SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS
Natural materials feature prominently in the designs on
show at Manila FAME. In a land as vast and as plentiful
in natural resources as the Philippines, it makes
sense that local designers draw inspiration from their
surroundings and the materials available to them. Wood,
rattan, and leather take centre stage, dyed in precious
gemstone hues to emulate the rich and colourful design
that one might find in the Philippines, historically.
“The fusion of sustainability and modern
functionality is increasingly evident in Philippine
design,” Pauline tells us. And this cannot be any more
evident. Indeed, as the days progress, it becomes
increasingly clear that what the rest of the world views
as sustainable, the Philippines views as simple good
sense. Reusing, recycling, and upcycling is a part of life,
and one that has endured through the ages.
Representing the Finali brand of Cebu, Bong Salazar
shares: “A common feature in our designs is our use
of indigenous materials that take on the modern vibe
of the present. Sustainability definitely plays a role, as
most materials are indigenous to our locality.” Such is
certainly a progressive route to take; indeed, the same
sentiments are echoed across the board, with numerous
exhibitors and brands opting for locally-sourced and
sustainable materials that tell a story of the land upon
which they thrive.
Apiong Bagares who leads the design direction of
Homecraft, another longtime mainstay of the Phillipines’
design scene, says, “Homecraft strives to provide
ethically-made products from sustainable materials:
natural fibres, waste wood, upcycled fabric, and
recyclable materials such as stainless steel and pewter.”
This dedication to the natural world is certainly backed
up in design. Homecraft’s products speak of culture
and craft, bound together in the bounties available to
influential Philippines-based designers Tes Pasola,
Detlef Klatt, and Nix Alañon, and in-house designer Jane
Sayson. “At the foundation of our design philosophy is
the desire to use second life and natural materials.”LEFT
Denim
range fish
ornament,
from Cebu
Home
Craft.
RIGHT
Pincussion
bentwood
chair, from
Cebu
Home
Craft.