creative dialogues Stories

Filipino design authorities share what to expect in Manila FAME's Design Commune this year

Refining Gold, Redefining Tradition

The Art of Accessory Design, the Beauty of Slow Fashion

Great things take time, effort, and a team of skilled workers. Known for her statement bags and jewelry, Bea Valdes emphasizes the “how” in her design-making process

A Mind for Conscious Design

Dan Matutina on his branding and brand design process—and the real value of creative work

Social Design

Together with CITEM, two Korean design mentors are leading the charge to help local brands take on a 360-degree approach in creating products with the environment’s health in mind

Ito Kish on Inspiration and Creation

The furniture and interior designer talks about embracing—and conquering—challenges, the creative process behind his most iconic pieces, and constantly finding inspiration for creation

Vianca Soleil’s Bare Essentials

Amid a choppy internet connection and a hectic schedule, digital creative Vianca Soleil gives us a quick welcome glimpse into her island life and shares with us her shopping and style tips, as well as her favorites from the FAME+ catalogue

Georgina Wilson on Branding and Going Global

The multi-hyphenate talks about how she and her partners built and expanded their brand, Sunnies Studios—and the vision that keeps them going

Rachelle Dagñalan on Globalizing Filipino Design

At the age of 20, Rachelle Dagñalan set out to make a mark in the design world. Years later, the product designer has set her sights on something loftier: share her talents with local craftsmen and manufacturers in the hopes of gaining international recognition for homegrown designs

From Cars to Chairs: A Design Journey

Design Ligna’s founder Al de Lange shares his memories of being the Philippines’ first industrial designer

Added value is in the details

Japanese have a long-lasting love affair with fashion, and when it comes to discovering new foreign brands, the detailing contributes significantly to the perceived value.

Kenneth Cobonpue on What Matters Most in Design

The world-renowned Filipino designer, recognized as rattan’s first virtuoso, talks about what truly makes designs stand the test of time

Andrew Dent and the Language of Sustainable Materials

The Chief Material Scientist at Material ConneXion shares what it takes to design for a circular economy

Milo Naval’s Good Intentions

The highly esteemed artist talks about the true power and purpose of good design

Big in Japan

Fashion consultants Tetta Ortiz-Matera and Jason Lee Coates share their plans for bringing Philippine fashion to Japanese shores and inspiring a whole industry to make it happen

Amina Aranaz-Alunan on the Importance of Joining Trade Shows

The Aranaz Creative Director shares her “trial-and-error” experiences as a trade show exhibitor

Inside Rita Nazareno and Gabby Lichauco’s Design Mission

An instinct for good design, coupled with their razor-sharp wit and generous spirit, defines the dynamic tandem of Rita Nazareno and Gabby Lichauco. Here, they let us in on their creative, collaborative, and crazy-beautiful process

Eric Paras on Adapting Design to the Change of Times

The prolific furniture and interior designer shares his list of favorite FAME pieces and how it is working through a pandemic

The Home as Sanctuary

From accepting change, making space, and inviting a reconnection with nature, we explore the ways in which we can reclaim our safe and sacred space

The Relevance of Design Trends in a Post-COVID World

In this dialogue with Josef Crisanto, the design mentor explains how trends and forecasting can still play a role in a society disheartened by health, climate, and economic crises

The Making of Bubble Living: A Digital Affair

Paris will have to wait, so here’s how a virtual design show was launched from scratch