The family jewels

I’m completely aware that this is not California in the 1840s, but I do believe I’ve struck gold! After sorting through tons of generic cookie-cutter jewelry designs on today’s market, Rambutan is a refreshing Manila find. Why march to the same beat when you can opt for a distinctive look that is ultra chic and incredibly unique?

The brainchild of mother-daughter team, Beng and Chat Fores, Rambutan was named in honor of the rambutan tree on the grounds of their ancestral home in New Manila which has been transformed into their showroom-cum-Chat’s office. Formally trained in interior design at Assumption, Chat took the board exams and landed a coveted position at Leandro V. Locsin Partners architectural firm. Here, Chat learned the importance of color, shape, design and made innovative use of Philippine materials while honing her artistic skills. She worked with the firm for six years until she set up her own office, aptly named Chatfores Design Studio three years ago. Dabbling in all things creative (dance, pottery-making and painting), it was only natural for Chat to translate her creative streak to jewelry-making next. Not only was it an obvious choice given her talents, but it was also part of her genetic makeup.

Designer mom Beng M. Fores, dramatically polished and intellectual, with a foreign service degree from UP to boot, put family first, accompanying her husband for further medical education in the US, and raised a family. When her children grew older, she capitalized on her creative instincts and designed serious jewelry for Benjo Bautista of De Capricho until the Asian crisis hit and legit baubles went out the door. It became increasingly difficult to collect payments so instead of discarding the design aspect, she swapped the South Sea Pearls for less expensive materials that were still high on style.

Everyone knows that the single most defining relationship in life is the one they have with their mother. It’s apparent that Chat is her mother’s daughter and that they have a strong, positive bond. Beng is a mentor and friend to her youngest and only daughter and has instilled many values and traits in Chat. Spending an afternoon with them was a treat as they seem like best buddies who can finish each other’s sentences and make everyone around them feel at ease. They are striking individuals who are gregarious, talkative, and plenty of fun. Bubbly personalities and creative minds in tow, this duo is successful in both family life and business.

Mammoth proportions and colossal color use embody the signature Rambutan style which isn’t for the fashion timid but strictly for the adventurous type. The minimalist days are way over and now’s the time to flaunt it if you’ve got it. These pieces are bold and beautiful, easily becoming not just conversation pieces but objects of people’s envy. They jazz up the simplest outfit and can be taken easily from day to night. Inspired by fashion and trendy colors, the Fores ladies can mentally concoct necklaces without even the materials on hand or can quickly design pieces with a glance at the available materials. Sourced both abroad on extensive travels and domestically at the Greenhills Mecca, materials consist of variously shaped pearls, beads, ranges of agates, jade, and glass. Pendants and brooches are often used as a focal point and the necklace is then worked around it. Necklaces can be short (chokers), mid-length or long (garlands and lariats) but always inventive and dazzling. Pieces are complemented by silver inserts, silk ribbons, lace, and tassles. Beng strings them herself with her magical techniques that turn scattered stones into works of art. The pieces usually colorful, and the ladies tend to use as many textures as possible. There is never a dull moment or necklace in the Fores working atmosphere. Entirely mirroring their personalities, the masterpieces are ingenious, vivacious and full of character.

Priced at P2,950, they are quite a steal. Some clients purchase by the dozen and consume the inventory quicker than the Fores ladies can sometimes make them! What makes them even more covetable is each piece is one of a kind. And we all know that bumping into someone with the same ornamentation as yours in Manila’s small social scene is dreadfully horrifying!

Creations aren’t limited to neckpieces. Beng and Chat create bags under the name Rambutan as well. The bags complement the jewelry they create and are lively additions to anyone’s wardrobe. Made of native materials ranging from grasses and bamboo to newspapers, there are totes you can sport in the city or on the beach. Embellished with appliqués, pom poms, flowers, lace, ribbons, patches, fabric, and even coins and medals, these large bags are lively and average around P1,000.

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, strike gold while it’s hot and pick up the perfect gift at Rambutan, 32 11th Street, New Manila, Quezon City. You can reach Chat at 0918-939-0813 or e-mail chatfores@pacific.net.ph.