Inside ArteFino Fair 2024: Patty Eustaquio for Bayo Atelier, Leeroy New’s installation, and more

The KaPAMANA initiative encourages the ArteFino community to explore innovative and creative approaches. “When we briefed our brand partners, it felt like a full circle moment for us,” says Francisco. “We have always emphasised instilling culture and heritage in the next generation. Now, we’re focusing on contemporary expressions rooted in our history—heritage, but not in an old-fashioned way."

This year’s theme was communicated through a campaign featuring partner brands and muses sharing stories of heritage and legacy-building. Photographed by fashion icon Jo Ann Bitagcol, accomplished personalities from various industries were paired with brands that embody their ethos and sensibilities, ensuring diverse representation.

The fair will happen from August 22 to 25, 2024 at The Fifth at Rockwell. During this four-day celebration, the events hall will be transformed into a vibrant discovery space for over 100 heritage brands and products.

The central display area, which welcomes visitors to the fair, will showcase artist Leeroy New’s installation of Sacred Heart art pieces. “Leeroy’s Sacred Heart figures first debuted in ArteFino in collaboration with Rags2Riches last year,” says Lopez-Vargas. By bringing art installation into the first touch point of the fair, the tone is set for fresh perspectives and a new creative language.

Leeroy New’s works are inspired by the ongoing dialogue with sustainability. “He identifies with ArteFino in that sense. New works with existing materials, turning them into installations that provoke thought. For this year, we are interspersing his Sacred Heart pieces with products that will be showcased at the fair,” says Lopez-Vargas.

The Sacred Heart lamps of the artist will also be available for sale.

Related: Leeroy New on his monumental works, Mebuyan’s Colony and Mebuyan’s Vessel

At the heart of the ArteFino movement is the HeArteFino Foundation. The advocacy-centric initiative is dedicated to supporting specific communities or crafts around the Philippines. “We work with communities, one at a time so that we can focus on supporting them,” explains Lopez-Vargas.

This year, HeArteFino will serve as a platform for a limited edition collection by multi-media artist Patty Eustaquio for Bayo Atelier. “Bayo Atelier is constantly exploring how we can create new blends and weaves made of natural fibre. For HeArteFino, we sought to elevate this through design,” Lopez-Vargas says.

Eustaquio’s collaboration with Bayo Atelier marks her return to fashion design. She has reimagined the still-life genre by using objects from the past. As she returns to her design roots, she lends the same point of view in art to creating zero-waste garments.

Black and white prints featured on the garments were drawn from photographs of Eustaquio’s past artworks. “I used these photos as materials for a lot of my works like tapestry and silks. I also use them as motifs. It was fun translating them into clothing for this collaboration.” Like art, only a limited number of pieces will be produced for the fair. Each one will feature an embroidered signature of the artist. 

Anna Lagon of Bayo Atelier views the collection as a demonstration of circular fashion, showcasing how it can be achieved through collaboration. “What we are doing is not just for Bayo Atelier or Patty Eustaquio. We are working towards showcasing an example of how circular fashion can be realised.”

This partnership highlights the communities supported by Bayo and embodies ArteFino’s mission to draw from heritage while embracing innovation. The initiative continues to evolve, passing down legacies through new ideas and collaborations.

For more information, visit artefinoph.com.

NOW READ

July 2024 Beauty Radar: Lancôme, Kayali, and more

Lipstick Day 2024: 18 best lip tints and balms for long-lasting colour and hydration

July 2024 Style Radar: Vania Romoff bridal studio, Tory Burch summer collection, and more