I have always been fascinated by Dedon, a German-owned furniture company that manufactures its products in Cebu; it has made outdoor furniture ultra chic.
I met the company’s CEO, Hervé Lampert, and his lovely wife Tess close to two years ago, which was when I had a closer look at the company and got to know its story.
Last year I was fortunate to meet its founder, Bobby Dekeyser, and interviewed him for the Philippine Tatler’s February 2014 issue. I learned about his interesting life story—how this former star football player in Europe became a top entrepreneur of a global brand and found his tropical home on an island in the Philippines.
If I were to describe Dekeyser, it would be part Richard Branson (but much better looking), part Indiana Jones (for his love of adventure), and part Richard Gere (for the white hair and spirituality).
His story is truly inspiring: how he rose again after he was forced to retire after a football injury, bankruptcy and losing his wife, and how he has a special love affair with the Philippines—“I think I’m part Filipino,” he told me in the interview.
There was much more to discover and be astounded by. For one, he formed a foundation, Dekeyser&Friends, to provide an avenue for world-class personalities to mentor young people. There is Compostela in Cebu, an initiative that rehabilitates families from the slum areas, providing them with sustainable livelihoods. And of course, there is his breathtaking island resort in Siargao, which I had the privilege of visiting twice.
Dekeyser’s life is definitely one of triumph and success amid challenges and adversity, and now everyone gets to be inspired with the launch of his book, which happened on March 13, Thursday, at the Living Innovations showroom on McKinley Road.
The British are coming
The girls of Feu de Beaumont—Jordanna Marshall and Alice Beaumont—were in town for a few days to launch their brand that offers luxury items for the home, particularly scented candles in elegant vessels.
The candles (with wonderful scents like jasmine, patchouli, verbena and wild fig) are encased in 22-carat yellow-gold canisters that can be refilled and kept in the home forever. Feu de Beaumont also offers special engraving and embellishment services that allow customers to personalize their purchases, which can be for personal use, gifts or giveaways for special occasions.
The girls, who got their inspiration for their products from the beautiful English castles, are here upon the invitation of UK-based Filipinos Carla Sibal and Marc Macaraeg. They are helping Marshall and Beaumont sell their wares in a couple of local lifestyle-furniture stores soon—check out www.feudebeaumont.com.
New look
Last Thursday, Philippine Tatler unveiled its new look and, listening to the positive and excited response of the guests, I can say it was a resounding success! It has been seven years since the last redesign, and I am confident that you will like this look even more. I truly believe it sets the standard for lifestyle and luxury magazine publishing even higher.
Alongside the launch, Philippine Tatler also gave out its first fashion awards to recognize individuals who have made an indelible mark in the fashion community. The fashion awards will be an annual event that may just add other categories along the way. Tatler is also hoping to take it one step further by giving grants and scholarships to deserving talents.
Recipients of the first Philippine Tatler fashion awards are: Betina Ocampo (Most Promising Young designer); Jeannie Goulbourn (Designer of the Year-Filipiniana); Bea Valdes (Designer of the Year-Accessories); Millet Mananquil and Thelma Sioson San Juan (Visionary Award); Pitoy Moreno (Hall of Fame); and Inno Sotto (Designer of the Year). The Tatler hopes its fashion awardees will serve as inspirations to others, and the awards, something for them to aspire for.