The event proudly showcases its narrative of organic renewal, material intelligence, and the strength of Philippine design across several curated spaces
By Aly Dela Pena
The 74th edition of Manila FAME, a platform that empowers Filipino craft in the furniture and furnishings, fashion, and lifestyle sectors, will take place at the World Trade Center Metro Manila from October 15-17, 2026. Recognized as Asia-Pacific’s second-longest-running trade exhibition for design and lifestyle, the show brings together premier Filipino makers and an international network of buyers.
With the theme Bloom, this edition focuses on pieces that are made by hand. It honors the immeasurable worth of artisanship: the abundance of natural materials, the ingenuity shaping every form, and the mastery in every handmade detail. It also reflects on the blossoming of Filipino MSMEs, purveyors of heritage embedded into modern product offerings and collections.
A countermovement to mass production and the rise of AI, the event proudly showcases its narrative of organic renewal, material intelligence, and the strength of Philippine design across several curated spaces. Read ahead to know what is in store at the show.
Creative collaborations
Born of collaborations between master designers, apprentices, and local manufacturers, Manila FAME’s Design Commune elevates raw material manipulation into world-class design statements.
This year, Design Commune Home and Lighting is led by veteran design director Tony Gonzales. Conceived as an immersive art installation with apprentices Uzel Alconera, Jaime Brias, Reine Shih, Deya Tsyna, and Jim Zarate, the space highlights structural depth, tactile finishes, and neutral earth tones—stepping outside historical forms to experiment with sleek, architectural geometries in stone, wood, rattan, and metal.
Under the same design umbrella, industrial designer and creative director Josef Crisanto leads the return of a dedicated holiday showcase after a long hiatus. Known for his keen eye for product semantics and tactile material stories, Crisanto anchors the feature on Pasko and Pasqua—symbolizing reflection and rebirth. Mentoring emerging talents Clark Mendoza and Razel Mari, he collaborates with local makers to unveil bespoke driftwood ornaments, luminous capiz wall decor, and carved wooden nativities.
Completing the showcase, Milo Naval curates Home at FAME, uniting furniture and lighting manufacturers across Pampanga, Manila, and Cebu. Renowned for his modern tropical design philosophy, Naval guides brands to introduce clean, minimalist, and organic forms, using soft curves in wood, native fibers, and metal to blend regional crafts into a cohesive living concept.
Local craft, global impact
With a growing buyer population committed to circularity, ethically sourced materials, sustainable manufacturing, and fair trade, purposeful production continues to be a defining characteristic of Manila FAME. The Artisans Village, a space that promotes the use of indigenous materials and innovation of traditional processes, spotlights products from different regions that make up the Philippines’ rich tapestry.
Highlighting enterprises from Bohol, Isabela, Tarlac, and the municipality of Kalibo, Aklan, Artisans Village demonstrates how heritage crafts can scale into market-ready, export-quality treasures. Guided by Global Trend Ambassador Patti Carpenter, product designer Emma Gutierrez, and business consultant Carol Campbell, local makers underwent digital consultation sessions and hands-on mentorship held in their communities.
Refined hand-weaving techniques utilizing indigenous fibers like raffia, abaca, and piña sit alongside woodworking and organic pottery, proving that traditional pieces can meet global trade expectations while preserving their cultural soul.
Fashion in Full Bloom
Filipino fashion takes the spotlight at the Manila FAME debut of the products at the international business development mentorship and exhibition programs in Milan and New York. The showcase is curated by Creative Director Vince Uy.
FASHIONPhilippines in Milan is a fashion development and export promotion initiative that connects a cohort of Filipino designers directly with leaders in the European fashion industry. In collaboration with Sara Maino and Fondazione Sozzani, the program brought together mentors from leading fashion institutions, including Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche under LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton). Beyond presenting their collections during Milan Fashion Week, the program also integrated Filipino Innovation Textiles (FIT) into the participating designers’ collections, bringing Philippine textile innovation and manufacturing capabilities to the international fashion community. The program helps create pathways for Filipino fashion brands to enter and compete in global markets.
For FASHIONPhilippines New York, which was staged alongside New York Fashion Week, the program pairs targeted market coaching with brand-building exhibitions. By helping the brands adapt their craftsmanship to global demands, this mentorship empowers Filipino enterprises to gain commercial success in untapped markets.
Bespoke touch
Philippine Components: Coverings, Parts and Fittings highlights the structural elements of interior design, creating statements of bespoke craftsmanship. The showcase highlights customizable elements that emphasize craftsmanship and the interaction of natural and manufactured materials.
Through the curated installation, buyers will experience the materials including stone, lahar, clay, bamboo, rattan, shells, wood, leather, abaca, coconut, fabric, and paper demonstrating how these can be transformed into contemporary coverings, wall treatments, decorative surfaces, and other interior applications.
Insights from experts
Serving as the knowledge-sharing engine of the show, FAME Talks convenes visionary creatives and industry leaders. The forum yields market intelligence, forward-thinking strategies, and trend forecasts to benefit local enterprises.
Sessions cover material innovations, maximizing AI tools for MSMEs, cultural storytelling, and the evolution of Philippine architecture. Featuring keynote addresses and panel discussions with seasoned industry figures and trade representatives, FAME Talks equips local small and medium enterprises with actionable knowledge to thrive in international markets.
Manila FAME stands as a testament to the country's flourishing creative industry—where regional expertise, thoughtful mentorship, and material mastery thrive on a global stage.
Discover the future of artisanal luxury and design innovation on the show floor from October 15-17, 2026, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila.
