It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the vast sampling of fine crafts, home décor and fashion accessories at the Manila FAME, the Citem-organized biannual trade show featuring the best of Philippine design and artisanal products.
[Related story: Manila FAME now draws local consumers]
Here are some of the things that caught our eye:
1 – Schema pendant lamps. It’s hard to pick only one favorite from Schema’s all-metal lighting and furniture designs, but this one, called High Boy, is quite a looker. It comes from a group of designers that include Budji Layug and Celia Gamboa Jiao.
2 – Schema console table. Designer Celia Gamboa Jiao won a Katha Award for this sleek glass-top table with sculpted metal legs for Schema.
3 – Sculpted metal dog minaudiere by Ann Ong. To our dismay, the booth had only three breed choices for this fancy clutch. But the girl told us they accept custom orders.
4 – Ito Kish solihiya coffee and side tables. It’s reassuring to see updated applications for the traditional rattan weave.
5 – Sinag Papel paper lamps. Created by young designers from Design Center of the Philippines, these are made of paper scraps, promoting recycling and upcycling.
6 – Copper organza sculpture by Kit Blancas for House of Vesta. This whimsical lamp, surrounded by clouds of pendant lamps of the same material, was a crowd-drawer.
or woven mats. MORAL
7 – Woven mats or banig from Samar. Foreign buyers were going gaga over the bags made from colorful weaves (buri and ticog materials), products that support the communities affected by Typhoon “Haiyan.”
8 – Calli x Ivan Acuña clutches. Former Katha awardee Calli Fashion collaborates with Ivan Acuña, as the minaudieres become the painter’s canvases. The brand has a selection of quirky artworks on its purses.
9 – Maskara clutch by Joanique. Malou Romero’s quirky design was an awardee for Katha’s best product design. It’s an eye-catcher.
10 – Acacia clutch by Tim Tam Ong. The jewelry designer tries her hand with bag design using recycled acacia wood lacquered with automotive paint.