IT’S all about “ReimagiNATION,” the evolution of Filipino design from homegrown crafts, to encompassing traditional as well as new and novel materials, looks, styles, and processes, thus becoming a major player in the world market. This is the theme of the Philippines’ leading home, fashion, and lifestyle trade show, Manila FAME, as it takes place at the World Trade Center in Manila from October 17 to 19, 2024.
The show will see the launch of some 400 original designs, co-created by Manila FAME exhibitors and renowned product specialists.
Several highlights will attract visitors and showcase the best of Filipino ingenuity. Design Commune focuses on home and lighting, with curators Rita Nazareno and Gabby Lichauco working with 25 local companies to come up with 150 new prototypes inspired by “Beyond Reality,” another reimagination of common objects. Design Commune’s fashion pavilion, curated by designer Anthony Ramirez, showcases the work of 15 local fashion companies, working with designer Maco Custodio, and channeling Philippine topography and plant life reinterpreted in Filipino fashion accessories, clothes, and footwear. Design Commune presents works that are a collaboration between local manufacturers and designers under the product development program of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Curated by PJ Arañador, the Artisans Village highlights the works of regional MSMEs, this year from Bohol, Tarlac and Bicol, Aklan, and Antique. The theme “Uri” brings to the fore the rich cultural heritage of Philippine provinces, translating traditional materials, patterns, and craftsmanship into wearables, accessories, furniture, and gifts. The Design Center of the Philippines (DCP) is also curating pavilions for Quirino, Bacolod, and Iloilo.
As a flashback to FAME’s beginnings in the 1980s and 1990s, Nostalgia will feature iconic products from notable companies and designers that gained prominence and embodied design excellence during that era. Some 22 pioneering companies behind iconic Filipino products such as the peacock chair, handwoven furniture, shell clutches, and sinamay hats will be spotlighted for their contributions to the field.
Then there’s Pinyapel, from pinya or pineapple and papel (paper), a sustainably sourced paper material conceptualized and made by the DCP from discarded pineapple leaves, and put to creative use by local manufacturers like OMO furniture, Triboa Bay, South Sea Veneer, Calfurn, Industria, MCCA, Masaeco, Oro Handmade, Tadeco Home and One of T. The Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX), CITEM’s program that encourages MSMEs to strive for sustainable production, and which promotes products, services, and the exchange of ideas on sustainable consumption, will feature eco-friendly design pieces from Oro Handmade, Creative Definitions, That One Piece, Crystal Seas, Farah Abu, JunkNot! and Nature’s Legacy.
This year, Manila FAME also introduces Philippine Components. Visitors can see a selection of wall coverings made of paper, woven textiles, stone, shell, and other natural materials, displayed on panels, along with furnishings such as cabinet and door handles, cabrioles, and banisters. Philippine Components highlights utility and design for architectural and industrial use.
For the last 39 years, Manila FAME has recognized outstanding product innovations of local MSMEs through the KATHA Awards, encompassing several categories such as furniture, home decor and houseware, lamps and lighting, fashion, holiday and gifts, and best booth presentation.
“Manila FAME 2024 is going to be both familiar and original,” says CITEM executive director Leah Pulido Ocampo. “I’m proud to say that the team behind Manila FAME is pushing it forward to look for new avenues for growth, cater to more industries, and help sustain our local brands and manufacturers.”
Organized by CITEM, Manila FAME continues to play a vital role in promoting the Philippines as a global design hub, as the premiere exposition for quality Filipino design and products since 1983. It has supported Philippine MSMEs and artisans, collaborated with international design stars, and networked with buyers from around the world.
Manila FAME’s post-pandemic comeback in 2023 generated a total of US$6.6 million in export sales. More than 250 exhibitors under the home, furniture, fashion and lifestyle industries attracted more than 4,000 local and international visitors.
Congratulations are also in order, as most recently, the Governance Commission for Government Owned or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) gave CITEM an outstanding score of 99.85 percent on its 2023 Performance Scorecard, a testament to the organization’s almost perfect execution of its task to showcase and elevate Filipino design globally.
Manila FAME is a member of the Union des Foires Internationales (UFI). For more information, visit https://fameplus.com/.
