Holiday trendspotting at Manila FAME
Christmas will never be complete without holiday ornaments decorating our houses, buildings, and streets. Every Christmas tree brims with colorful balls, ribbons, and other delightful adornments. Vases and trays that normally crowd tables and counters are replaced by nativity scenes, reindeer, and Santas.
In the Philippines, it is perfectly normal for decorations to be put up long before the start of December, signifying people’s excitement to usher in the season. With Filipinos known for their creativity and craftsmanship, each season yields decorative creations that are a feast to the senses.
Manila FAME International, dubbed “Asia’s Best Design Destination,” held its second installment for the year last October. Led by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotions agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Manila FAME showcases the best of Philippine design in furniture, fashion, houseware, gifts, and holiday décor. With 25 years of experience tucked under its belt, the tradeshow is the best place for the latest trends in design.
New Hues
New color combinations are emerging to add a little twist to the traditional red and green palette. Pink, purple, and gray are the new colors for the season; the palette is definitely eye-catching and a sure standout. These colors are the theme for the modern line that manufacturer Casa Mercedes, Inc. showcased during the trade fair. According to general manager Ma. Leonor Narciso, the cold modern colors of gray and purple were warmed by the use of hot pink. “We want to achieve a modern yet elegant effect to complement our existing lines.”
Celebrations Trading International, on the other hand, presented a theatrical decorative collection featuring black and gold. According to general manager Nini Ledesma, the company intended to create pieces that can be used even after the festive occasion is over in order to increase the décor’s mileage.
The Vintage Look
Since we use our Christmas ornaments each year, it is important that they have a timeless look that can remain trendy and chic 10 years from now. Not surprisingly, an antique finish can do just that. The ageless charm of vintage gives our decked halls and homes a rustic Christmas feel you can almost smell.
Leandro’s Crafts International, Inc. and Kriks Enterprises are among the exhibitors of Manila FAME that specialize in the antique finish. The look, according to Cherrie Pacio, marketing officer of Leandro’s Crafts, is among the most saleable items for foreign buyers during the trade fair. Using metal, wire, wood, and resin, this exporter is able to produce whimsical and quirky pieces that are all handmade.
A Greener Christmas
Eco-consciousness is very much alive even during the holiday season. Manufacturers are aware of their responsibility to give back to mother nature and as a result they use environment-friendly materials for their products without compromising aesthetics.
Accent Pieces Exports, Inc.’s line of paper-made décor makes use of recycled paper. The manufacturer dyes and designs the papers before fashioning them into adorable tree ornaments and wall décor. Their Christmas tree made of strips of paper curled and rolled is truly unique and innovative.
An ingenious way of using abundant and more often than not bothersome water lilies that clog the passageway of rivers and nearby lakes is to turn them into useful Christmas balls — just like what Galleria Crafts, Inc. did. Gathered from the Pasig River, the leaves and stems of the water lilies are separated and air-dried for one to two weeks. The dried leaves are then glued on to papier-mâché ornaments. “Care must be taken in gluing so as not to tear the leaves and also to make them flat,” says Ginger Grupe-Acevedo, marketing director of Galleria Crafts. The ornament is finished with lacquer paint; the Christmas balls can come in the material’s natural color or tinted with other colors.
Manila FAME International, CITEM’s flagship tradeshow held twice a year, is a pivotal platform for design-driven industries to show to the world the Filipino’s unparalleled creativity.
