Photo: CWC Interiors
Cover Photo: CWC Interiors

During an exclusive virtual gathering, Tatler friends got to chat about mid-century interior design, highlighting one of the most iconic pieces born of that time: the Eames lounge chair and ottoman.

Most people consider classics as items that are both exemplary and timeless. Especially in the world of design, trends and fads come and go but there are a select few that remain as icons years—even decades—after they were conceived.

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Photo 1 of 3 Tatler x CWC Experience Kits | Photo by Medal Elepano
Photo 2 of 3 Tatler x CWC Experience Kits | Photo by Medal Elepano
Photo 3 of 3 Tatler x CWC Experience Kits | Photo by Medal Elepano

During a special Zoom event, Tatler and CWC Interiors brought together select friends who all have a shared passion for design and interior décor. Hosted by our very own Homes Editor, Stephanie Zubiri, and the lovely Apples Aberin, the virtual room was lively as ever with familiar faces filling out the roster.

Those joining were treated to Tatler's signature experience kits. The bespoke boxes contained a delectable afternoon tea spread prepared by Shangri-la at the Fort, Manila: sandwiches, a scrumptious quiche, a selection of desserts, and a bottle of Cava—talk about a truly inviting meal! 

Tatler Asia
(Clockwise): Apples Aberin, Fred Yulo, Agnes Sauler, Eames Demetrios | Screencap from Tatler Philippines Private Zoom Event: 'At Home With A Classic'
Above (Clockwise): Apples Aberin, Fred Yulo, Agnes Sauler, Eames Demetrios | Screencap from Tatler Philippines Private Zoom Event: 'At Home With A Classic'

Joining the video call were trusted friends from CWC Interiors: President and CEO Fred Yuson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing Agnes Sauler, and dialling in all the way from the US was Eames Demetrios, Director of The Eames Office.

Tatler Philippines Managing Director, Irene Martel Francisco, opened the event with a warm greeting. After which, Stephanie and Apples spoke to Eames about the legacy and contemporary relevance of the eponymous lounge chair which many of the guests acknowledged as one of the great designs of that century.

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Photo 1 of 4 Photo: CWC Interiors
Photo 2 of 4 Photo: CWC Interiors
Photo 3 of 4 Photo: CWC Interiors
Photo 4 of 4 Photo: CWC Interiors

Brought to life by Charles and Ray Eames for the Herman Miller company, the two-piece furnishing has long been an enigmatic piece in the world of design since it was launched in 1956. “I love the classic [colourway], with the black leather; the white chair is really beautiful, we’ve experimented with non-leather options [as well],” Eames chimed in when asked which iteration he favours. 

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Photo 1 of 3 Karen Santos | Screencap from Tatler Philippines Private Zoom Event: 'At Home With A Classic'
Photo 2 of 3 Franco Laurel | Screencap from Tatler Philippines Private Zoom Event: 'At Home With A Classic'
Photo 3 of 3 Jojie Dingcong | Screencap from Tatler Philippines Private Zoom Event: 'At Home With A Classic'

The lounge chair, of course, epitomises the importance of taking time for oneself and paying attention to comfort. It’s all about a balance between aesthetics and functionality. To wit, Karen Santos shared “the beauty about mid-century furniture is that you can blend it with antiques’. Franco Laurel added, “I can watch Netflix and work without feeling any pain… it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made [investing in his Herman Miller Cosm chair].

With most interactions shifting to the online space and many of us adapting to work-from-home set-ups, our houses have become the centre of attraction for those looking to explore their creativity. Jojie Dingcong related that during the pandemic, he’s been fascinated with remodelling and redesigning. “I realised as we stay at home [longer], we [keep seeing] more things to improve on.”

Tatler Asia
Photo: CWC Interiors
Above Photo: CWC Interiors
Tatler Asia
Photo: CWC Interiors
Above Photo: CWC Interiors

To wrap up the evening, guests were able to test their knowledge of art and design as a set of trivia questions were opened to the audience. With a passionate group of attendees, safe to say that the competition was sharp and the chatbox, chockful of answers! Winners of the quiz took home select gifts from CWC.

The hour-long gathering drew to a close with an exchange of thoughts about classics and warm tidings among participants.

Decor is all about bringing out a distinct personality and a welcoming atmosphere that allows us to shed away our busy days. In a time when the world beyond our doorstep remains difficult to access, our houses double as havens. There’s nothing like investing in pieces that will last more than a lifetime and will truly transform a space... into a home.


To know more about CWC Interiors, visit cwcinteriors.com.ph.