Filipinos mingle with world’s best in Paris’ Maison et Objet

Design Philippines’ Kindred, a design collective of 13 Filipino designers and manufacturers, will take part in the prestigious Maison et Objet international trade fair in Paris happening on 6 to 10 September.

Maison et Objet is the international authority for home decor, interior design, architecture and lifestyle culture and trends through its shows, events and digital platform. Designers, manufacturers and exhibitors showcase their designs and talents to the rest of the world, most notably the European market.

This year’s Filipino participants will embody the theme Kindred: A Design Collective, curated by creative directors Rita Nazareno and Gabby Lichauco, who were appointed by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM).

“Kindred is a Design Collective of like-minded designers and manufacturers. This year, we wanted to focus on objects and contemporary design with a specialist, simple, smaller, straight-forward approach to both the booth and the design,” Nazareno said.

“Kindred highlights the craftsmanship of each of the Filipino designers and manufacturers, but in a refreshing and innovative approach,” added Lichauco.

Focusing on home accessories like tabletop décor and lighting as well as a sampling of fashion accessories, this year’s Philippine delegation will include a combination of Maison first timers and seasoned entrants alike: Vito Selma, Schema, E. Murio, Finali, Nature’s Legacy, CSM Philippines, CDO Handmade, JB Woodcraft, Southsea Veneer, Halo Halo, Tali Handmade, Weave Manila and Zacarias 1925.

Through the guidance and direction of seasoned designers and exporters Nazareno and Lichauco, Kindred’s 13 exporters will showcase newly-developed products, all made with their signature styles, techniques and local materials, and some in collaboration with each other.

From fine bone china décor, abaca woven rugs, to wire mesh lighting fixtures, solid-wood accessories and even recycled plastic, the one-stop-shop booth at Maison will allow buyers to easily peruse the products and visualize how items of separate manufacturers, aesthetics and visions can actually be styled together.

With the continued support of CITEM and its notable collaborators, this year’s participation in the Maison et Objet trade fair marks another opportunity to bring Filipino design talent and artistry to the world stage. (DTI)