16 Favorite Things from Manila Fame 2014

Attending the Manila Fame Show has always been a family event for us. The family Business, Alriver Export always participates in this show, as it is the Philippines’ premiere design and lifestyle exposition. Foreign buyers from all over the world fly all the way to Manila to see what the Philippines can offer in terms of home, fashion, and holiday décor and trends.

This year, we decided to take a break. We opted not to join and just focus all our efforts to our 2015 collections as well as preparing for the Frankfurt Christmasworld show on January 2015. It’s a huge business risk, but it is a good try.

For the past 8 years, Manila fame means work to me but now it's different. I’m now a guest rather than an exhibitor (which is a a good relief). Now I can take my time to just go around and really appreciate all the exhibits and displays.

With my sisters Angel & Nanette (a.k.a Mom)

We came early. The lobby and escalators weren't  busy yet.

Because I grew up in this industry, I was able to train my mind and eyes to look for trends and inspirations in a flash. I'm proud to say I got this from my Mom. Anyway, let me sum up my Thursday Morning at the SMX by listing my 16 Favorite things from the  Fame show....

16.  Double Cup Teacup

Imagine drinking tea without worrying about getting burned or something.  

Mee Jin Studio  from Korea came up with a brilliant solution to this! They invented a double cup to keep the tea warm without you worrying about holding the hot cup.

The inner cup keeps the tea warm while the outer cup acts as the insulator. No handles on this, awesome isn't it?  It also has this cute little bird by its rim which acts as the tea bag holder plus adds to its cuteness, haha!

My sister Angel was intrigued with these beautiful hand painted tea cups

This is just perfect especially for Tea fans

15.  365 days of Sunshine

Island girl makes sure everyday is summer with their fun sandals, bags, and accessories. 

Super Fun Cap with handmade floral details

Eye candy Statement bags; yes.. let's get away from it all!

Fun Sandals (I specially love the ones with the starfish)

14.  Those pillows! 

Exceptional home accents made from high quality fabrics and techniques. Tara Design's pillow cases really caught my attention. Who would not be amazed with these?

Those animal pillows are just so awesome!

13.  Iced Tea Fashion 

Believe it or not... Iced tea can be fashionable! It may sound funny but Kilus Foundation made it happen!

Bags and accessories made from recycled food packaging

Yes, these are made from Iced Tea packs! So Awesome!

12.  Bright and flirty Tassels

Tassels were originally made to be accessories for the curtains but it is definitely more than that. Tassels have evolved as an all around home decor. I love how Our Handmade Heritage made it so hip, fun, and modern. 

Fun and sophisticated Napkin Holders

They've got all the colors available!

11.  Let's go Tropical

I just love anything fruity! 

Pineapple Ceramic Jars & Cases by ASIA CERAMICS PHILIPPINES;
Beaded and Fruity coin purses by ISLAND GIRL

10. Gold and Teal

I think this color combination is just fabulous! You have the traditional Christmas glitz that is gold plus the warm and rich Teal color. I would love to have these gift boxes!

Handmade Treasures by Balex Boxes of Laguna

9. Natural Art 

Wood decorations always bring out this warm and homey feeling. Florsan's Handicrafts is one of the pioneers and certainly the best when it comes to using drift wood as prime material for rustic home furnishings. 

Wide eyed Owls would be excellent home accent pieces

Wall decor with written messages

Well hello there Sea Mermaids!

Assorted wall and table furnishings

Added Bonus... I got to see and take a photo with the one and only Madame Imelda Marcos :)
#Indaymoment

8. Bright, Red, and Natural

Baguio Based Company Philippine Treasures truly lives out the Christmas vibe with their Bright Reds and Greens. I love how real their berries look and how lush their Christmas trees are.

 

Those berries look so real

Did you know that Philippine Treasures uses dried leaves and flowers
for this collection; talk about having "real" Christmas trees

7. It's all about the dainty details

Dekokraft's high-quality resin figures need no further explanation. They are just so pretty!  I just love how detailed and intricate each one is. 

Stars the Limit!

