Aura is whimsical chic and sophistication meets a playful spirit in this living room by Cynthia Almario. 
LIVING SPACES

Filipino creativity comes home

Jefferson Fernando

In a world that’s constantly evolving, our homes remain sacred — sanctuaries where we express identity, create memories and seek solace. At the intersection of heritage, craftsmanship and contemporary style, Rustan’s launches Designers’ Circle 2025 in proud partnership with the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID), transforming design into an immersive art form and spotlighting Filipino creative brilliance.

This year’s Designers’ Circle isn’t just a celebration of interior design — it’s a movement to bring luxury living and cultural relevance into the heart of the Filipino home. By empowering licensed interior designers to showcase their distinct aesthetics through curated vignettes, Rustan’s redefines home styling with purpose, prestige and personalization.

‘La Dolce Isla’ by Cyndi Fernandez-Beltran is a design vignette that explores the fusion of European elegance and Filipino craftsmanship.

Four vignettes

At the 5th level of Rustan’s Makati, four visionary designers bring to life their interpretations of the modern Filipino home — each corner a testament to storytelling through space.

Cynthia Almario delivers whimsical sophistication with a living room that effortlessly marries luxury and delight. Featuring elegant selections from Poliform and Flexform, she balances refinement with playful pieces from Jonathan Adler. “I wanted to craft a space that radiates joy and invites curiosity,” Almario shares. “Every texture and detail is designed to offer a multi-sensory experience — one that comforts and captivates.”

Cyndi Fernandez-Beltran introduces “La Dolce Isla,” a three-part vignette where European maximalism embraces Filipino warmth. By pairing Fornasetti’s surreal motifs with tropical materials, she achieves a harmonious blend of global influence and native texture. “It’s about reimagining the grandeur of European aesthetics through a Filipino lens,” she notes. From formal dining to outdoor cocktails, the flow of the space reflects a dynamic balance of opulence and groundedness.

This setup by Ann Dee-Santiago invites relaxation with fresh plants, centered around a big wooden table with cozy chairs, and a dining set up that feels easy, welcoming and not formal.

Cecil Ravelas brings emotional resonance to interiors with her soulful living and dining setting. “Our homes should hold beauty and breathe peace,” she says. Her design centers around intimate table settings, organic textures and carefully chosen pieces that act as reminders of self and sanctuary. “Every item has purpose — not just for function, but for emotional restoration.”

Ann Dee-Santiago crafts a lanai-inspired space designed for gathering, connection and slow living. “Life moves so fast — we need spaces where we can just be,” she explains. Her lounge-dining concept, infused with fresh greens, a communal wooden table and effortless tableware, celebrates comfort, companionship and the everyday joys of being together.

Living gallery of possibility

Each vignette on display offers more than inspiration — it invites visitors to reimagine their own homes with Rustan’s extensive array of premium local and global brands. From Pottery Barn, Casabella, and Kenneth Cobonpue to fine accents from Floret, Fornasetti, and Pamanna Jewellery, every item is a bridge between timeless elegance and functional living.

This month-long exhibit also reinforces Rustan’s commitment to the professional design community through its Designers’ Circle loyalty and rewards program, offering exclusive perks for stylists, decorators, and creative professionals.

Personal style meets professional craft

As a shopping destination and creative partner, Rustan’s provides more than home essentials — it offers an invitation to curate spaces that reflect life’s evolving moments. With the expert guidance of Rustan’s Personal Shopper service, customers can bring the inspiration of these vignettes into their own homes with ease and elegance.

In every thoughtfully curated vignette, Designers’ Circle 2025 reminds us that the heart of a beautiful home lies in intention, craft and story. And at Rustan’s, creativity is not just celebrated — it’s made personal.