The second generation of long-time designers and entrepreneurs reinvents the local products from their family businesses
Exquisite home decor made of capiz shells, vibrant bags with detailed embroidery, and fine South Sea pearls for jewelry. Local products have been taking off in the fashion industry of the country. From Steph Ayson’s Pranca, Marga Nograles’ Kaayo to Paloma Zobel’s Piopio, these brands have been at the forefront of embracing and promoting Filipino craftsmanship and traditional weaves. With the rise of Filipino designers and entrepreneurs, supporting their products is possible through Manila FAME. This year, the tradeshow’s 70th edition titled “Heritage Imagined” featured top-of-the-line artisanal products, highlighting the ever-evolving taste of the modern market.
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Time-honored traditions
Before the upsurge of local items with contemporary designs, artisans from different regions began the tradition of creating products using raw materials. Most of these were handcrafted, especially with the absence of high technology to make production easier. The complex creative processes involved were eventually passed on to generations. This legacy of Filipino craftsmanship was the inspiration of the theme for Manila FAME 2019. It was time for the new market to appreciate products not only in its heritage design but in its rebirth of modern interpretations.
The creators of these artisanal products have been expanding their businesses, passing their legacy to their children. Long-time FAME exhibitors like Shell Arts, Acento Collections, JB Woodcraft, and S.C. Vizcarra once again joined the tradeshow. Yet it is the second generation of the families who entered FAME, highlighting the reimagined iconic designs of their family business.
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Stepping into FAME
Over 6,000 local and foreign guests attended the show that ran for three days. KATHA Awards opened the event, recognizing the most innovative products that embodied this year’s theme. Among the awardees were Oricon Corp., Marcelina Orillaza of Klassy Collections and Designs Co., Angelo Cadungog of Finali, Rita Nazareno of Zacarias1925, and Jerry Jiao of Schema. They might have used simple, raw materials yet the designs show attention to detail. From the structure to the choice of colors, these products fit well into the needs of a modern market.
Throughout the event, guests explored curated exhibition spaces like Design Commune, Artisans Village, Fashion E-Tailers, and Lifestyle Pavillion. Visitors were thrilled to meet exhibitors from Zamboanga, Antique, and Marawi, together with rising fashion designers and entrepreneurs. The exhibit enlightened guests and foreign delegates with the interesting process of creating these products. The entire event was also an opportunity to form networks and partnerships that would promote Filipino artistry on the local and international scale.
Manila FAME is celebrating and putting the legacy of Filipino design at the forefront of the industry. This year’s edition of reimagining traditions not only showed new products but highlighted the exciting potential of the future generation of designers.
Scroll below to see more photos from Manila Fame 2019.
Photos from Manila Fame.