Floral Baubles 

Table top Christmas trees and Angels

Blue Green Coloration is one fun color scheme for Christmas

6. Christmas Romance

I was immediately magnetized to this collection by Geuel Handicrafts. Rose Gold for Christmas is not bad at all... in fact, it's brilliant because it can pass as a year round color. This is just perfect for those who would want to be festive for the entire year (or... just lazy to take out their Christmas decors hahaha)

Rose, Gold, Copper, and Beige colors

5. Wire me Up!

Philippine Concorde is known for their high quality wire and metal Christmas ornaments. For those wanting a more modern approach to holiday decorating, these metal pieces would just be perfect.

All white and "Frozen" 

Glittered and Gold

4. Color and Whimsy

Christmas will not be complete without our favorite Icons--- Santa and Frosty the Snowman, the Christmas elves, Polar bears, Penguins, and Angels. Jalikee brings out all the colors and whimsy of our favorite season with their metal pieces, all glittered and hand painted.

Aren't these the cutest set of Christmas Ornaments?

Hello Santa and friends!

Charming Christmas trees and Angels with that crafty look

Festive Table top Decorations

3. Handcrafted and Scented 

I've always loved candles. There's something so comforting with a bright and well scented Candle. 

Alice Blue happens to be one of my favorites. I have their White tea and Ginger in our bedroom and Grandma's Kitchen in our kitchen. White Tea is just so relaxing while Grandma's Kitchen is energizing. I love how the kitchen smells like coffee and dessert at the same time. 

Aside from the Soy Candles, Alice blue also has reed diffusers and liquid scents for air purifiers.

There's my favorite Grandma's Kitchen and White tea & Ginger; I can't wait
for their holiday line (heard it will smell like cinnamon, yummm!)

Teddy Bear Metal Candle holder (notice the small candle on top? that's another variation
for Alice blue. It's not made from soy so it turns out cheaper (but the scent is still the same)

Apart from my favorite Alice Blue, Manila fame opened its doors to exhibitors and artists from other countries. My sister and I were lucky to meet Hyun-ju Oh, the Korean artist behind NOO.  Noo in Chinese then translated to English means wax drippings. 

Anyway, I fell in love with the works of Ms. Oh. Her candles replicate the intricacies of the traditional Korean potteries. She used natural palm wax and fragrances to enhance her porcelain looking candles. 

Korean Artist Hyun-ju Oh of NOO Candles

These are just beautiful! It's amazing how the art of candle and pottery making were
merged into one astounding new art form.

2. Pretty White and Pretty Precious 

Bone China is said to be one of the finest types of Porcelain. Only skilled artisans can make such beautiful pieces. CSM International is certainly one of the best in the world with this type of product. Whenever I go to the Fame show, I always make it a point to visit CSM's booth. Everything is just beautiful! 

Japanese origami and graffiti inspired collection was designed by German designer
 Detlef Klatt for CSM

 I was pleasantly surprised with these decorative yet functional spoons, super cute!

White with a touch of color

Vases with various patterns

This bunny's so cute!!! 

I can't get over how pretty this is. It reminds me of watercolor brush strokes

1. THE Special Setting

Citem collaborated with the very talented German designer Detlef Klatt to feature a fine collection of Handcrafted tabletop pieces. He was tasked to design a special setting to feature home trends for 2015 as well as houseware products made by various Filipino export companies. 

I am so in love with this special setting. It has so much European flair... the lights, the vibe, the structure. It reminds me of the Ambiente Show in Frankfurt. 

It looks like a foreign set up but everything is local. All the little details are sourced and made here in the Philippines.

Even the floors are picture-worthy 

Pink hues and Neutrals

Just the right amount of contrast: Turmeric + all shades of blue (i love that bright splash of teal)

Green + Black & White

Spot the Calamansi

Overall, my first time as a "Guest" at the Fame show was indeed a memorable one. It's as if my mind went on an All-you-can-eat buffet. I'm so full with inspiration. I went home happy that I have so much to digest, haha. 

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For more info and updates regarding the Manila Fame show and its exhibitors, please visit www.manilafame.com