Cover The Ibon Collection by Casa Juan
The Ibon Collection by Casa Juan
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The Ibon Collection features four avian species endemic to the Philippines and pays homage to the country’s rich biodiversity
Just in time for Women’s History Month, female-founded homeware brand Casa Juan proudly unveils its newest collection of table pieces inspired by Filipino heritage. The Ibon Collection, comprising four sets of salad and dinner plates, will surely enthral guests at your next dinner party with delightful illustrations of tropical birds endemic to the Philippines.
The collection features four avian species native to the country: the Palawan flowerpecker, the red-eared parrotfinch, the cinnamon ibon, and the blue-headed fantail. Casa Juan’s founder Michelle Fontelera proudly shares, “Our pieces are intended to become conversation starters, a chance for us to talk about the beauty of the Philippines.”
Related: Learn tablescaping with a Filipino twist from Michelle Fontelera
Above Blue-headed fantail from the Ibon Collection by Casa Juan
Above Red-eared parrotfinch from the Ibon Collection by Casa Juan
Blue-headed fantail from the Ibon Collection by Casa Juan
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The Philippines is home to 237 endemic bird species. While conceptualising the brand’s next collection, Fontelera thought of again highlighting the country’s bounty of natural treasures, turning her focus onto colourful sunbirds. “They are beautiful winged creatures that do not get as much featured.”
Fontelera hopes the world “can appreciate the beauty of our natural resources and our country” through her brand. Previous collections from Casa Juan featured other elements and motifs of Filipino culture such as Ikat prints, batik patterns, and traditional terno, to name a few. The brand also connects with local designers and artisan communities in developing their products. They have also launched several collections with renowned designer Rajo Laurel.
“We ignite our creativity in finding ways to integrate local weaves and elements into our products. Hopefully [we can] ultimately keep the tradition of the craft alive,” the founder shares.
More from Tatler: Editor’s picks: 10 designer pieces and collaborations to check out
Above Palawan Flowerpecker from the Ibon Collection by Casa Juan
Above Cinnamon ibon from the Ibon Collection by Casa Juan
Palawan Flowerpecker from the Ibon Collection by Casa Juan
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Part of the proceeds from the sale of the Ibon Collection will go towards the feeding programmes of the non-profit organisation Reach Out and Feed Philippines Inc., which aims to fight hunger and widespread malnutrition. In 2023, Casa Juan supported their initiatives in Batu-Batu Central School in Tawi-Tawi, “Through this collaboration, we can also bring joy and nutrition to the less fortunate—all while inviting them to our table in a symbolic way.”
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Credits
Images: Courtesy of Casa Juan
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
