Design Commune

A showcase of home, fashion, and lifestyle pieces from CITEM’s product development program, this Manila FAME signature setting is produced in collaboration with Filipino design authorities and manufacturers. Design Commune pushes the boundaries of Philippine product design by merging artisanship and innovation with product sellability.

Tony Gonzales

Head Designer / Curator / Consultant

Home & Lighting

Art Installations

The upcoming edition of Manila FAME in October 2026 will highlight products that break away from conventional design formulas. Moving past the usual questions of for whom, for what, and for where, this event serves as an experimental space where product design meets fine art.

For the second consecutive season, I am challenging my apprentices to design products inspired purely by their own emotions and feelings. The goal is to uncover fresh concepts and alternative creative insights that can spark new directions for Philippine design. This process trains designers to think independently, ensuring they remain creators rather than passive users of AI, which is rapidly reshaping the global design industry.

Our work remains deeply human-centered. It begins with local craftsmen who innovate through traditional techniques and indigenous materials, evolving from traditional to modern forms driven by spontaneous Filipino creativity. The Design Commune will feature diverse art installations that serve as backdrops for these art-inspired products. The layout and styling will be curated to evoke the experience of exploring a gallery or a museum.