Bacolor, Pampanga — Wood being sanded, fabric being cut, and small chatter in Kapampangan. These are some of the sights and sounds you will hear inside Genteelhome’s atelier in Bacolor, Pampanga.

Kapampangan artisans breathe life into works of art from locally sourced materials designed by Southeast Asian visionaries that would make any home a masterpiece. These pieces will be part of the new Bigkis Collection that will be unveiled at the Maison&Objet Paris from 4 to 8 September.

“We are going to Paris for the platform, a collaborative platform for five extraordinary designers, not only in the Philippines but across Southeast Asia. We are giving birth to Bigkis, meaning ‘to bind’ or ‘unite,’ which draws inspiration from family. Each piece has a character, distinct, full of personality, and yet belonging to something greater,” Genteelhome founder and principal designer Katrina Blanca de Leon said.

Genteelhome is the only Asian company that will be part of the globally renowned exhibit usually dominated by Europeans.

The Bigkis Collection will feature works by De Leon, Singaporean designer Keat Ong, Malaysian designer Lai Sew Hong, Thai designer Eggarat Wongcharit, Filipina designer Ivy Almario and Indonesian designer Kezia Karin.

The company unified these renowned designers from Southeast Asia last 13 August at its Bacolor atelier and will exhibit their beautiful works using locally sourced materials. Genteelhome aims to showcase these on the global stage that is Maison&Objet Paris.

Maison&Objet Paris is a major French trade fair for interior design. Held bi-annually in the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center, it has been described as among the three most important European events for interior design — a huge collection of innovation and talent all in one place.