PH designers, MSMEs collaborate for global trade show Manila FAME 2024

International buyers, industry insiders, and design enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting edition of Manila FAME, the Philippines’ premier home, fashion, and lifestyle trade show, as it sets to open its doors once again at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City on October 17-19, 2024.

Carrying the theme “ReimagiNATION,” Manila FAME 2024 leverages the Filipino artisans’ penchant for constant evolution—whether in terms of material, process, style, or presentation—to remain relevant, practical, and attuned to global tastes. The show will feature newly developed products, creative settings, and delightful displays.

Close to 400 original designs, a collaboration between select Manila FAME exhibitors and renowned product development specialists, will be exclusively launched across different pavilions at the three-day sourcing show.

Going beyond reality for home and lighting pieces

Design Commune, the culmination of the product development program for Manila FAME, will be presented in two pavilions for this edition. The home and lighting sector will be curated by Rita Nazareno and Gabby Lichauco. Together with 25 local companies, they will develop a total of 150 new prototypes.

Nazareno said that they are very excited to be back with CITEM and Manila FAME in the Design Commune Home section. “There will be playful, imaginative, and inventive pieces so we hope that the people can come and enjoy the craftsmanship and design of the different manufacturers from all over the Philippines.”

When asked about their collaboration, she shared that “it’s always easy to collaborate with Gabby. You can tell through the products that there is a sense of joy in what we do that we share with the communities as well.”

The duo has been working together with FAME companies for more than five years. “We already know how they work and what they’re capable of,” said Nazareno. Lichauco adds that for this edition, they are “challenging the manufacturers to use the same techniques, but take the next level aesthetic-wise.”

Their theme is Beyond Reality, where instruments, ubiquitous materials, and life forms such as extinct animals and plants will be used as references to reinterpret them as functional homeware. They will reimagine these everyday concepts and apply these as inspirations for lighting fixtures, tables, wall decors, 3D sculptures, and novelty pieces.

Also taking inspiration from different countries and their design principles, the tandem will feature Shibari rope tying and Ikebana flower arrangement from Japan, Art Deco architectural style from Paris, and fan designs from Japan and Korea. They will also make use of clay pots, barrels, buoys, and UFOs in creating their designs.

Delving into natural imagery for fashion

A seasoned designer and no stranger to Manila FAME, Custodio will work with 15 local enterprises in another setting of Design Commune focused on fashion. Situated in the fashion hall, the pavilion will explore Parametricism or creating design based on existing organic structures.

He will take inspiration from topography, plants and their patterns, and biomimicry or strategies of designs from nature.

“I want to challenge the exhibitors to be curious and conscious,” said Custodio. He will work hand in hand with local fashion brands by learning their design processes and crafting a story with their pieces. “Narratives give products a different dimension—it creates value.”

Custodio said that he is “selling not just the pieces, but the talents and the entire Manila FAME as world class.” He will create 90 prototypes with the homegrown brands.

Capturing the soul of the regions

The Artisans Village, a setting that highlights regional MSMEs, will be curated by PJ Arañador. It will follow the theme Uri, which translates to type or category. The setting will highlight the rich culture from the provinces and their distinct raw materials, traditional patterns, and skillful manipulation.

Arañador shared that “it is important to promote our crafts, our stories, and our imaginations. This collection is a way of translating traditional concepts for the modern audience.”

The products will take inspiration from the indigenous script baybayin, local weaves, and prominent materials. These include wearables, accessories, furniture and furnishings, lighting, and gifts.

“Our culture is unique, our heritage from our grassroots villages. And Filipino artisans proudly sustain this through their appreciation and promotion to the world,” he shared. Arañador will curate four pavilions in the Artisans Village, including assistance in product development, capacity building, and visual merchandising.

Manila FAME is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Register now at fameplus.com.