Charming bunnies, deep-blue chairs, shatter-proof plates for summer entertaining

Benchwright medium dining table

Low wooden tables, paisley-print rugs, shatter-proof tableware, and blue suede armchairs are among the new items at Pottery Barn, initially available at Rustan’s Makati.

Last Friday, the fifth level of the department store was arranged into different vignettes, using key pieces from the Spring-Summer 2019 collections of Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, and West Elm.

Lending an outdoor picnic vibe were several tables piled high with savory dishes by Happy Concept Group founder Happy Ongpauco-Tiu.

This season’s theme is Casa Nomad, which merchandise manager Katrina Albar described as “a globally inspired mix of colors and textures.” She pointed out the low Benchwright coffee table in blackened oak, and the Tybee rug with muted paisley prints. The collection has a Moroccan feel, punctuated with botanicals, potted artificial plants that help bring the outdoors in.

Pottery Barn beachcomber basket with wood handle

Every summer, Pottery Barn adds new colorways to existing staples such as throw pillow covers and melamine tableware. This year, the Del Sol collection of dinner plates, with its distinct Mexican pottery vibe, comes in rose. “Since they’re made of melamine, the plates can be used outdoors for picnics or casual meals,” Albar said.

New colors

There’s also an armchair with nailhead trim. The SoMa Valerie armchair has a gently sloping profile and tapered legs, but what makes it stand out are its deep-blue tones. It’s new for the brand, which favors neutrals such as beiges and brown tones over color.

Pottery Barn Kids Monique Lhuillier plates

“Pottery Barn is very classic, very traditional with its color palettes, but lately we’re seeing new colors being introduced,” Albar said.

Colors are to be expected at Pottery Barn Kids, this season  ranges from muted pastels to bright, butterfly-wing shades. The brand’s ongoing collaboration with designer Monique Lhuillier consists of sheet sets with butterfly prints, and melamine tableware (chargers, plates and tumblers) with charming bunny prints.

There is also a new range of bath wraps for kids, absorbent towels with hoods, that merchandising assistant for PB Kids Jeegle Olano said continues to be one of their bestsellers.

Soeng Ongpauco, Happy Ongpauco-Tiu and Love Ongpauco-Fallorina

“Our ‘giftables,’ including backpacks, lunch bags and bath wraps, can be monogrammed. These are just some of our most popular items. Some parents come back to buy a new backpack for their kid every school year,” Olano said.

West Elm’s collection consists of neutrals enlivened by pops of color and metal accents, like the Scandinavian-inspired Halden Wood + Metal Collection. The dining tables in this range were designed for al fresco entertaining, whether in the backyard, patio or balcony.

West Elm Slope upholstered dining chair in antique bronze, basket slub, yarn-dyed linen, and pink

The brand also has a range of melamine dinnerware in summery shades of pink grapefruit and citrus yellow, and matte gold flatware for a subtle gleam.

Spring-Summer 2019 Collection

Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm are exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. at Central Square, Bonifacio High Street Central; 4th Level, Rustan’s Makati; 3rd Level, Rustan’s Shangri-La; Estancia, Capitol Commons. Pottery Barn Kids is at Central Square in Bonifacio High Street Central; 3rd Level, Rustan’s Shangri-La; Estancia, Capitol Commons. West Elm is at Central Square in Bonifacio High Street Central; 4th Level, Rustan’s Makati; 3rd Level Rustan’s Tower, Shangri-La Plaza; Estancia, Capitol Commons.

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Mariel Santos Po, Happy Ongpauco-Tiu and Monique Gonzalez
SoMa Valerie upholstered armchair
Merchandise group manager Gina Bonoan, Happy Ongpauco- Tiu and son Matteo, Glad brand manager Daye delos Reyes, and Clorox International sales and marketing manager Paulo Lao
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