"We want Manila FAME to continue being home to fresh and innovative design. We have a wealth of inspiration and an abundance of skill, talent, and imagination to find new meaning in our heritage and transform them into new products that will carry Filipino designs to the future. Manila FAME lasted for more than thirty years because it was able to ride the waves of change and observe trends,” adds the executive director.

The trade show brings into the limelight exquisite and world-renowned artistry in product design, mastery over raw materials, and unique quality. A melting pot of inspiration and creativity, Manila FAME was able to tap and work with renowned names in the industry namely Kenneth Cobonque, Josie Natori, and Budji Layug.

Manila Fame has also catapulted to success the careers of Filipino designers such as Tony Gonzales, Tes Pasola, and myriad others to the global scene.

Some of the brands that the show will highlight are Shell Arts Co. Inc that manufactures luxurious product lines made from natural seashells, Acento Collections that exports basketware, woodworks, rattan and buri, shell crafts, ceramic wares among other home products that are all made in-house, and Cyprea International that manufactures and exports costume jewellery and bags made with natural materials.

Larone Crafts will also exhibit their all-natural made hand bags made by local weavers and artisans as well as JB Woodcraft, which exports hand-carved components and furnitures.

“[Manila FAME has] been able to crate or recreate iconic pieces. Their dedication to their work and tradition of upholding creativity and quality lead them to continue success in the global market,” says Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Abdulgani Macatoman, sharing the success of Manila FAME in giving local artists’ business a platform to showcase their products internationally.

As the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry, CITEM recently shared in a media preview an exclusive look of some of the features of Manila FAME’S 70th edition.

Design Commune, the flagship show feature, is a merchandise development program and curated exhibition space under the creative direction of Vince Uy. A major force in Philippine fashion publishing, Vince Uy is known for being a master of colour and has worked with high caliber brands and famous celebrities.

Together with Uy are seasoned design consultants: Stanley Ruiz, owner of Estudio Ruiz Design Consultancy and is known for combining natural and industrial designs that are sophisticated and minimalist; Nix Alañon, a furniture artist and owner of Phoenix Home; Manila-based artist Andrei Chang, who is known in the Philippine fashion industry for his flamboyant and vibrant style; Mia de Lara, an esteemed graphic designer who founded the design companies Bloat & Ogle Design Manila and Pandango Design Canada and co-founder of the lifestyle concept store Craftsmith together with stylist and photographer Kitty Bunag, who is also a Manila FAME design consultant.

Other returning show features are the Artisans Village, which highlights regional distinctive products from Antique and Marawi, and the Fashion E-Tailers that displays both classic and current styles from emergent online fashion retailers. The show also presents an Eco-Lifestyle Pavilion that houses goods inspired by the country’s rich environment.

“We are thrilled to reopen the doors of Manila FAME and have you join us as we honour the legacy of Filipino design and excellence,” expresses Suaco-Juan.

For tickets and other information on Manila FAME’s 70th edition, visit manilafame.com and follow its social media accounts at @ManilaFAMEofficial on Facebook, @TheManilaFame on Twitter, and @manilafame on Instagram.