Continuing its legacy of introducing exceptional global brands to the Philippines, Rustan’s introduces Hanoia, a renowned design house that elevates lacquer into an art form for contemporary living. The partnership marks Hanoia’s official arrival in the Philippine market, offering local design enthusiasts access to a collection where heritage craftsmanship and modern living converge.
Founded in 1997, Hanoia takes its name from the artisans who perfected the ancient Asian art of lacquer, passing their knowledge and expertise from one generation to the next. What began as a deep respect for tradition has evolved into a globally recognized brand that brings together Vietnamese artisans and international designers to produce home accents and furniture that are both functional and enduring.
With a collection of home décor that feels at once cultural and modern, Hanoia offers creations that are as functional as they are visually striking. For homeowners who value meaningful design, the brand has a distinct sensibility which will resonate with a lifestyle that appreciates craftsmanship, patience, and beauty that unfolds over time with values that align naturally with the way Filipino homes are lived in and cherished.
At the heart of every Hanoia piece is lacquer, an intricate craft that demands extraordinary discipline and care. Each creation undergoes a meticulous process that can take months, sometimes even a year, to complete. From forming the base object to applying an average of 15 layers of lacquer, artisans move through repetitive stages of lining, water sanding, coloring, and polishing. Depending on the design, special techniques such as eggshell inlaying, engraving, hand painting, or gold and silver leaf gilding may be introduced.
As the brand puts it, “If the design, the illustration is the hallmark of the artist alone, lacquer is the collective work of many artisans and accumulates layers of meticulous small steps.” This philosophy explains why each Hanoia piece carries a sense of individuality: No two are ever exactly alike.
While deeply rooted in lacquer, Hanoia continues to evolve. Guided by a forward-looking vision, the brand explores new creative territories through collaborations with artists and designers, and by working across mediums such as ceramics, weaving, metalwork, embroidery, and mixed media.
Hanoia’s pieces will be thoughtfully presented through curated vignettes created by leading Filipino design talents. Grace Reyes of the interior design firm Grace S. Reyes Designs, Inc., known for its contemporary classic approach, brings her signature blend of elegance and sensibility to the display. Complementing this perspective is Grace Tan, interior decorator and stylist. Known for crafting spaces that feel both regal and welcoming, Tan creates vignettes that highlight Hanoia’s lacquer creations through a lens of understated sophistication.
Hanoia’s arrival at Rustan’s reflects a shared philosophy: that true luxury lies in craftsmanship, intention, and longevity. More than decorative objects, Hanoia’s pieces are designed to become part of everyday life—quiet statements that bring warmth, character, and meaning into the home. They are now available through Rustan’s curated home selection.
