Opulent Design Concept Launches DOLCE & GABBANA CASA (with HEART EVANGELISTA)

It was hot, humid, but it never stopped some of Manila's who's who to flock to the Ground Floor of Greenbelt 5 as Opulence Design Concept launches Dolce&Gabbana Casa. The event was graced by owners Gerry Sy and Jinky Tobiano-Sy who welcomed guests at the pop up store and floral installation.

This is also a collaboration by events stylist par excellance Gideon Hermosa, and of course, seeing them in real life just made a couple jaws drop, not surprised. He also made these different sections be inspired by D&G Casa muses Tessa Prieto, Interior Designer Chat Fores, Fashion Designer Rosanna Ocampo and our love Fashion Icon Heart Evangelista. The one they showcased is part of both the Sicilian Cart and Mediterranean Blu Collection, made to depict Italy's colorful island Sicily and the sea it faces in the Italian region.

The items they showcased is part of the Sicilian Cart, Mediterranean Blu Collection, made to depict Italy's colorful island Sicily and the sea it faces in the Italian region. They also had Leopardo and Zebra which is why they had animal prints and figures on plates, cups and saucers, pillows, robes, towels and just about all their home accessories.  

Here's our event coverage on video, feel Italy and enjoy!

 

If you're looking for some of the pieces, you can visit Opulent Design Concept main branch or the pop up store in Greenbelt 5. It'll be there for some time so go if you're raring to. Needless to say, it's so nice out there, and I'm so glad they're bringing in the posh brands in the country. Filipinos deserve nice things.

PSID-Ahlen Institute Inc. Mounts PHUSION Exhibit

The Philippine School of Interior Design - Ahlen Institute Inc. just gave us a glimpse of this year's theme PHusion made by the class of 2023. In the past, they had a lot of these displayed at the Greenfield Tower's 5th Floor. Since it was the pandemic, they had a smaller number of spaces designed. Though there was certainly no shortage in talent, I loved what I saw during this batch. 

 PHusion is all about culture and how it influences design. With these spaces catering to Filipino and individuals from different countries, they were able to meld this together. Though just like the other times, it's in the "details" and the designer's interpretation of what they understand from the culture of the other country they are doing. I was assisted by Nicole and shown around the different displays this year.

FILIPINO x EGYPTIAN

 They call this space PER ANK which means Key of Life.

Their two countries were at opposite sides of the world, but they particularly thought of color as common ground to bring this together. The brown sand dune hues, the wood, the several pieces of furniture, the native baskets on the ceiling (as light treatments), the Malakas-Maganda figures etched on the cement wall, the pillars with Egyptian hieroglyphs (as accent wall) plus the Baybayin writings they customized was impressive to see. They knew one could overwhelm the other design and they were careful not to do that. This was certainly a good start.

FILIPINO x SOUTH AFRICA

They call this BAHAY UBUNTU. A term I'm quite familiar with because I'm a Computer Engineer, it's about compassion for others.

South Africa must be a little hard to put into design, but they've managed to concentrate on things that are common with the Philippines. The wood elements are present, they showed the glass table top that remained transparent to show the various wood underneath. What impressed me the most was the Nipa hut style on the ceiling, but it was made of a different material that can withstand years of abuse. It was efficient, virtually pleasing to the eyes, and the prints represented the South African flair.

 

FILIPINO x AMERICAN

 

This time, they used light to define two spaces. The couple they depicted here spend much time in the kitchen which is why the space had the large counter. This is also old 1930's themed which had more gold and geometric elements. The bar with the capiz window treatment and the iconic Kutsara Tinidor on the wall probably gives that Filipino touch. I get why they named it FILLENIUM.

 

FILIPINO x NICARAGUAN

One thing we have in common with Nicaragua is the tropics, which is why they used plants as part of the design in this space. It's a bath, vanity and closet, where you can take refuge and relax after a stressful day.

They didn't overwork the theme, they did it very simple. The natural elements like the weaving on the wall and ceiling plus a 70's style wall blocks has that Filipino stamp. It's very well executed, and didn't have to get too busy in the eyes to interpret their theme RELAJARSE.

FILIPINO x BRAZILIAN

This is called A DIVERSAO. Since the Philippines and Brazil enjoy tropical weather, that's where they have the theme combined. The wall on the shelves are from the Brazilian sunsets, also the curved lines which are common in Brazilian homes. They also had coconut on the face of the cabinets plus the solihiya weaving on the ceiling to make sure there's still Filipino in it. The design of the floor is also an interpretation of Brazilian black and white patterns.  They used it to separate the space between the play area and lounge.

 

 FILIPINO x FRENCH

This space was designed to mix the Filipino and French elements, but had more than what they bargained for. Think of it as a French space with a more worldly view because they also included the vibes of a well traveled individual who takes different pieces from different places and take them home.

