Manila FAME 2025 Steps Back into Objects of Nature

The country’s premier trade show for home, fashion, and lifestyle, Manila FAME, staged this year “Objects of Nature,” a showcase that explored how the Philippines’ rich flora, fauna, and landscapes continue to inspire contemporary Filipino design.

The recent three-day trade show brought together designers, artisans, and brands whose works reflect a deep respect for material, heritage, and innovation at the World Trade Centre Metro Manila, Pasay City.

Since 1983, Manila FAME has been expanding the possibilities of Filipino design.

This year, Design Commune featured the works of Tony Gonzales and his mentees as they reimagine a creative return to paradise. Design Commune is the culmination of product development program by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), featuring design innovations curated for the global market.

Inspired by the natural physical world, this Design Commune exhibit under the section Elements of Nature showcased the myriad design ideas that the elements can evoke. From forms and colors to patterns and textures, the exhibit explored how earth, water, and air can be interpreted through decorative items that can make any interior space feel like an extension of nature.

Under another section, Home at FAME, Design Commune featured Milo Naval’s creations with 10 manufacturers, an adaptation that merges nature’s beauty with contemporary design and cultural storytelling. This central setting showcased the country’s artistic prowess and unveiled prototypes that capture global trends.

Natural sceneries typically burst with color, but this showcase for Design Commune was set to present a different perspective of an island landscape. Flora and fauna were interpreted in black and white as a dramatic and glamorous presentation of nature’s best, with metal, wood, and fabric treated to mimic the subtle curves and textures of the Philippine terrain.

At the Artisans Village, the exhibit was a celebration of diverse skills, materials, and artistry of 55 brands across the archipelago that fuel the country’s handcrafted sector.

Global Trend Ambassador Patti Carpenter guided enterprises from Bohol, Ilocos Sur, and Quirino; while Rachelle Dagñalan spearheaded Tarlac manufacturers for Manila FAME’s regional spotlight. The provinces used indigenous materials such as natural fibers, fossilized leaves, and various wood to create home decor, art, and accessories.

The Manila FAME also hosted the announcement of winners and ceremony of KATHA Awards for design excellence, serving as a hallmark platform that recognizes the distinct creativity of Filipino manufacturers. 

This year’s awards were presented by the Department of Trade and Industry-Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (DTI-CITEM) in partnership with the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP).