Zealous Pursuit of Metal Craft
By: Louise Beatrice Samson
Deviating from the customary, Zarate Manila has proudly forged its mark in the realm of contemporary furniture for nearly a decade, presenting its bold and progressive textural aesthetics. Based in Pampanga, this Filipino brand in the retail lifestyle niche was founded by Jim Zarate-Torres, the Creative Director and Designer behind Zarate Manila.
The brand aims to redefine the limitations of simplicity and stretch the boundaries of perception and creativity. It explores a counterpoise between minimalist and traditional crafting by infusing bold signature elements and seamless design discipline into every crafted piece. Zarate Manila translates its designs into imaginative, vibrant, and innovative conceptions of contemporary furniture, lighting, and home accessories that accentuate any area.
The Seat Cafe
A craft that bears a narrative. Jim Torres describes his creation process as involving a common practice of immersing oneself to become one with the product. Torres stated he was fascinated by the idea that an inanimate object could stir someone's emotion while being equally functional; hence, he wanted to create furniture that is intricately optimistic, reflecting the dual nature of the product.
Torres' mastery of metalwork gives him the edge to produce designs that exude vibrant aesthetics, which are also featured in his café, The Seat Cafe. Located in Plaridel, Bulacan, the café ensures a comfortable experience for its patrons. Embracing the café’s motto, which reimagines what it means to design, create, serve, and host, the café aims to offer a cozy and warm space with its inviting ambiance and Instagram-worthy décor, allowing patrons to delightfully indulge in the artisanal interiors while sipping their drink of choice.
A variety of furniture collections, including the highly popular Cheque Curved Bench, which was even shortlisted in the best-of-the-best for a special exhibition at Maison & Objet and More in September 2021, can be found within the café. Highlighting its whimsical design that mimics a checkered motif design pattern, the bench is crafted from a fusion of synthetic powder-coated steel and natural oakwood, making it an avant-garde accent piece for interior spaces.
The café also showcases its staple furniture pieces from Zarate Manila's Brique collection. This includes the multifunctional Brique side table, made from powder-coated steel with a marble tabletop, and the Ray Barstool Brique chair, built from powder-coated steel and woven polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These materials render the products’ durability for leisurely pursuits or work-related matters.
Focusing on its signature metal products, Torres emphasizes his desire to bring out 'borderless' designs that will cater to the preferences of local and international markets, establishing the brand as an ambassador that proudly represents Philippines-made products. Together with his skillful artisans, he wants to create products that reflect concepts with the current vogues, all the while imparting innovations in timeless beauty that transcend overrated trends. Zarate Manila aims to produce objects with Filipino sensibility, exhibiting an interplay of art, fashion, and industrial design that embody joy and warmth through modern contemporary pieces.
