Kindred, a design collective of 13 Filipino designers and manufacturers will head to Paris in September to participate in this year’s Maison et Objet international trade fair.
Maison et Objet, happening on Sept. 6-10, is one of the biggest events and lifestyle shows that brings together a complete product offering of décor, design, furniture, home accessories, tableware, and even fragrances.
A melting pot of creativity for designers, manufacturers, exhibitors, and visitors, it is a prestigious venue for showcasing Filipino design and talent to the rest of the world, most notably the European market.
This year’s participants are gathered to embody the theme “Kindred: A Design Collective,” curated by creative directors Rita Nazareno and Gabby Lichauco who were appointed by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions.
“Kindred is a design collective of like-minded designers and manufacturers,” explained Nazareno, adding, “This year, we wanted to focus on objects and contemporary design with a specialist, simple, smaller, straight-forward approach to both the booth and the design.”
In addition, Lichauco said, “Kindred highlights the craftsmanship of each of the Filipino designers and manufacturers, but in a refreshing and innovative approach.”
Focusing on home accessories like tabletop décor and lighting, as well as a sampling of fashion accessories, this year’s Philippine delegation will include a combination of Maison first timers and seasoned entrants alike: Vito Selma, Schema, E. Murio, Finali, Nature’s Legacy, CSM Philippines, CDO Handmade, JB Woodcraft, Southsea Veneer, Halo Halo, Tali Handmade, Weave Manila, and Zacarias 1925.
Through the guidance and direction of seasoned designers and exporters Nazareno and Lichauco, Kindred’s 13 exporters will showcase newly developed products. These were made with each of their signature styles, techniques, and local materials, and some in collaboration with each other.
From fine bone china décor and abaca woven rugs, to wire mesh lighting fixtures, solid wood accessories, and even recycled plastic, the one-stop-shop booth at M&O will allow buyers to easily peruse the products and visualize how items of different manufacturers, aesthetics, and visions can be styled together.
“Gabby and I are both looking forward to showing these special objects at ‘Kindred: A Design Collective’ presented by CITEM at Maison et Objet. The breadth of specialties, materials, aesthetics we are working towards is quite exciting,” enthused Nazareno. “We are grateful to be part of CITEM’s initiative and we hope to continue exposing local objects globally.”
