Filipino pride in all things fine and joyful is back in the radar of fine homeware buffs as the season of major artisan and handmade-themed fairs have already been launched in the metro this season.
The trinity of these much-awaited bazaars kicked off with Katutubo Pop-up Market, followed by MaArte at The Pen, and now, the ongoing five-week Arte Fino Festival at Power Plant Mall. Also upcoming are the familiar top-tier fairs offering the best in local finds by groups such as the Zonta Club and various holiday markets organized in villages like Makati and Alabang, for instance.
Constantly upgrading its native offers and elevating the public’s appreciation for great Filipino design is at the heart of retail chain Kultura’s newly launched Filipino Design Studio. The first-ever show will run for the entire month of September at Kultura Store, Level 3 of The Podium at the Ortigas central business district.
Consider it as a space for inspiration and celebrating the creative spirit inherent in Filipinos as 50 premium guest brands and designers alongside the store’s homegrown brands are being showcased during the month-long affair.
Practically a sensorial feast, featured are curated handicrafts from various regions, modern Filipiniana, statement jewelry, and designer-driven furniture and other home accessories.
Filipinos are known for their hospitality. And nothing could spell graciousness better than entertaining at home with beautiful and thoughtful homeware and accessories to adore such as Haspe’s handcrafted furniture innovative design using wood and solihiya; Art of Gold’s hand-painted home accessories; Millie Monday’s home décor inspired by nature in the tropics; Atin’s decorative plates and diffusers inspired by Filipino culture; Maison Grid Plus’s rattan and bamboo dinnerware and décor; and The Fine Life Market’s linens, kitchenware, and other home products.
The artisan’s community is given the spotlight as well. Part of Kultura’s long-time advocacy is sustainability, which is palpable in offers like hand-loomed embroidered fabrics crafted by communities in Abra for Strong Mina; exquisite bags and accessories made from colorful upcycled single use plastic grocery bags and other disposed plastics by Virtucio; eco-fashion statement bags made from ethically-sourced carabao horns by Kara de Juan; and natural personal care products by Shepard.
Visitors of the design studio are encouraged to take their time exploring the details of modern Filipiniana creations by Rhett Eala, Ilaya Couture, Nuevo Ystilo, Raffaella, and En Barong Filipino. Look into Jim Weaver’s stylish silk scarves inspired by local culture and heritage and which includes the Jim Weaver x Francis Libiran Collection.
Other finds to check out are Flutter Jewelry’s pineapple and crab earrings using traditional beadwork techniques; Matthew and Melka accessories inspired by local flora and fauna; chic copper wire jewelry with precious stones by Mjoiran, beautiful hand fans from the oldest fan maker in the Philippines Casa Mercedes, and contemporary knitwear from Chill by Nooks.
• Kultura’s Filipino Design Studio runs from 1 to 30 September at Kultura, 3rd Level of The Podium, Ortigas.