DESIGNPhilippines makes a strong return to Europe’s design circuit as it heads to two of the continent’s major trade fairs in early 2026: the recent Maison&Objet in Paris and Ambiente in Frankfurt.
The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions’ (CITEM) banner program took part in Maison&Objet from January 15 to 19, 2026, one of the world’s leading platforms for home, lifestyle, and design. This year’s theme, “Past Reveals Future,” explored how heritage continues to shape contemporary design—an idea that closely mirrors the way Filipino brands draw from tradition while creating for a global market.
At Maison&Objet, DESIGNPhilippines presented Artipelago III, a showcase featuring 14 homegrown brands working with natural materials such as rattan, bamboo, stone, abaca, and indigenous weaves. Spanning furniture, home decor, and lighting, the collection highlighted pieces created in collaboration with artisan communities, underscoring how Filipino design is deeply tied to local cultures.
The participating exhibitors were 51 All Weather, Aerostone, Beatriz Accessories, Bon Ace, Calfurn, CSM, Finali, Galerie D’Antoine, Mele + Marie, Nature’s Legacy, Prizmic & Brill, Schema, Moodism, Tahanan, and WeaveManila. From modern outdoor furniture and durable stone pieces to dining accessories from fine bone china, woven rugs, and stylish lamps, the exhibitors brought a mix of skill and personality to the trade fair.
DESIGNPhilippines will also take part in Ambiente, one of Europe’s leading consumer goods trade fairs, set to run from February 6 to 10, 2026, in Frankfurt. The fair brings together global players across dining, living, and gifting, offering a broad view of how design responds to changing lifestyles and markets.
According to curator and industry expert Bernd Schellenberg, Ambiente 2026 leans into color and emotion, drawing inspiration from Ambiente Trends 26+ and its three themes: brave, light, and solid. These themes place emphasis on materiality, mood, and adaptability.
At Ambiente, DESIGNPhilippines will be represented by a mix of individual exhibitors, regional group participants, and a partner province, highlighting the depth and diversity of Philippine craftsmanship.
Individual exhibitors include 33 Point 3 Exports, Inc., Aerostone, Albertina, Arte Cebuana, Calfurn, Coast Pacific, Conway Designs Inc., CSM Philippines, Dela Cruz House of Piña, Freden, Green Inc., Jireh Forge, Klassy Collections, L’Auras, Nature’s Legacy, Orient Meadow, Robles Heritage, Studiomoodism, TADECO Home, Lija by That One Piece Enterprise, Weavemanila Inc., and Zarate Manila. Joining them are group participants from Cocotech or Juboken, FGM Merchandising, Fulgosino Enterprise, Natural Carpet Industries, RCB Crafts and Designs, and Shelmed Cottage Treasure. Also taking part is the Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation, Inc. (MTEFI), supported by DTI Region 11 and Malikhaing Pinoy. Completing the lineup is the partner region Bicol, supported by DTI Region 5, the Provincial Government of Albay, and PHILEXPORT.
For CITEM, joining these European fairs is not only an export initiative but also an opportunity to show the skills of Filipino makers, the value of local resources, and the role of sustainability in modern design.
“These efforts cultivate our banner program DESIGNPhilippines to become a leading source of contemporary home and lifestyle products rooted in material innovation and cultural craft,” said CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo.
