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Now at The Fifth, Rockwell, ArteFino returns with a bigger space and a wider variety of brands
“It is a place where you can be very proud of your culture,” ArteFino co-founder Marimel Francisco tells Tatler. Lovers of Filipino arts and crafts frequent the annual artisanal fair for items that espouse Filipino artistry; this year, they are expected to see more than 150 brands at The Fifth at Rockwell, Powerplant Mall.
Since its launch in 2017, ArteFino has been regarded as a cultural movement that champions Philippine creativity and heritage. It nurtures an inclusive community through its festival grounds serving as a launch pad for countless local designers, social enterprises, and emerging sustainable brands.
“These crafts have a direct link to our culture,” Francisco explains further. “We do this [festival] because they are such meaningful aspects of our identity.”
In case you missed it: Just In Time for Holiday Festivities: Head to ‘Presente’ by ArteFino
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Items ranging from fashion, home, design, and lifestyle categories will grace this year’s fest. Guided by the theme, Reuse Repurpose and Regenerate, this year’s Arteino amplifies a distinctly Filipino point of view in creating sustainable fashion.
“Every brand has to go through a selection process where they have to present to us a concept of their collection that they want to launch through ArteFino. It has to be fresh and exclusive [to us],” Francisco explains.
More from Tatler: LOOK: Artefino 2022 Opens in Rockwell With a Bang
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, ArteFino poured its time into making an online market that allows local craftsmen to showcase and sell their works. This year, the team only has its eyes on on-site events.
“We feel like for the products we offer, it is always best for the patrons to appreciate it in person,” says Francisco.
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Happening on August 24 to 27, ArteFino features different sections such as ArteFino Finds where visitors can see hand-picked selections from the team; and The Barracks, a dedicated space for men curated by Ram Lopez-Vito Buccoy.
For Francisco, the four-day festival is meant to be appreciated at a much slower and more relaxed pace. “When you come here there’s a tendency to be overwhelmed or overstimulated; but just take the time to breathe, relax, and come back every day. It's like a museum, right? You can’t take it all in in one day,” she advises.
“And when you go through, take your time with each brand and really get into the story that the products tell; that is what will really help you appreciate it. Talk to the people behind every design, ask about their processes; it's so inspiring how creative they are,” she concludes.
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Credits
Images: ArteFino
Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
