From woven fashion and furniture to local delicacies, the MaArte Fair this 2024 continues to celebrate the best in Filipino crafts and culture
The much-awaited MaArte Fair has returned to The Peninsula Manila. Running from August 29 to September 1, from 10 a.m. to 8.pm., the fair spans multiple venues, from the Upper Lobby, The Conservatory, Garcia Villa and Balagtas Rooms, and the Rigodon Ballroom.
The annual fundraiser by the Museum Foundation has been running for over a decade, in support of the National Museum and other cultural projects, from scholarships to educational structures.
For the annual fundraiser’s trunk show this 2024, the LIFESTYLE.INQ team shares their top picks of the products at the Pen, celebrating local culture and crafts.
ZÓ, the Alexie Nethercott x Lilianna Manahan collaboration
View this post on Instagram
From the celestial brooch to the star-studded shoes, I love how this designer-artist collaboration takes from the 1902 French science-fiction trick film “A Trip to the Moon,” combining Alexie Nethercott’s unorthodox shoe silhouettes and Lilianna Manhan’s playful sculptural pieces.
READ: ‘Snap Shoot’: Lilianna Manahan Tells Stories on Sculpted Paper
Travelfund by Siriusdan
View this post on Instagram
For Travel Fund by Siriusdan, no two pieces are alike and because they are incorporated with fabrics from around the world each of their creations tells a different story. I have different pieces scattered throughout my home and they bring so much color into my space. Whenever they have a pop up I always look forward to seeing all the new colors, patterns, and shapes they have to offer. It’s also always nice to have a chat with owner and designer Cyrus who is an absolute joy to be around.
READ: For Cyrus Cañares, his brand Travelfund by Siriusdan is but a means to an end
Plentitude Chocolate
View this post on Instagram
Plentitude Chocolate is a wonderfully guilt-free option that allows chocolate lovers like me to indulge without thinking about the junky ingredients that most grocery store bars have. Their bean-to-bear philosophy means they make their chocolate from scratch from fresh cacao beans. This ensures that their production process is all-natural and free of any toxic additives, giving them better control of the flavors and quality. They also make other products like spreads and drinkable treats that are equally as delicious.
Idyllic Summers
View this post on Instagram
Idyllic Summers marries founder and designer Steffi Cua’s international background in luxury fashion with the local flair of hand-loomed Filipino textiles. The brand works with a variety of traditional artisans, from loomers of Piña, Binakol, and Hablon, to local manufacturers of hand-smocked clothing, turning these historic crafts into contemporary wardrobe staples. Each piece is inspired by the different seasons and stories of the Philippines, to help preserve and embody different perspectives of the unique sartorial culture the country has to offer.
READ: This Filipino resort wear brand is making waves in Tokyo
—Angela Go-Agustin, Managing Editor
Antukin sleepwear
View this post on Instagram
I love MaArte Fair for Antukin sleepwear! I’ve been wearing their lightweight, 100% cotton nightgowns since I was a child, and they’re perfect for sleeping in tropical weather—especially as the ‘ber’ months roll in, when I prefer to sleep without aircon. Although it’s hard to find the brand and there aren’t as many choices on Zalora, I can always count on them being a regular at MaArte Fair.
Cariñosa
View this post on Instagram
I’ve always been a fan of Cariñosa shoes, particularly because of the quality and comfort. Their footwear is so well-crafted that I can comfortably stand in them all day at the office or at events. The leather is soft, yet sturdy. And I think it’s important to mention the incorporation of local indigenous weaves, which add a distinctly Filipino touch.
Bagoyan
View this post on Instagram
Besides more Filipiniana or Tagalog-inspired products, Bagoyan is a great brand because it reflects the culture of the Cordilleras. The founder is from Kalinga with a Kalinga name “Bagoyan.” “Bagoyan” translates to beautiful, and I think these designs encapsulate just that. I love using their belts, which are redesigned from the traditional red and black colors of the Kalinga weave into vibrant colors. They’ve got an array of other clothing designs as well, from weave tops to wrap skirts.
—Lala Singian, Editorial Assistant
Gallery of Prints
View this post on Instagram
I’ve recently come to realize that I’ve too many clothes, something you’ll find a lot of at trade shows like MaArte Fair, and that I could lose myself in. After clothes, I’m a sucker for printed matter and memorabilia. Gallery of Prints at MaArte is a purveyor of original historical prints and Filipiniana (research field not clothes) dating back to as far as the 16th century(!). These include postcards, maps, views, and scientific prints that feature flora and fauna as well as scenes from various points in the nation’s timeline. Pretty sure they’d also indulge you to geek out on trivia and other historical facts if you’re into that.
— Christian San Jose, Associate Editor
