DeXign Global Philippines: Elevating the ASEAN Trade through Design

MANILA, Philippines - Design and craftsmanship from multiple points of the world are set to engage in creative confluence and trade promotions as the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) export promotions arm, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), launches DeXign Global Philippines this October 17-20, 2013 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, Philippines.

As the newest addition to the roster of events for Asia’s design and lifestyle event Manila FAME, Dexign Global Philippines strengthens the country’s stance as the design destination of Asia by bringing together under one pavilion a range of international designers and manufacturers for home and fashion. In this exhibit of their inherent styles and brands of artisanship, buyers and exhibitors are able to tap into both the local and global markets and be in the middle of trendspotting, market assessment, and active exchange of ideas among the design-driven community.

A Spotlight on the ASEAN

In anticipation of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015, the maiden presentation of DeXign Global Philippines provides a special focus on the ASEAN region with a broader product mix of artisanal and industrial crafts from the ASEAN regions along with other countries from all over the globe. Such wide range of offerings for the four-day affair includes furniture, clothing, footwear, jewelry, household items, textiles, leather goods, visual/graphic art, stoneware, kitchen and tableware, linens, glass, mirror and crystals, floor coverings, lamps and lighting, toys, personal care products, candles and spa products, among others.

“With an aggressively expanding retail sector, a liberalized retail landscape, and a flourishing economy and tourism industry, the Philippines is ready to become a catalyst for a more robust inter- and intra-regional trade and attract a sizeable number of exhibitors for the launch of DeXign Global Philippines,” exclaims Rosvi Gaetos, Executive Director of CITEM. “Hence, through DeXign Global Philippines, we intend to expand our exhibitor base and create an opportunity for international manufacturers and designers to tap into the booming Philippine retail and contract markets.”

Where Local and Global Design Luminaries Converge

Dexign Global Philippines optimizes the trade one-stop sourcing activity as it features the work of renowned designers acquainted to the ASEAN for a unique exhibition of skills, talents, and craftsmanship. Gracing the show are design icons Bill Keith, Arik Levy, Anon Pairot, Kanchana Sisane, David Tham, Alvin Tjitrowirjo, Hazree Wahid, and Masataka Hosoo and Toru Tsuji of Kyoto 6: Japan Handmade.

Bill Keith, one of Malaysia’s fashion icons, is known to many as a connoisseur of class and elegance. Not afraid of individuality and contradictions when it comes to his creations, his designs portray his personal values and appreciation for feminine beauty. Paris-based designer Arik Levy, on the other hand, translates his concepts into impressive sculptures such as his signature rock pieces and installations.

Thai modern design artist and visionary Anon Pairot, famous for his artful and functional pieces that poetically imbibe industrial modernism with local craft instincts is known for his practical designs that can be incorporated in everyday use. Meanwhile, Laos-based Kanchana Sisane continues to uphold her family’s tradition of making high-end traditional textiles through their business called Kanchana: The Beauty of Lao Silk which offers chic and traditional woven fabric.

Singapore-based David Tham, one of the founders of design consultancy firm Studio Norm, promotes functionality as an integral part of the company’s design philosophy that is engaged in lifestyle, hospitality, interior, and entertainment design. Conversely, Indonesian artist Alvin Tjitrowirjo is dedicated in creating culture-enriched designs that appeal to contemporary consumers. His creations signify a new approach to modern design, which is further highlighted in his avant-garde brand AlvinT.

Not to be missed is Pakistani designer Hazree Wahid who has mastered decadence and opulence with his meticulous attention to detail. Wahid’s brand, which is the marriage of two cultures, has successfully penetrated the European fashion market through his participation at Paris Who's Next 2011. Finally, Masataka Hosoo and Toro Tsuji, who are parts of Kyoto 6: Japan Handmade carries on to bring traditional charm and techniques that create modern Japanese crafts with three-dimensional weaving techniques and a popularized wire-netting crafting of handmade utensils.

“With rich talent and resources at the helm, Dexign Global Philippines is a melting pot for business and design. We are optimistic that with the support we have gained from some of the world’s design luminaries, we are also able to drive business and set a new standard for home and fashion trade events,” notes Gaetos.

To know more about DeXign Global Philippines, contact email [email protected].