From September 11 through January 3, Asia Society presents Filipino Design Now, a special showcase celebrating the artistic visions of 14 renowned Filipino designers. Curated by jewelry designer Federico De Vera, this installation coincides with Philippine Gold: Treasures of Forgotten Kingdoms, an exhibition of over 100 spectacular works of gold from the 10th to 13th century, highlighting the creativity, prosperity and cultural connections of the pre-colonial period. 

Maricris Brias: Home Textiles

Brias and her local artisans are committed to reviving the native artistry of Mindanao’s ethnic tribes, manufacturing textiles and home accents created from local abaca and banana fiber and handwoven exclusively by T’boli and Mandaya natives.

Lenora Cabili: Fashion

Cabili’s designs are inspired by tradition and mixing the past with present by creating unique garments that incorporate ancient techniques of weaving, embroidery and bead work from indigenous Filipino groups.

Federico de Vera, Jewelry

De Vera strives to taie old things that have been discarded and reinterpreting them from a different point of view. Today his pieces are comprised of antique elements, often simultaneously organic and baroque, each unique and one of a kind.

Ian Giron, Home Accents

Giron creates home accents using coconut shell as his base and combining traditional methods of sanding and bleaching before applying gold leaf to achieve color and patina, a process that has been widely used in Asia for thousands of years.

Jewelmer, Jewelry

Golden South Sea pearls are the centerpieces of the brand. Through a highly selective process, these elusive gems inspire artisans to create finely crafted jewelry to fulfill Jewelmer’s celebration of beauty in harmonious symmetry with nature.

Natalya Lagdameo, Novelty Textiles

Drawing on work as an interior designer and inspired by heirlooms and artifacts from around the archipelago, Lagdameo creates textile designs utilizing local Filipino materials.

Josie Natori, Jewelry

Natori’s iconic, global brand, the House of Natori celebrates Asian aesthetics with the spirit of Natori’s adopted home in America, effortlessly melding the visual best of both the East and the West

Tina Ocampo, Evening Bags

Ocampo’s luxury brand Celestina,is comprised of a collection of evening bags, handcrafted by Filipino artisans, practicing age-old techniques and using exotic materials that can only be found in the Philippines.

Wynn Wynn Ong, Jewelry

Favoring stones in their organic, untouched states and incorporating materials not often associated with jewelry, Ong combines unexpected elements into her meticulously hand crafted jewelry designs.

Anne Saguil, Fashion

Saguil combines her passion for craftsmanship and fashion, designing clothes, handbags and accessories using hand embroidered techniques and indigenous handwoven materials.

Ditta Sandico, Fashion

Sandico transforms indigenous fibers, such as banana, pineapple and abacca into a fashion art form, designing wraps that follow the movements of the body.

Rafe Totengco, Minaudières

Totengco’s signature minaudière evening bags, featuring indigenous Filipino materials, blend uptown sophistication with a downtown edge.

Bea Valdes, Jewelry & Accessories

Valdes takes inspiration from various cultures, sourcing materials, patterns and ideas from around the world for her high-end accessories while continuing to shine a light on the Philippines as a design hub as she supports local artisans and their craftsmanship.

Al Valenciano, Blankets

Valenciano’s signature brand Balay ni Atong showcases hand-woven textiles made on traditional wooden looms by local artisans using weaving techniques passed on through generations.