A chair is still a chair,” so goes a famous song. Although written in an entirely different context, the design community would surely beg to disagree. Constant innovation and reinvention have certainly brought this ubiquitous piece of furniture to new levels of sophistication. Now available in different styles, colors, shapes, and sizes, in amazingly unexpected materials, the chair of today is anything but traditional. To prove this point, Filipino designers and manufacturers continue to eschew convention and dream up new ways of reinventing the chair, producing pieces that display their masterful grasp of form and structure.
Take, for instance, Ann Pamintuan’s Cocoon and Threesome. Both pieces demonstrate today’s revolutionary designs that are sleek and understated. Chic, fun and functional are Carlo S. Tanseco’s Yoyo chairs, and Milo Naval’s Scribble — whimsical pieces that wittingly present a tongue-in-cheek approach to contemporary design. The same can be said of the Genie and O chairs of Locsin International, which brought novelty to basic and familiar objects. The list is endless, with each piece defying conventional rules, some designs bordering on the peculiar, but all unfailingly embracing functionality.
These innovations in metal, abaca, rattan, and other indigenous materials are constant fixtures at Manila F.A.M.E. International organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions. Although predominantly a gifts, holiday decor, and home and fashion accessories show, the bi-annual trade event constantly showcases new and innovative interpretations of this invaluable piece of furniture.
Creativity brings endless possibilities for this piece of furniture. With the Filipino’s relentless passion for experimentation and innovation, what used to be a common household item is now considered a work of art, an iconic piece even.
However, purists might dare to posit: Stripped down to its essentials, maybe a chair is still a chair. To that the Filipino would say: Yes. But it doesn’t always have to have four legs.
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Manila F.A.M.E. International will be held on April 15 to 18 at the SMX Convention Center. Open to the public on the last day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with P150 entrance fee. For more information, call 831-2201 or e-mail manilafame@citem.com.ph. Local and international media may register online at www.manilafame.com.