THE 50TH EDITION OF MANILA FAME International recently showcased new trends in Christmas decor.

Organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (Citem), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry, every edition of the fair attracts some 2,000 local and foreign trade buyers.

The fair (visit www.manilafame.com) also affords Philippine exhibitors and designers to update their designs to keep up with the rest of the world.

Other than a trade platform for Philippine export products, the bi-annual fair exhibits upcoming trends in furniture and fashion.

For the 50th edition, holiday mood was shaped by the traditional colors of red and green. For this year, the funky and whimsical theme of the last season was replaced by the cool, serene and light colors of silver, blue and white.

?Because of the global recession and natural calamities, people would like to feel peaceful and happy,? said Ginger Grupe-Acevedo, marketing director of Galleria Crafts, an exhibitor of FAME?s holiday décor hall.

Galleria?s latest collection of holiday décor emphasized the usual decorations such as small Christmas trees, mesh wire silver reindeer and trimmings, but in deconstructed forms.

The pieces are sizeable enough to fit on top of tables.

?Our clients are always looking for ways to entertain their guests during Christmas dinners like the Noche Buena,? said Acevedo.

Known for using indigenous materials, Galleria maximized the use of capiz shells due to its color resembling pearl and silk. The total effect renders a visual weight that is a must-have for the holidays.

White and silver are also the color themes in Topa of Manila?s child-like versions of Santa Claus and Snowman.

?Oftentimes, buyers dictate the trends but we also do product development to keep in touch with the market,? said Susana Suzara, the export manager of Topa of Manila.

Topa presented the usual red-and-green motifs, progressing to the light colors like white and silver. Using only papier-mâché, the exporter showcased products that are whimsical, light and quirky.

While 2009 ushered in a white and silver Christmas, buyers continue to look out for decorations made of environmentally friendly materials.

Green Christmas was evident in the designs of Accent Pieces Exports, Inc., whose use of recycled paper won for it the Katha Hall of Fame award given to exhibitors who have won five Katha Awards of Design Excellence.

?It is good to be recognized for our efforts,? said Rowena Lagdameo, designer of Accent Pieces. Their line of paper-made décor used recycled paper dyed and fashioned into stylish tree ornaments, tabletops and wreaths.

?Creativity is difficult when coming up with a collection but somehow, we managed to push through,? said Lagdameo.

Another exporter, Kardelle Industries, Inc., was inspired by nature.

?We have mixed trends from colors to design,? said Paul Mendoza, designer of Kardelle. He made use of fabrics, beads and seeds to come up with stylish Christmas trees, garlands, votives and snowflakes using vibrant colors.