Handpicked pieces for the Modern Filipino
By: Aly Dela Peña
Incorporated in Philippine-made creations are stories, talents, and heritage. From wearable art to functional displays, the Philippines is home to meaningful products brimming with history. Using age-old processes paired with modern techniques, here is a round up of pieces from the FAME+ catalog that will suit the contemporary taste.
Accessories
1.) Necklace, Tim Tam Ong. A shiny butterfly rests on top of a lavender gem while hanging in a twisted chain in this stunning piece. 2.) Silver Earrings, PDES Batong Asul. Veering away from traditional hoops, these twisted teardrop earrings make for an upgraded stylish wearable. 3.) Solihiya belt, Coco & Tres. The age-old pattern of bursting solihiya is found in this unconventional modern belt. 4.) Red Hablon, Tina Campos Jewelry. The woven earrings are made by hand in Cebu and finished with brass, giving off a strong yet polished look. 5.) Printed Capiz Shell Earrings, Lovely Finds. A burst of flora: flaunt these vibrant earrings to elevate your look. 6.) Pearl Earrings, Mindanao Pearl International. Composed of gems and genuine South Sea pearls in gold encasing, these dangling earrings are equal parts classy and fun. 7.) Brownlip Flower Necklace, Almar Jewelry. For this summer must-have, natural brown lip shells are adorned with beads.
Bags
1.) Kiera, Anmari & Co. Packed with textures, this bag features the Philippine solihiya and banig, finished with leather handles. 2.) Pasiking Sangi, Mayat-An Handicrafts. Rattan and bamboo make up this indigenous knapbasket, which traces back to different Philippine tribal groups. 3.) Lia Clutch Bag, Beatriz. An eye-catching clutch with an eccentric block of colors that lets you dress up or down in style. 4.) La Pasca Negra, Kara De Juan. This quirky bag features a carved fish handle with a net-like bucket body made of acacia wood. 5.) Round Rattan Bag, . A beach-ready tote made of recycled juice pack strips and rattan.
Clothing
1.) Hand-embroidered Top, Abra Arts & Crafts. This modern Filipiniana top is decorated with fun colors, making it suitable for an upgraded everyday look. 2.) Himig Abra Shorts, Style Ana. This pair of shorts is embroidered with bright colors to contrast the denim base. 3.) Shawl, Narda’s Handwoven. The handwoven and hand dyed cotton wrap features indigenous weaving techniques from the Cordillera region. 4.) Melissa Skirt, Masabel Iloco. Carefully made with the goal to embrace Inabel weaving, this wrap-around lets you easily add local weaves to your wardrobe. 5.) Pom pom Mid-heeled mule, Edya 1929. These fun square-toe slip-ons are made from upcycled pure silk and abaca heels.
Home Decor
1.) Candle holder, Natureline. To add warmth to the room, this candle holder is filled with shells that resemble rosebuds. 2.) Candle, Dierde Export. Attached on a stone base is the warm glow of the candle, illuminating the natural branches that enclose it. 3.) Standing Reindeer, Marsha's Craft. The paper mache reindeer adds a Yuletide cheer to any tabletop. 4.) Checkered Lily, Arden Classic. Shells and brass are creatively reimagined in this piece to replicate the Fritillary or chess flower. 5.) Paper Mache Animals, Klassy Collections. Display the magical cat, spiky bird, and humped camel as holiday add-ons or year-round companions. 6.) Cavelights, Stonelight. These adornments carved from natural stone instantly bring springtime to indoor and outdoor spaces. 7.) Tabletop decor, Adorno 72. The interior decor depicts lovers nestled in between twisted abaca ropes.
Houseware
1.) Basket, Art N Nature Mfg. Corp. An upcycled coconut shell is carved to make this rustic dining tabletop decor. 2.) Chopping board, Wood Classics Ent. Painted with vibrant colors and playful patterns, these chopping boards can also be used for charcuterie boards or displays. 3.) Throws, Bed, Bath & Home Tex Trend. These throw blankets can be your next purchase to add a warm Scandinavian-inspired vibe to your home. 4.) Plate, Everjade Ceramic Arts. The hand painted details on this plate showcase vibrant floral prints. 5.) Square Capiz Coasters, The Fine Life Market Inc. Add luminescence to your kitchen table with these coasters embellished with shells.
Furniture and Lighting
1.) Rocking Chair, RU Garcia Vigan Furniture. A staple in old Filipino homes, this rocking chair keeps it light and breezy with the solihiya pattern. 2.) Stitched Washable Paper Lamp, Indigenous. Carefully crafted with leatherized abaca, cogon, and bamboo skin based paper, this warm lamp is designed to be tear resistant, durable, and washable. 3.) Parisian Blown Glass Pendant, Acento Coleccion Inc. This glass lamp features a cone-shaped, Parisian inspired design made of upcycled jars and bottles. 4.) Table Lamp, Freden Export. A globe bulb sits atop the mixed composition of wood and cement, creating a fun mix of varied natural materials. 5.) Aimee Accent Chair, Jamerika Enterprise. Clean lines, smooth textures, and a muted color palette lets you add this chair to any room.
Catch these pieces and more at the next edition of Manila FAME at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City on October 17-19, 2024.
Photos courtesy of brands.