Design Philippines presents Kindred, a design collective of 13 Filipino designers and manufacturers, set to participate in this year’s prestigious Maison et Objet international trade fair in Paris happening on 6-10 September 2019.
Maison et Objet is one of the biggest events and lifestyle shows that brings together a complete product offering of décor, design, furniture, home accessories, tableware, and even fragrances. It is a melting pot of creativity for designers, manufacturers, exhibitors, and visitors, and is a prestigious venue for showcasing Filipino design and talent to the rest of the world, most notably the European market.
This year’s participants are gathered to embody the theme Kindred: A Design Collective, curated by creative directors Rita Nazareno and Gabby Lichauco who were appointed by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM).
When asked about Kindred and its objective for this year’s participation in Maison et Objet, Nazareno, also an accomplished designer, shares, “Kindred is a Design Collective of like-minded designers and manufacturers. This year, we wanted to focus on objects and contemporary design with a specialist, simple, smaller, straight-forward approach to both the booth and the design.” In addition, Lichauco says, “Kindred highlights the craftsmanship of each of the Filipino designers and manufacturers, but in a refreshing and innovative approach.”
Focusing on home accessories like tabletop décor and lighting as well as a sampling of fashion accessories, this year’s Philippine delegation will include a combination of Maison first timers and seasoned entrants alike: Vito Selma, Schema, E. Murio, Finali, Nature’s Legacy, CSM Philippines, CDO Handmade, JB Woodcraft, Southsea Veneer, Halo Halo, Tali Handmade, Weave Manila and Zacarias 1925 are all set to present their products in Paris this September.
Through the guidance and direction of seasoned designers and exporters Nazareno and Lichauco, Kindred’s 13 exporters will showcase newly developed products. These were made with each of their signature styles, techniques and local materials, and some in collaboration with each other. From fine bone china décor, abaca woven rugs, to wire mesh lighting fixtures, solid-wood accessories and even recycled plastic, the one-stop-shop booth at Maison will allow buyers to easily peruse the products and visualize how items of separate manufacturers, aesthetics and visions can actually be styled together.
With the continued support of CITEM and its notable collaborators, this year’s participation in the Maison et Objet trade fair marks another opportunity to bring Filipino design talent and artistry to the world stage. “Gabby and I are both looking forward to showing these special objects at Kindred: A Design Collective presented by CITEM at Maison et Objet. The breadth of specialties, materials, aesthetics we are working towards is quite exciting,” shares Nazareno. “We are grateful to be part of CITEM’s initiative and we hope to continue exposing local objects globally.”
For more information on the event, as well as other projects, visit citem.gov.ph.♦
Date of release: 19 August 2019