A kaleidoscope world with multi-awarded global trend ambassador Patti Carpenter at Manila FAME 2024

By Elie Satuito

The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), in partnership with the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT), will bring to local shores a global name in the world of on-point trends and design impact for one of its Manila FAME 2024 Talks. – multi-awarded global trend ambassador Patti Carpenter.

Set for October 18, 2024 at 10am at Luna Conference Room of the World Trade Center (WTC) Metro Manila in Pasay City, Patti Carpenter will be discussing the latest tracks and challenges shaping the design industry in her engagement, “Talking Trends for 2026 and Beyond: Inspire, Inform, and Invigorate.” She will be focusing on sustainability, innovative design principles, and the impact of emerging technologies in the industry. Her explorations will also touch on the Manila FAME 2024 theme of “Reimagination” – wherein aspects of nostalgia, creativity, and unique craftsmanship meld into the latest international product showcase of participating exhibitors.

Aside from being Principal in her eponymous carpenter + company, Patti Carpenter is a global leader in trend forecasting, serves as consultant to Pantone, and is the Global Trend Ambassador for the prestigious Maison & Objet trade show (Paris and America).

Having heard so much about Manila FAME through the years, Patti is excited to be attending her first Manila FAME this year. “I am excited to meet many of the artisans with whom we have remotely worked for the past year or so and to see them in person alongside their many wonderful hand-made products.”

Such sentiment is not unusual for Patti Carpenter, whose genuine love and passion for artisan craft and talent emerged over two decades ago. In an interview with Architectural Digest (AD Pro), she shared how it all came about. While making executive decisions as VP at Ralph Lauren at the time, she was on the cusp of a shift in her career, kismet perhaps, that would eventually lead to establishing herself in the global value chain of equitable fashion and design replete with cultural integrity. She decided to take up an offer to do a textile project in Mali in 2000 that began her sojourn and transformation into a prominent advocate for artisans around the world. And Patti hasn't looked back since that preeminent experience.

These days, a veritable who's who in fashion and socio-politics have knocked on her door seeking her uncanny depth perception into creating sustainable artisan brands and viable relationships in and for the creative economies.

With her love for travel vis à vis her undeniable passion for global creativity and design, Patti Carpenter is definitely looking forward to Manila FAME alongside the sights and sounds, and cuisine of the Philippines.

Moving into 2026 and beyond, she will be educating her Manila FAME audience on various aspects of color, materials, prints and surface design in the Home Decor and Home Accents markets. Exhibitors and attendees wanting to explore or further establish their international footing, particularly in the US market, will find Carpenter’s insights instrumental in their business management and product design inclinations. She believes that the edge Philippine companies have in the US Market right now is with the creativity and innovation Filipino artisans and designers are able to deliver and represent in their work. “In some cultures, the art of imitation is lauded, but we value the ability to bring new and innovative products to market that are crafted at the highest level and created with great quality and inspiration. These attributes are what the US Market is seeking in opening up the doors for new resources.”

The global personality will be mentoring a select group of exhibitors, assessing their market readiness and other skills and requirements needed for success. Each exhibitor will experience one-on-one mentorship for a more focused and personal session. Her actual presence during the three-day affair is another anticipated activity as she will be curating her Top Picks from the Manila FAME Exhibitor products, another unique opportunity to boost market visibility and brand distinction.

The Manila Fame 2024 organized by CITEM will be held at the WTC Metro Manila, Pasay City from October 17 to 19, 2024. Visit fameplus.com to register as a trade buyer or visitor and know more about Manila FAME exhibitors, and other upcoming industry events and news.