There is something romantic about the notion of summer, the long warm days where the sun embraces us all, allowing us to settle into a slowed down rhythm of farniente… Nostalgic moments as a student when school is out and for months on end the call of adventure tempts us. Ito Kish calls himself the “Chief Visual Storyteller” and this summer he has written his most epic narrative yet — Summer Sojourn.
As you walk through his store, one imagines the home of an avid collector, a bohemian adventurer in the style of those discoverers at the turn of the 20th century, forgoing formal education for a lifetime of learning through steamboats and propeller planes across continents. Someone who thrives on encounters and immersion, taking a piece of each unique experience home with him. Culture and history intertwining, building bridges of time and space compressed into a small nook or an overflowing bookshelf.
“Kish has been around for 15 years,” explains Ito Kish. “We started with beautiful local products but then I felt it was nice to be at par with all the other stores elsewhere. So I take time to source unique pieces from across the world but this is the first time we have done a truly ‘Travel’ theme.”
Brass bowls done up like leaves swirling in the wind, faded portraits of famous composers hanging daintily on the wall, a ceramic rhinoceros perched like a human prized trophy from an imaginary hunting safari, vibrant singular pillows from Turkey accenting the streamlined freshness of mid-century Scandinavian furniture… A Burmese cabinet with origins that are unclear due to its timeless design… A gentle smiling Buddha that’s like an old friend who’s been with you at the darkest hour in the middle of nowhere… Nostalgic globes in aged paper next to faces of the tribes yet to be discovered… It’s the modern anthropologist’s home, to which travel is not just for pleasure or tourism but a soulful journey bringing him closer to the understanding of humanity.
What drives Ito Kish to scour the globe for these special items is this desire to make Manila a more exciting and cosmopolitan place. “Once during an interview, Tina Maristela-Ocampo was asked what were her favorite stores and she said Colette in Paris and then Kish. To me that is a great compliment and inspires me to continue doing what I love to do.” Kish takes great care during his buying trips to make sure there is no overlap in products with his competitors. “Of course Eric Paras of A11 and Chito and Ricky behind Firma and AC +632 they all have great taste and amazing displays but I know that just like me, if they know I am or someone else is carrying a product we won’t purchase it anymore. That gives variety to the market and ultimately makes Manila a more cosmopolitan place. I would like to think that this store is at par with what you see elsewhere in the world. That we can carry the same things, plus more than what you will find in New York, Paris, Hong Kong or Bangkok even.”
It isn’t however a question of simply being comprehensive, all the genius in Kish lies in the artistry of masterful curation. “Eclectic is often easily thrown around, but sometimes it’s just plain ugly and well, we label it as eclectic” say Kish laughingly. “It’s all about editing, curating the right pieces together, ensuring there is balance.” His displays are so well thought-out and each one with its own theme and personality. A fresher more modern setting with punchier colors and ethnic elements. A classic more European décor with vintage silver and old-world appeal. An almost zen-like mélange of modernized paper lanterns and serene buddhas. A tropical bohemian vibe with large plants and ikat accents.
“I want people to come into the store and get inspiration. This is why we decided to expand our book collection. We want people to come in and say — hey! I didn’t realize I could hang my vintage silver platters or put these two styles together. The store is not just to display things but hopefully help people see the potential of the objects and its individual beauty as well as the ensemble.”
Hence the title Chief Visual Storyteller, because not only is owning a piece from Kish the same as purchasing an item with a story, but also going an element to help write your own.
* * *
For the full story and interview, plus his favorite places to shop and a sneak preview of his newest design visit my travel lifestyle website — www.thegypsetters.net