The Art of the Craftsman at Manila FAME

The 58^th edition of Manila FAME, The Design and Lifestyle Event, puts the spotlight on Filipino artisans and their top-notch artistry and craftsmanship in its showcase of “The Art of the Craftsman” on 17-20 October, 2013 at the SMX Convention Center, Metro Manila, Philippines.

The Millennial Home living room as displayed during the March 2013       Manila FAME. Bamboo half-moon sofa by Budji Layug, pillows by Vito     Selma and Iñigo Elizalde for Catalina Embroideries, chair by Budji Layug for Pacific Traders, and tabletop accessory made from abaca   and copper wire by TADECO.

“Philippine craftsmanship has always sparked global interest because of the innate talents and ingenuity of our Filipino craftsmen. We intend to sustain this fascination for unparalleled design style made by Filipino hands through Manila FAME,” said Executive Director Rosvi C. Gaetos of the Center for International Trade Exhibitions and Missions (CITEM).

Bed and chandelier from Betis Crafts, ottoman stool
and pillows from TADECO, and chair by Pacific Traders.

Executive Director Gaetos added that buyers and guests can expect more extraordinary and unique product offerings and exciting show features in the October. One of the show’s crowd favorites is the Craft Spots, where visitors can see local artisans at work, doing live demonstrations of age-old traditions and disciplines of craftsmanship, and have the opportunity try it out. In The Marketplace, distinct products and crafts made from various indigenous materials by the country’s craftsmen will be showcased. Presented in cooperation with Philippine local communities and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), The Marketplace emphasizes sustainability and through its Green Crafts, highlights local communities’ initiatives that transform urban ecologies into self-sustaining and pro-environment society.  Manila FAME, the country’s premier trade show is now on its third decade of offering high-quality export products in furniture and furnishings, holiday gifts and décor, and fashion, all designed, developed and manufactured in the Philippines.

  

As a special setting, Manila FAME will present Design PH, an installation that transcends the boundaries of product innovation, Philippine style. Here, established manufacturers collaborate with seasoned and young designers to produce works of exceptional quality and craftsmanship. This is along another edition of Manila Wear, a branding initiative for apparel and fashion accessories that aims to create a design sensibility that is purely Filipino and synonymous with tropical/resort wear and headlined by a select group of Filipino fashion designers creating extraordinary pieces for the global market. Within Manila Wear is a vibrant display of modern Philippine textiles, crafted from sustainable indigenous fibers – DESIGN TXTILE. Targeted to be the “Contemporary Philippine Textiles,” it is ethnic-inspired yet versatile, artisanal yet progressive and most importantly, distinctly Filipino.

             White hanging lamps made of coco shells by Marjol Manato
                  for Catalina Embroideries, chairs by Budji Layug for Pacific
            Traders, tabletop accessory made from abaca and copper
                 wire by TADECO, nesting table by Luisa Robinson, and floor
 accessories by Vito Selma.Add caption

Aside from these show-stoppers, Manila FAME will mount the Christmas Village, a holiday-themed setting of vibrant creations that showcase the latest products and freshest ideas in gifts and holiday decor.

Over the years, Manila FAME has become a reputed and established international sourcing hub for outstanding craftsmanship and unique designs and products patronized by leading lifestyle stores and retailers such as Bloomingdale’s, Armani Casa, Harrods, El Corte Ingles, Neiman Marcus, Pottery Barn, Tangs, and Etoile Design, as well as notable personalities like Queen Rania of Jordan and Hollywood power couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

Organized by the CITEM, Manila FAME is the only trade show in the Philippines recognized by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. For more information about Manila FAME, visit www.manilafame.com or e-mail manilafame@citem.com.ph.

Words: MarCom, CITEM

Luisa Robinson’s Arum and Calla Hanging Lamps Inspired by Lilies for Bon-Ace

Hanging lamp made from raffia by Ito Kish

Hanging lamps by Kenneth Cobonpue

Manila FAME features the MILLENIALS / Gen Y

Manila FAME showcases the Millennial Home

For its 57th edition, Manila FAME explores what tomorrow’s home will be like through its special showcase of the Millennial Home from March 14 to 17, 2013 at the SMX Convention Center, Metro Manila, Philippines.

The Millennial Home is a representation of today’s market demographic crossroads which is a crossover of the Baby Boomers and the Millennials. It explores how this transition of influence affects the design industry in terms of living and space through design, form and function.

Design icons Budji Layug and Kenneth Cobonpue lead the group of talented designers for Manila FAME’s special setting of the Millennial Home.

Budji Layug is an acclaimed furniture and interior designer who has built his reputation on his holistic approach to design. His designs are largely organic in form and material, using natural materials from the Philippines.

Kenneth Cobonpue is a multi-awarded furniture designer who has been dubbed “rattan’s first virtuoso.” He and his work have appeared in countless international periodicals and many of his designs have been featured in both film and television.

The Millennial Home is a collaboration of Layug and Cobonpue with renowned designers Jinggoy Buensuceso, Wataru Sakuma, Olivia D’Aboville, Leeroy New, Iñigo Elizalde, Eric Paras, and Ito Kish.

“I think this is very good for young designers and seasoned designers to come together and to come up with new products that would be more global, more vibrant, and more youthful,” Layug said.

Manila FAME, The Design and Lifestyle Event, is the country’s premier trade platform for exports and design and is one of the flagship events of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export marketing arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). It is one of the longest running trade shows in the Asia-Pacific, featuring the latest Philippine-made creations from artisans and manufacturers and is the only trade event in the country approved by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.

For more information about the show, visit www.manilafame.com.

by:  MarCom, CITEM