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Whoever said we’re not up to par with world standards in terms of design and craftsmanship is clearly not paying much attention. You only need to look at Manila FAME, the acclaimed bi-annual design and lifestyle event, to know that we have always had exceptional local design talents, not to mention, great native raw materials. For over three decades, Manila FAME effectively managed to position itself as the country’s premiere trade fair. We’ve had a sneak peek of what they have to offer this year, and let’s just say, patrons won’t be disappointed.
For its first leg this year, happening on Apr. 25 to 27 at the World Trade Center, Manila FAME opens its doors yet again, as it showcases collections from over 300 home and lifestyle brands. With the theme “Heritage Reimagined,” executive director Pauline Suaco-Juan tells us, “The recent nostalgia over past trends and the revival or reinvention of iconic design pieces are going back in style. It is through this resurgence of design sensibilities that we will redefine and showcase our heritage of Philippine design.” She adds, “Our goal is to highlight the most iconic styles and elements of past products and reintroduce them through modern interpretations.”
Pauline adds that there was another objective she had in mind for the 69th edition of Manila FAME. “When I came in, one of my earlier directives to the team was to make Manila FAME more experiential as an event.” Adding, “With the end goal being: to help the buyers experience rather than just see what it is that we have to offer.” With that in mind, here are the things you should look forward to during the event.
Design Commune
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For its fourth run since the Design Commune special setting’s conception, forces within the creative community once again offered their expertise to manufacturers. For this edition though, most of them are new to the role, which means they offer a fresh perspective to Manila FAME.
Leading the group is creative director Vince Uy. Meanwhile, product development designers involved were Stanley Ruiz for home and lighting; Nix Alañon for furniture and lighting; André Chang for fashion; and PJ Arañador and Maco Custodio for the home and fashion sectors of the Artisans Village.
Fashion E-Tailer
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In an effort to up its online promotion initiative, Manila FAME debuts Fashion E-Tailer in this edition. So you can expect to see some of the country’s rising online fashion entrepreneurs and brands—both couture and RTW—in the event, including HaloHalo, Baúl, Factory, Toqa Fashion Studio, Viajecito, Quiddity, Randolf, and so much more.
CREATE Lab
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Another first at the event is the CREATE Lab, a feature designed to actively inspire and motivate creatives. From creating a personal logo, using stop-motion, to creative business processes, participants are given a sneak peek into the creative experience. If you are planning on starting your own design and lifestyle business, you definitely shouldn’t miss out on this one.
Great Women Project
The Gender Responsive Economic Actions for the Transformation of Women (GREAT Women Project) is definitely one of our fave features of Manila FAME. It puts the spotlight on the arts and crafts of women entrepreneurs who have undergone product development workshops to enhance their business management competencies, skills, or innovate existing products and expand markets. Anything that empowers our sisters, we are a hundred percent behind.
Artisans Village
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Manila FAME’s Artisans Village showcases products that highlight certain provinces’ distinct raw materials and production techniques. In this edition, manufacturers from Antique, Marawi, and Zamboanga and Albay take centerstage as they will be doing live demonstrations of how materials are crafted and fashioned into end products. Definitely a sight to see.
To learn more about Manila FAME, visit their page.
Photo courtesy of Manila FAME’s Instagram account
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