Paris By Design

As far as design goes, if you can make it in Paris, you can make it any where. Movement 8 has definitely made it. The defining moment was the group’s triumphant success in the prestigious maison et objet fair on Sept. 7 to 11 in the City of Light, crowning a year of blockbuster earlier participations in furniture fairs in Cologne and New York.

Finally, Philippine furnishings are at home in the design capitals of the world, secure in their niche in the upscale market. It is an exercise in futility trying to compete with countries which mass-produce and sell at much lower price points. M8, the brainchild of CITEM executive director Ely Pinto-Mansor and topnotch designer Budji Layug, was envisioned as a vehicle to promote the new image of Philippine design. It was, of course, expected to succeed – but that it happened so fast (less than 2 years) caught everyone by surprise.

Philippine Ambassador to France, H.E. Hector Villarroel was beaming with pride as he tore a sheet of special handmade paper (instead of the traditional ribbon cutting) to formally open the Pilipinas-Movmenet 8 stand last Sept. 8. And he had every right to be proud. The 156 square meter booth was a stand-out, and it is no secret that admiring eyes wandered back and forth to see what we could offer to the world.

The French were astonished to the point of disbelief. They realized that they can learn from M8. Imagine, the French learning from M8. Incredible!

As word spread like the proverbial wildfire through the halls of the Parc d’ Expositions de Paris-Nord Villepinte about how beautiful the Philippine Stand was, throngs of people flocked to see what the fuss was all about. Here are some of their comments captured by our interpreters: "Purity of design" … "This is the most beautiful stand" … "Impressive concept, perfect presentation" … "Very classy, tasteful. Innovative shapes of products" … "Amazing, amazing. Just amazing."

On the last day of the show, the praise translated into actual orders of around 16 containers of M8 products. Bestsellers include: Budji Layug’s crushed bamboo line (divan and armchair); Kenneth Cobonpue’s "Suzy Wong" loveseat and chair in walnut wood, lampakanai, rattan and metal; Carlo Cordaro’s home pieces fashioned from bamboo veneer; Pamintuan’s "cocoon" loveseat and sculptural accents in woven wire and Capiz; Milo Naval’s furniture pieces in bacbac rope; Rene Vidal’s bowls and planters made from rush and banana leaves; Luisa Robinson’s "cutgrass" resin tabletop accents; Tony Gonzales’ paper pulp vases and metal lamp with handmade paper shades; Clayton Tugonon’s litub shell lamps, and Tess Pasola’s paper collage in bold red and black hues. Inno Sotto’s red and black crepe and satin dresses generated a lot of interest from the UK and French buyers.

M8 is on a roll, and the latest coup has proven that its past successes have not just been flukes or accidents. It is safe to say that the Paris participation conveyed our message: "We may be (a little) expensive, but we are worth it! See for yourselves." It affirmed our ability to do great things, if we have the will, the persistence, and the discipline to translate great ideas into reality. Great minds, and great hands working together… creating, refining, perfecting. The Filipino designer has finally emerged.

I have always loved Paris, and after this experience with M8, it remains my favorite city. Managing the M8 participation in maison et object was a most difficult and stressful task, but well worth it. To be in a world where designers thrive is a most rewarding experience.

My thanks to H.E. Hector Villarroel for his support and for the wonderful dinner he hosted in his residence; Commercial Counsellor Deo Reyes; Trade Assistants Ed Francisco and Baby Mourot, for their assistance; Carolyn Hoffmann, Amai Magannon and Jerome Bergeron, our interpreters who did more than their share of the work; Geegs Erese, who did all the preparatory work for this project; my colleagues at CITEM, for always working so hard, and for being who they are; and last but not the least, our Executive Director Ely Pinto-Mansor for giving me the opportunity to be with the country’s best designers in Paris, my favorite city.

All told, the Philippine participation was a success.