Cover 'Sol Dorado' by Dominic Rubio pictured with Casa Juan x Dominic Rubio clocks depicting the same painting (Photo: Julianna Cabili)
'Sol Dorado' by Dominic Rubio pictured with Casa Juan x Dominic Rubio clocks depicting the same painting (Photo: Julianna Cabili)
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Casa Juan expands its homeware line with side tables, jewellery boxes, clocks and serving trays
In another addition to a prestigious lineup of homeware products, Casa Juan has released a limited array of artistically-styled functional furniture. The new collection is a product of Casa Juan’s partnership with esteemed contemporary artist Dominic Rubio. The artist is known for his quirky and distinctive “people types” donning traditional Filipino clothing. This commemorates the first time Casa Juan is expanding to homeware, having only produced dinnerware in the past. The collection was unveiled during an intimate gathering held last April 30 in Galerie Joaquin at Powerplant Mall.
The collection captures the signature nostalgic flair of Rubio’s work in a range of products, including tables, serving trays, jewellery boxes and clocks. Casa Juan founder Michelle Fontelera says, “The idea was to promote purposeful Filipino art. This is art that you can actually use.” Accessible but still exclusive, only 100 pieces have been made of each product. The art is derived from two of Rubio’s works: Paseo en Moto, which is currently on exhibit at Galerie Joaquin’s location in Madrid, and Sol Dorado.
Related: Diversify your table setting with this stunning collection of plates by Casa Juan
Above 'Sol Dorado' depicted on a Casa Juan x Dominic Rubio side table
Above 'Sol Dorado' depicted on a Casa Juan x Dominic Rubio jewellery box
'Sol Dorado' depicted on a Casa Juan x Dominic Rubio side table
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The working relationship between the two began with a Facebook friend request and an exchange of online messages. “Dominic has been my favourite painter for the longest time and I didn’t even know him personally,” she shares. Rubio and Fontelera met up in person for the first time over lunch and set the course for a memorable artistic partnership.
The line was originally supposed to include only plates, but Fontelera was inspired to “make something different” with Casa Juan, thus she came up with the idea for the serving tray. “It’s beautiful and precious, but it’s still useful. It’s something they can put on display.” Rubio regards the tray as his favourite piece in the entire collection. The occasion also marks the first time Rubio is lending his art to merchandise.
“This is special to me because [through this collaboration], we are able to share the Filipino way of life to art enthusiasts,” he shares.
More from Tatler: Learn tablescaping with a Filipino twist from Michelle Fontelera
Above 'Paseo en Moto' depicted on a Casa Juan x Dominic Rubio serving tray (Photo: Courtesy of Casa Juan)
Above 'Sol Dorado' depicted on a Casa Juan x Dominic Rubio serving tray (Photo: Courtesy of Casa Juan)
'Paseo en Moto' depicted on a Casa Juan x Dominic Rubio serving tray (Photo: Courtesy of Casa Juan)
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“This is special to me because [through this collaboration], we are able to share the Filipino way of life to art enthusiasts,” he shares.
Fontelera hints at a next Casa Juan collaboration with Rubio which will include more paintings by the artist. She reveals, “It will definitely be a much bigger project with more designs based on other paintings. We consider this to be a trial but we’re very much happy with the turnout.”
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About
Julianna has been interested in leading a literary life since she first read Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess at eight. Before working with Tatler, she was an archive intern at The Center for Fiction in Brooklyn, New York. She is a textbook Pisces who devotes most of her spare time to her crochet projects, watching classic films, and going through her never-ending pile of unread books. She studied creative writing, global literature and art history at Sarah Lawrence College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2022. Toni Morrison, Nora Ephron, Clarice Lispector and Jia Tolentino are among her all-time favourite writers.
Work
Julianna writes about fashion, beauty, sustainability, and the arts. She is always keen on conducting interviews with talented women who are changing the game in their respective fields.
For event invites and story leads, hit her up at julianna.cabili@tatlerasia.com
