The Còrdoba flair

MANILA, Philippines - The exquisite showroom of interior designer Cocoy Còrdoba lies along a sleepy street in the idyllic south. Outside, the sun splatters shades of yellow on a green canopy-covered avenue. Leaves of green, mahogany and tangerine sway in the wind. Inside, the senses overload. The space is filled with vignettes of Còrdoba’s signature style: eclectic, original, flexible, detailed. The workshop is as prim and proper as the ancestral homes of yesteryear, but also with an exotice exotic now-ness.

The vignettes collide together with discordant harmony. Filipiniana runs seamlessly into Oriental, which fuses with exotic touches of the African savanna and suddenly and effortlessly becomes ‘70s retro, then swiftly transposes into the sweet romanticism of country décor. The showroom is a comforting reminder of the décor that made your ancestral home so splendid, mixed in with fashionable bric-a-brac accumulated over the years of travel and progress.

Còrdoba has been designing homes since 1977. His client list numbers among the rich and famous and at turns the humble and simple as well. His naturally effervescent personality, genuine interest in other people and obvious passion for his craft make him a clear choice for interiors with taste, élan and sophistication. In spite of a long and distinguished track record, Còrdoba has never lost touch with the trends of the day.

All’s flair in love and war: Interior designer Cocoy Cordoba says, “Never be scared to design things that you feel might not be accepted. Never be scared of colors — that’s an asset for any artist, knowing how to combine colors no matter what.”

To wit, he flawlessly combines classical design principles, adhering to the codes that made him great, with an impetuous and blithe style that is fully reflective of 21st-century eclecticism. When asked what differentiates him from his peers, Còrdoba will admit that he does not know, as his work is defined by his clients, who characterize him as a design partner with flexibility and sensitivity. Design-wise, however, perhaps what differentiates him best is that inexplicable and enigmatic Còrdoba flair.

Còrdoba’s rebellious streak took over during his university years and without the knowledge of his father, transferred out of the Architectural program and into Interior Design. Completely befuddled by his son’s abrupt decision, Còrdoba Senior brought some of Còrdoba Junior’s design plates with him on a trip to the United States. Even without his physical presence, the latter’s talent was evident, and was noticed by none other than American socialite and former actress and interior decorator, Caroline Lee Bouvier Canfield Radziwill Ross (better known as Lee Radziwill, younger sister of the late US First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis). Although this project turned out to be doomed in the stars, Còrdoba Junior’s promise was evident. Over the years, Còrdoba found himself designing the homes and estates of many more socialites, politicians and celebrities.

His innate trendsetting eye came in useful over the years. In 1982, Còrdoba transformed the Megastar’s bedroom into a presidential suite — a special gift for her 18th birthday. To keep things current, he suggested the use of peach in the color scheme, a shade that was unpopular among design circles. The design execution made Sharon Cuneta’s bedroom a gorgeous vignette — and an example of how peach could be incorporated into design with flair.

Eat’s a mystery: A dramatic dining room with delicious colors.

More than that, it positioned Còrdoba as an avant-garde figure in the design world. Soon afterwards, Còrdoba brought in the “Ralph Lauren palette” — interiors furnished with the mysterious dark shades of burgundy, green and black — ushering in modern techniques with mirrors, silver, gold and black. Còrdoba is humble about these achievements: “(It became) somewhat of a disadvantage to be such a trendsetter (because the styles were hard to understand). Eventually I learned to balance creativity with business.”

 “I’m happy now,” he smiles serenely. “People today are open to anything and everything.” As a matter of fact, half of the furniture that he uses in his designs are commissioned by him, and manufactured by his partners in Cebu.

Nevertheless, that trademark Còrdoba flexibility extends to every interaction with a potential client. “My first question is, ‘What theme do you want?’ My second question is, ’What is your preference in colors?’ Then we work together. It’s a teamwork effort. I have no definite theme; I do all.”

However, Còrdoba is not disillusioned by his success. He is aware of the feedback on his work: “There is no in-between. You either love it or hate it.” Even so, Còrdoba adheres strongly to his core values: teamwork, diplomacy and flexibility. After all, he says, “Your project speaks of your client’s character, not yours.”

With a career that spans nearly five decades, it appears that Còrdoba has discovered the formula for longevity in this creative field: “Unpredictability and flexibility.” Then, he smiles rakishly: “I have a sin, though. I confess — I prioritize design first, then functionality second.”

This little transgression is symptomatic of the “Còrdoba flair and guts”— and is the consequence of success in Repertory Philippines as a set and production designer for five years. Work experience that is yet another ingredient that, combined with others, rise to create the sweet and tangy inexplicable Còrdoba flair.

So, what is this Còrdoba flair? “I used to be the life of the party. But now, I’m at peace. My designs are at peace.”