The sourcing event introduces its inspirations for the show feature’s fresh offerings this October
By Aly Dela Peña
One of Manila FAME's main show features, the Design Commune serves as a showcase of
brand new home, fashion, and lifestyle pieces that have been created under the product
development program of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions' (CITEM).
Manila FAME's Design Commune merges artisanship, innovation, and sustainability as a means to push the boundaries of excellent product design.
For this year's edition, local exhibitors collaborated with three renowned Filipino designers to serve as product specialists: Mr. Tony Gonzales, a creative director, consultant, and curator of various projects, such as the Pinyapel of the Design Center of the Philippines; and design duo Rita Nazareno and Gabriel Lichauco of Nazareno/Lichauco, internationally-awarded curators and mentors known to highlight contemporaneity and innovation in traditional craft and materials.
Collectively, they will share their design processes and inspirations that helped breathe life into the upcoming collections in collaboration with local brands and manufacturers. There are a total of 40 companies included in the roster of the product development program with more than 300 newly developed products.
Get to know the thought and creative process behind this year's Design Commune: Utilitarianism: accents of practicality for the contemporary consumer
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| Mr. Mike and Ms. Banj Claparols of Creative Definitions during their consultation meeting with product development consultation |
Mr. Tony Gonzales, on the other hand, focuses on two distinct colorways to highlight the skillfully crafted and environmentally sustainable products from the country. With “Blues on Blue” and “Naturals and White” prevalent in the mainstream, both modern-classic colorways were the foundation of his upcoming collection.
Highlighted in his designs are the natural, handicraft flair of Filipino products, which were
reimagined and paired with clean lines, minimalism, and modern silhouettes and textures.
According to the designer, “What always inspires me are the craftsmen that I work with. The
material manipulation and masterful skill of our artisans is really what our country is known for.”
"Both colorways are chosen because of their commercial viability, or in other words, because
they already have a demand in the mainstream market." Gonzales added.
What makes this edition of the Design Commune exciting for Gonzales is discovering new
design outlooks from local exhibitors, including the executions of his designs. He said that their pieces take part in the fresh outlook of the global market brought about by the changing landscape after the pandemic.
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| Mr. Tony Gonzales at exhibitor 33 Point 3 Exports Inc. showroom |
The 71st edition of the trade show will be held at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City on October 19-21, 2023.
Manila FAME’s 2023 edition is organized in partnership with RLC Residences and the Philippine Airlines as official carrier.
To register as a buyer, visit https://fameplus.com/registration/buyer-registration.
About CITEM
The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is the export promotions arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
For 40 years, CITEM has established the country’s image as a premier destination for quality
export products and services. It continues to set the highest standards of creativity, excellence and innovation to achieve competitiveness in the home, fashion, lifestyle, food, creative, and
sustainability sectors.
CITEM is committed to developing, nurturing, and promoting micro, small, and medium
enterprises (MSMEs), brands, designers, and manufacturers by implementing an integrated
approach to export marketing in partnership with other government and private entities.
About FAME
FAME is a community of brands, designers, and manufacturers that showcase quality artisanal
products in signature trade show Manila FAME, on digital platform FAME+, and in trade fairs
and B2B initiatives around the world. The FAME community likewise includes global buyers and
other stakeholders.
About FAME+
FAME+ is the ultimate digital sourcing and storytelling platform for Philippine quality home,
fashion, and lifestyle products. It enables Philippine brands and manufacturers to generate
leads and reach global buyers through content creation, learning opportunities, and B2B
capabilities. It intends to ensure and improve the discoverability of exhibitors online, creating a
community of exhibitors, buyers, and stakeholders in one digital space.
Ref. Elmer Harold Grande
Email: ehgrande@citem.com.ph
Twitter: @CITEMPh
Facebook: @DTI.CITEM