Makati hosts iconic designer Tom Dixon

MANILA, Philippines - There are designers, and then there are icons. Tom Dixon is the man who The Independent has called “one of the most influential designers in the UK,” and been awarded the Order of the British Empire for his work. Following in the formidable footsteps of the legendary Sir Terence Conran, Tom Dixon led Habitat until 2008, and is now creative director of both Artek and the eponymous Tom Dixon brand, which designs and manufactures lighting and furniture.

Known as a maverick whose groundbreaking, intelligently designed products have nevertheless managed to retain an accessible, easy appeal, Tom Dixon has produced such iconic designs as Mirror Ball, Copper Shade, Rubber Band chair, Wingback chair, Beat light, and the Wire series — now hailed as modern classics.

Tom Dixon’s arrival in the country for the first leg of the Makati Design Series heralds a new era in design — one where aesthetics and functionality take center stage amid the country’s most progressive business district.

“In a way, Tom Dixon’s vision and design philosophy mirrors the values that Makati — being the country’s leading business, recreation, residential district —stand for. It is a real honor for us to have been given the opportunity to introduce his work to Filipinos and hear from the eminent designer himself,” shares Iris Josef, assistant vice president of Strategic Landbank Management Group (SLMG).

A collaborative effort between Ayala Land Inc. and Mos Design, the Makati Design Series welcomes the designer to talk about the global furniture industry, lighting design and how his brands revolutionary manufacturing process contributes to the growth and future of the industrial design. Titled “Design Conversations with Tom Dixon,” the talk will be held on Oct. 3 from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Bahia room of the Hotel InterContinental Hotel, Makati.

“It’s a good way to introduce Filipinos to Tom Dixon’s design aesthetic, which has been globally lauded for being distinct and original. There are limited slots so registration is required,” explains Josef.

On the same day, an open house exhibit of Tom Dixon’s products will run from Oct. 3 to 16 at the Mo’s Design Gallery in Bonifacio High Street, Taguig. New releases such as the Fan chair, Etch lamps, and Orb lights will be on exhibit alongside his most famous designs, including Mirror Ball, Copper Shade, Jack lamps, Beat lamps, and the Slab chair collection.

In keeping with Dixon’s flair for creating a theatrical but intimate setup for buyers, the highlight of this exhibit will be the Flash Factory, which will feature a real assembly line of workers manufacturing the new Etch range of products. Etch, which includes a light and candleholder in brass and stainless steel, will be made and sold on site at the one-day show on Oct. 3, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“Design Conversations with Tom Dixon” will be held on Oct. 3, from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Bahia room of the Hotel InterContinental, Makati. Registration is required; participants may register an hour before the talk, or e-mail events@geisermaclang.com to request an e-registration form. Slots are limited.