ArteFino debuts at 8 Rockwell on August 25 to 27, redefining the much sought-out craft fair that launches the holiday buying season.

Over 70 select retailers join the collective, as it gears to bring unique offerings that sometimes are available only to the overseas buyer, or simply have no venue to present their work.

Internationally acclaimed visual and furniture designer Ito Kish is curator and chief storyteller. Vendors working together, under Kish, will provide a tapestry for all good things Filipino.

Unique to the fair is the spirit of collaboration. It is a market place for new ideas.

Workmanship in embroidery, weaving, carving, bespoke jewelry and delectables is now done by machines, losing the heritage that once was the hallmark of bespoke. The evolving market will help the organizers promote functionality and modernity in these traditions, making them part of daily living.

“We are working closely with our vendors to see where we can support them,” says Cedie Vargas, Artefino organizer. “Many of them we have seen evolve. We want to keep growing. Our hope is that we can inject many of our traditions in different areas of craft, art and dining, into the mix. We want to push the movement of being truly proud of what we can do as Filipinos.”

Among the exhibitors:
The Olive Tree Corporation has been in the linen industry for years. Tali Handmade, Inc. makes artfully crafted handbags of unconventional raw materials.
The del Rosario sisters started a livelihood with the ladies of Gawad Kalinga to teach crochet, with products now sold by Milvidas.
Silnag promotes the use of local and eco-friendly materials in fashion jewelry. HaloHalo Store creates unique, casual, affordable bags, with a unique “banig” component of recycled plastic.
Kaayo Modern Mindanao is a curated collection of different stories and livelihoods centered on Mindanao.
Lanelle Abueva-Fernando is a potter in Antipolo City, specializing in functional, handmade stoneware ceramics.
Island Girl is a resort accessories brand with products derived mostly from natural, indigenous materials, and handcrafted and hand-worked by rural communities.
Ines Moda Infantil does exquisitely hand-smocked children’s clothes.
Anthill (Alternative Nest and Trading/Training Hub for Indigenous/Ingenious Little Livelihood Seekers) Fabric Gallery preserves and promotes Philippine handwoven fabrics through contemporary design applications.
GKonomics-Clares Hynes combines style with social responsibility, teaching women new skills in jewelry making.
S.C.Vizcarra was a pioneer in exquisite hand-made, needlework. Sofie.B’s resort collection was inspired by the Philippines, and features hand-drawn elements, using 100 percent pure linen. Meanwhile, contemporary Ilocano Hand woven textiles are highlighted from the collection of Balay ni Atong.