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See what's in store at Guava Sketches for the month of February
When Greenbelt 3 underwent renovations in 2019, many stores were affected. Guava Sketches, which was brand new back then, had to relocate eventually to the third floor of Greenbelt 5. Now in a space that is less than half of its original 180 sq m, the boutique sells furniture, items for the home, clothing and accessories.
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Guava Sketches began in 2016 with little pop-ups in Greenbelt and other venues. It sold home accessories and other wares online that its founders, Jennifer and Joan Cantemprate, thought were aesthetically pleasing. The Cantemprate sisters' mum was an interior designer, influencing their taste and design beliefs.
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"We like functional and well-thought-out items," says Joan. The sisters prescribe to the tenet that “good design is a concept”. They quote Dieter Rams, a German designer associated with the brand Braun and the British furniture company Vitsœ. "The concept makes a product useful and understandable, innovative, aesthetically beautiful, unobtrusive, honest, long-lasting, thorough to the last details, environmentally-friendly and involves as little design as possible."
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When choosing merchandise for Guava Sketches, the Cantemprate sisters also look for handcrafting and sustainability. One of their first collaborations in 2016 was with designer Carl Jan Cruz, who has a similar ethos. In Guava Sketches today, you'll find items by Jude Macasinag, Gabby Lichauco, Rita Nazareno, Liliana Manahan, Bubk, Ware Co, E Murio, Otto Bjornik, Kila Objects, Manila Paper Trail, Lao Lainben Books, and Geof Gonzales, among many others. The store’s merchandise comes from all over the globe.
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Joan's fashion sense leans towards the artistic, utilitarian, and organic. "I love how designers play with materials, colours, and shapes to create something functional. Understanding how people behave, their way of life, their interests, and their needs is vital to good designers’ work. And fashion is an industry which is also sustained by healthy commerce," she says.
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Stylist Michael Salientes describes Guava Sketches as "a wonderland filled with specially stocked one-off pieces. I get inspired by Joan's fresh, playful and careful curation." Designer Puey Quiñones says, “It’s a unique, modern and very well-curated store.”
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Although the Covid-19 pandemic hit the store hard—as it did many shops—Guava Sketches had several pocket events and promotions to stay afloat. "We are grateful to our loyal customers, collaborators, and suppliers. It proved that besides numbers and business tools, building solid and tight relationships is key to success."
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On February 13-14, Guava Sketches will be at The Peninsula Manila’s Valentine’s pop-up event, where they will offer special gift sets in collaboration with the hotel’s flower shop and bakery. Box Camera Ph will be present to do photo sessions on the 14th. While on February 16-19, Guava Sketches will have a retail space on the 4th floor of Art Fair Philippines featuring items from the Philippines, Spain and Japan.
Guava Sketches is located at Level 3, Unit 37 Greenbelt 5 Phase 1, Ayala Center, Makati.
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Credits
Images: Joan Cantemprante (Guava Sketches)
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