Along with interior decorator, Raul Ramon "Ram" Lopez-Vito Bucoy II, renowned art gallery 1335/Mabini extends itself to create a lifestyle arm filled with awesome pieces and vintage furniture
Raul Ramon "Ram" Lopez-Vito Bucoy II refers to himself laughingly as the "prince of maximalism". Unlike some, this interior decorator isn't one to shy away from colours, prints, or textures. In fact, his biggest tip is this: "Don't be afraid to mismatch things".
Taking inspiration from his travels here and overseas, Ram Bucoy now finds himself working on a new and exciting project—one that allows his creativity to really run wild. At the moment, he is the curator behind 1335/Mabini's lifestyle arm, Shop/1335. A renowned art gallery, 1335/Mabini is known for hosting exhibits that showcase up and coming contemporary artists within the country. Stretching now into the lifestyle arena, 1335/Mabini launches Shop/1335 a "jewel box" that contains treasures both old and new, artworks, furniture pieces, and objets d'art that anybody can take home.
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There is an eclectic feel to Shop/1335: all its corners are decorated with something to inspire. "Every piece in Shop/1335 is a nod to the past and the current and every piece has a story to go along with it," explains Bucoy. From sculptural lighting systems to colourful candles, throws, and paintings, Bucoy and Shop/1335 have assembled a flotsam of incredible pieces that can add life to any home.
"I was [always] very cognisant of how art and one's environment can and affect one's life," Bucoy muses. "Art is everywhere from graffiti on a side alley to simple everyday things and as an interior decorator, it trains your eye to be a curator of sorts. A good friend referred me to the new owner of 1335/Mabini who happens to know my family in Bacolod and we hit it off instantly. I was given free rein to play with the space from decorating to even sourcing out pieces from vendors."
Through his magic touch, Bucoy has pieced together a space that is both comprehensive and chaotic (in the best of ways). "With Shop/1335, I have taken an artistic approach to life based on my travels here and overseas, juxtaposing new and old pieces that you think won’t work but works," he says.
