoids putting himself at the forefront, instead focusing on the power of his creations to speak for themselves. He champions the importance of fun in design, emphasizing playfulness amidst sophistication. “We want to prove that the Philippines is also a hub for luxury craftsmanship,” he asserts.
His dedication to craftsmanship is evident in every detail of his boutique, meticulously designed to mirror his Cebu home boutique, transporting visitors to a slice of the island paradise. He emphasizes the importance of local artisans, who have witnessed his journey and contributed to his brand’s success. “My victory is theirs too. My grandfather always taught me that the employees are not just employees. They’re the ones that give us the privilege that we have,” he shares. “I think if you can share the dream and share the achievements, it makes the community even better.”
Felipp celebrates 15 years of his brand, embarking on new collaborations and pushing the boundaries of Philippine design. He has collaborated with Jefferson Si on a line of shoes and with Kelvin Morales on a limited-edition “Jackstone” collection, seeking to elevate the perception of Philippine brands beyond accessories, encompassing furniture and footwear.
The opening of his Manila boutique was bittersweet, filled with memories of his late mother, Luz San Pedro. The boutique’s grand opening on August 22nd, his mother’s birthday, was a testament to her enduring influence. A towering tree adorned with yellow flowers, her favorite blooms, stood at the heart of the celebrations, a poignant reminder of her presence. Felipp finds solace in the bittersweet memories, reflecting on a line from a TV show: “What is grief if not love persevering?”
Neil Felipp’s journey is a testament to his ability to transform tragedy into beauty, His creations are not merely accessories but intricate stories waiting to be discovered, reflecting the designer’s passion for his heritage, his craft, and the love he carries for his mother. He is a storyteller, a designer, a mentor, and a son—a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and the power of love to endure.
