Chef Aaron Isip turns his Poblacion flat in Makati, Philippines, into a handcrafted haven inspired by the natural world
"For me, wabi-sabi means respecting nature and decay, seeing the beauty in decay,” says Aaron Isip. “It’s about celebrating the beauty of imperfection.” The Gault-Millau-awarded chef draws inspiration from the natural world in all aspects of his life, whether that’s prioritising seasonal, local produce in his dishes or in how he decorates his own personal space. “It’s all about lending integrity to the raw materials and letting them be as they are.”
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Rooted in Japanese culture, the principles of wabi-sabi are based on the acceptance of transience, the impermanent and imperfect beauty of nature. Falling leaves during autumn, gnarled wizened trees, cracked dried earth. “Although the philosophy began in Japan, it can be applied to any aesthetic, even French design,” explains Isip. “Think of un-restored antique French furniture, wrought iron or oxidised copper, things with age and patina.”
Filipinos are such good craftsmen, and it makes sense to me to highlight this