Powerplant Mall, Rockwell was deemed the ideal venue for more than 150 brands that will be showcased in a span of five weeks. Each week will introduce a new roster of labels across the categories of fashion, accessories, fine jewellery, home, and children's wear. A special section called Barracks will also be set up as a curated space for men to lounge, shop, and sip on local artisanal brews.

The Festival will also introduce 44 new designers and brands, each one hand-picked by ArteFino founders Susie Quiros, Mita Rufino, Maritess Pineda, Cedie Lopez-Vargas, and Francisco herself. 

"There's just so many things this year. Venue-wise, we are inside the mall. We are in our 400-square metre space beside here in the morning. And since that's not enough space for us, what we're going to do is we're going to rotate the brands on a weekly basis. So every week, there will be a new set of brands," Francisco disclosed.

"Almost 40 per cent of our vendors this year are new. It speaks of the emergence of social enterprises and a deeper understanding of sustainable living. This year's roster will show the many layers of responsible retailing that include going hyperlocal and employing fair trade practices," she explained further. 

Related: Introducing ArteFino Fair

Brand narratives, purpose, and links to the community are considerations that factor into the selection of vendors. The reason being ArteFino wants its vendors to be prepared for the global market. 

"We had a very tough selection process, which some people liken to doing a thesis or academic paperwork. With the deck that we require, we ask brands about their mission and vision," Francisco shared.

"We see to it that they really upcycle or work with communities. A community can be in a far-flung area or, for example, just a community of sewers in a house," the co-founder added. "So with regard to the upcycling challenge, the brands had to present concepts about the products that they were going to launch."

Read more: How Craftsman Cyrus Dan Cañares Funds His Travels Through Furniture Art

The ArteFino Festival will also set the stage for pocket events and workshops. These open more doors and avenues for both creators and consumers to connect. Other festival highlights that round up the ArteFino experience are Eats by ArteFino, a collaborative effort with The Seven Pantry that will whet appetites with the best local flavours. A dedicated soundtrack curated by Tarsier Records will also bring a piece of the ArteFino festival to everyone's playlist.

"When consumers come to ArteFino, we want them to experience the festival with an open mind and an open heart. [We want them to] get to know the products, not just aesthetically, but to delve deeper into the stories behind them," said Francisco. 

Author's Note: The ArteFino festival 2022 will happen from August 25 to September 28 on the ground floor of the Powerplant Mall. Those who seek timely updates and additional information may follow the group's official Instagram account @ArteFinoph.

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