The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions taps Filipino designers seasoned in trade shows to develop new products to showcase in this year’s Maison&Objet Paris.
This year, Rita Nazareno and Gabby Lichauco will lead select Philippine manufacturers and exporters as they champion the country through new product designs and concepts at the Paris trade fair slated on Sept. 5-10.
Following the theme, “Kindred: A Design Collective,” the Philippine stand in Maison&Objet will be a showcase of collaboration and exquisite craftsmanship.
“We will focus on contemporary design and objects for this edition. As Filipinos are specialists in various design disciplines, we aim to harness this strength to catch the attention of M&O visitors this year,” shared Nazareno, creative director of S.C. Vizcarra and Zacarias 1925.
Nazareno is one of the esteemed exhibitors of Manila FAME, the Philippines’ premiere international design and lifestyle show. Her brands Zacarias 1925 and S.C. Vizcarra have been part of the show for many fruitful decades.
M&O Paris 2019 will be Nazareno’s first foray as lead curator and product developer for the Philippine participation. For this venture, she will be channeling her over a decade of experience and success in overseas trade shows such as Premiere Class Tuileries, Pitti, Salone, and M&O Paris and Singapore.
“I have been a part of many international events for my brand; so, this time, I look forward to curating the products of a fabulous group of exhibitors with similar sensibilities,” shared the designer.
The Philippine team will, likewise, present an interesting collection of products fashioned from the collaborations among participating exhibitors.
Nazareno enthused, “HaloHalo and E. Murio, both new to M&O, will have a few pieces that they’ve collaborated on and that we are excited about. Vito Selma will release a new piece with a fantastic texture that we can’t wait to show. JB Woodcraft is also doing some very contemporary carvings that I am looking forward to. The eclectic artist behind ‘Garapata,’ Dex Fernandez, has worked with both South Sea Veneer and Zacarias 1925.”
“Garapata” is a character based on the fleas that once took over Fernandez’s childhood home. It symbolizes the artist’s direct and simpler approach to street art.
“The combined expertise of Rita and Gabby will surely give a different touch to our presentation in the upcoming M&O show. I am optimistic that we will further enhance our niche in the EU market as we showcase the evolving artistry and creativity of Philippine designers who create exquisite product lines for the world market,” shared CITEM executive director Pauline Suaco-Juan.
Other exhibitors joining this year are CSM Philippines, Schema, Finali, Weave Manila, Nature’s Legacy, CDO Handmade Paper, and Tali Handmade.
The Philippine delegation in M&O is also part of the 70th edition of the Manila FAME on Oct. 17-19.