Cover Keep an eye out for unique designs made by both seasoned veterans and up-and-coming visionaries at Manila FAME 2025 (Photo: courtesy of Manila FAME)
Keep an eye out for unique designs made by both seasoned veterans and up-and-coming visionaries at Manila FAME 2025 (Photo: courtesy of Manila FAME)
1 / 1
Tatler+
Manila FAME
Highlighting authentic crafts laden with heritage and culture, Manila FAME 2025 promises nothing short of excellence
Whether woven, attached or assembled, Filipino craftsmanship shines once more at Manila FAME 2025. Celebrating its 73rd year, it is the premier trade fair encompassing home, fashion and lifestyle, where each handmade piece is the result of countless hours of toiling and ingenuity. It isn’t just about what’s on display, but the profound efforts behind what led to them in the first place.
Launched in 1983, Manila FAME has been supporting and showcasing Philippine micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and artisan communities from the home, fashion, and lifestyle sectors through capacity-building efforts, collaborations with international design figures and networking activities with buyers from around the world.
More from Manila FAME: Manila FAME 2024 champions Filipino designers through upcoming trade fair
Above Manila FAME 2025 highlights Philippine craftsmanship and fosters the next generation of talent (Photo: courtesy of Manila FAME)
Manila FAME 2025 highlights Philippine craftsmanship and fosters the next generation of talent (Photo: courtesy of Manila FAME)
1 / 1
This year’s theme, ‘Objects of Nature,’ celebrates the Filipino artistry that is so sought-after across the world. “The word ‘nature’ refers to our physical world, and it can also mean the qualities that are basic or inherent to a person or an object,” Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) executive director Leah Pulido-Ocampo explains. “Within these contexts, ‘Objects of Nature’ has Manila FAME going right into the heart of what we do best. In the process, we unveil the unique selling propositions of our products that have made the Philippines a must-visit sourcing destination for design.”
This multifaceted approach to what nature can mean to each individual leads to greater strides of not just creativity, but sustainability. There is heavy emphasis on the usage of recycled and upcycled materials, or design integrations skewed towards this very purpose. Overall, the message is clear: a harmonious relationship between man and their environment. Nature is one of humanity’s first muses when it comes to works of craftsmanship, and Manila FAME 2025 is a perfect tribute to this. From October 16 to 18 at the World Trade Center, visitors can find handcrafted items made using indigenous materials and products that are designed to enhance how we live in our homes. Lighting, home décor, fashion, furniture—the one constant between them is the passion poured into them.
See more: Dining at home in style with Sheila Romero: from cooking to setting the perfect dinner table
Among the designers attending this highly anticipated trade fair are Patti Carpenter, Milo Naval and Tony Gonzales, held with great regard and esteem in their fields.
Above New York-based Patti Carpenter returns to Manila FAME 2025 as an artisan development mentor (Photo: courtesy of Manila FAME)
New York-based Patti Carpenter returns to Manila FAME 2025 as an artisan development mentor (Photo: courtesy of Manila FAME)
1 / 1
Above Patti Carpenter has worked across various provinces in the Philippines (Photo: courtesy of Manila FAME)
Patti Carpenter has worked across various provinces in the Philippines (Photo: courtesy of Manila FAME)
1 / 1
Patti Carpenter
A year after her appearance at last year’s Manila FAME, New York-based Patti Carpenter returns to the Philippines as an artisan development mentor. She has been deeply involved in the country’s many handcrafting communities and sectors in Bohol, Ilocos Sur and Quirino. The award-winning global trend ambassador and principal of carpenter+company will spearhead Artisans Village, a main component of the trade show that provides marketing and technical assistance to MSMEs.
“It’s been so interesting to work with provinces across the country,” Carpenter enthuses. “The way that I often approach things is that I look to see what they make, the capacity that they have already, what the raw materials are like, and where they're sourcing them—because those things play into the capability that they have.”
She affirms that colour holds a majority stake in what makes any piece stand out. “Colour is about 85% of the reason that a buyer, a customer, walks over to a product,” she explains, “so having the right colours was very important to me.” She chose ocean blue, olive and terracotta—earthy, grounded tones, to make up the catalogue.
Above Milo Naval is marrying modernity with the traditional feel of nature (Photo: courtesy of Manila FAME)
Milo Naval is marrying modernity with the traditional feel of nature (Photo: courtesy of Manila FAME)
1 / 1
Milo Naval
Already comfortable working with nature as a muse, designer Milo Naval joins Manila FAME 2025 to showcase modern design through the lens of flora, fauna and island landscapes. His style is noted for his minimalist approach, which will become apparent at the trade fair.
"My concept and direction—Home at Fame," Naval says, "Will lead to a modern adaptation of what, to me, is nature." His items will be showcased in his distinct style: an all white background with his pieces in all black for stunning contrast. This simple act keeps eyes firmly on the excellence and flair of his work.
Above Tony Gonzales is heading 'Elements of Nature' at Manila FAME's Design Commune (Photo: courtesy of Manila FAME)
Tony Gonzales is heading 'Elements of Nature' at Manila FAME's Design Commune (Photo: courtesy of Manila FAME)
1 / 1
Above Uzel Alconera, Tony Gonzales and Jim Torres (Photo: courtesy of Manila FAME)
Uzel Alconera, Tony Gonzales and Jim Torres (Photo: courtesy of Manila FAME)
1 / 1
Tony Gonzales
Working closely with Manila FAME 2025’s main theme of ‘Objects of Nature’, award-winning designer Tony Gonzales is heading one of the fair’s signature components—Design Commune. This year, under this showcase, he is setting up ‘Elements of Nature.’
He is collaborating with three young creatives to help exhibitors select and create home and holiday items: interior and object designer Uzel Alconera; furniture brand Zarate Manila founder and creative director Jim Zarate Torres; and product designer and creative strategist Jaime Brias. “We broke down the collection into three portions [based on the elements] of earth, air, and water,” Gonzales explains.
To Gonzales, it is chiefly about how to elevate the pieces we have with what we have. By transforming simple furniture into works of art, it spotlights not only the excellence of the materials involved, but the craftsmanship and mastery required. Overall, he hopes for Design Commune to encourage, uplift and spark creativity in a new generation of talented designers.
Attend Manila FAME 2025, built on the theme ‘Objects of Nature.’ Register on fameplus.com and follow them on Facebook on ManilaFAMEOfficial and Instagram @manilafame.
NOW READ
Home tour: a verdant family home balancing heritage and sustainability in Laguna, Philippines
Designing a bathroom for two: Duravit makes a strong case for the double sink
Italy in Rockwell: Scavolini launches its new showroom at the Proscenium Residences
About
Tobias wants to write things that make people think, laugh, and reflect. He’s especially proud when he can sneak in a cheeky pop-culture reference or a pun in his titles and articles.
He possesses a deep love of history, resulting from years of books, games, and museum visits. It was this fascination with the human endeavour that fostered his love of writing, spanning genres, tones, and moods. He one day hopes to write a novel—he just hasn't decided on a genre yet. A certified homebody, you'll often find him on the computer he built himself, binge-watching Seinfeld or House, playing his favourite gacha game, or reading a book.
Work
Tobias is a features writer that specialises in branded content. Reach out to him at tobias.tomas@tatlerasia.com.