I like the balcony, the wall treatments, and the carvings which are innately Filipino. They made it a tad lighter to see, not clunky and max which most Filipino spaces depict. They also had parts likened to "Bahay na Bato". The various things they placed on shelves were shabby chic, floral, to simply get the feel of the French homes with centuries worth of art. I like the artwork and chairs the most.

 

FILIPINO x SCANDINAVIAN

The designers of this space called LAGOM had one problem, it was to mix a more max design culture in the Philippines to the one minimalist style from Scandinavian countries. I loved that wall in the back that transitions into shelves on one side then disappears when you look at it from the other side. The light in the center also was a good choice, the shadows land on the different pieces of furniture and give it a more warm glow. They also had wood, employ a concentric design to have less corners from different views.

FILIPINO x BRITISH

One side of this had Chesterfield sofas which was apt for those who wouldn't want their suits get creases, a classic in every British space. I liked how they used wood mainly which was done to have that Filipino touch. The face of the cupboards and cabinets was also customized with a regional Lumban Barong Tagalog strip which made a statement, it is possible to mix the west and the East. I like how this was done, perfect for the Bachelor client they depicted who wanted this and all the natural elements he wanted from the Philippines.

FILIPINO x ITALIAN

This space reminds me of the bougie Gotti family (though not maximalist). There were gold elements on the recessed wall, fabulous light installation and also the curved arches on the lavatory with a twin waterfall faucets. It was fresh looking, light and airy despite having some big pieces on the wall and different spaces. The wall was a light pink, it didn't clash with the space despite it having a more ethnic design on the center. They did good.

FILIPINO x AUSTRALIAN

This was one impressive space. The work area with a Boomerang shaped table, the recessed wall shaped like the mountains in the outback, the beach dotted artwork (made by one of the members to depict the Great Barrier Reef), that's some of the items that are extremely OZ. The hammock, a place to take rest after a stressful day, with rhum in hand via the cart, it is like a vacation in the Philippines. I can see they used wood pretty much everywhere, which is something common with us too. The abaca fiber on top, plus how the spaces were separated was a good idea. It's a serious place for business, but comforting after that. 

FILIPINO x JAPANESE

This bedroom is a personal favorite. You can see why.

The capiz wall, the arches, the floor, they all depict the rising sun. It's an element both Japan and the Philippines share, which is why they wanted the 8 rays in the sun also included. They also mixed the home grown farmer hat salakot and bangasa which is mostly seen in Japanese festivals.  They also did night and day (sun and moon), as seen on the floors. The bamboo, the circular patterns, even the Kenneth Cobunpue chair in red just fit right in. With so many elements, it didn't look cluttered at all. Excellent work, they named it Pearl of the Orient Meets Prosperity.

FILIPINO x PERSIAN

Designed for a Filipino Iranian family, this wreaks blue royal homes in Iran with woodwork and intricate details from both countries. They have a space made for recreation, bonding on the floor because that's how they do it. They also have sliding doors for the television, as most want it kept. Look at the details on the green built-ins which they wanted to do because of extreme need for storage especially in Persian homes.  

If you want to see the exhibit, it's at the Greenfield Tower's 5th Floor. Thank you so much to the nice people we met from the 2023 Batch of PSID. Thank you also to the Batch Adviser IDr. Nicanor Jardenil whom we talked to later that morning. You guys did good this year!

PSID Does JUXTAPOSE This October

JUXTAPOSE at the Santolan Town Plaza

This isn't my first time going to a PSID event. Over the years, the Philippine School for Interior Design has improved a lot; and I'm not just saying that because I know how much they have worked on these exhibits, and I guess that stems from their efforts to work with world class companies (also their sponsors) who are responsible of also supplying them with the best that the Philippines has to offer and some of the things they get to import and use just for this show.

As the name suggests, it's all about putting contrasting things side by side and make design sense out of it. It's a little hard to interpret, but the way they did it was to mix the old and the new, like making old structures into a new hip place, but still respecting history, get in touch of the people and how they dream it would become. It felt like a good starting point, saw how they did it earlier during the press preview and I didn't hold back suggesting things so when they open their doors this October 1st, people would at least say WOW or maybe have their jaw drop. Some of them actually felt little uncomfortable when I was suggesting things, but I think it was okay.

They combined finished concrete, wood, pipes and it still did fit the detailed tile wall

Stairs went narrow, did a really good job shaping this

Secret door opens up for a mess room

They divided the place into three galleries namely Tahanan (Home), Pangkalakal (Trade) and Pang Industriya (Industry). This is where they'll turn forgotten historic structures into more functional and relevant places like bars, cafes, stores, wellness centers and the likes. Like for instance this first one which was initially a bomb shelter which they turned into a Speakeasy Bar called "The Bar Beneath... In San Juan".

This second one is a designer's atelier. It's feminine, muffled and warm. They also kept the intricate carvings on the top part of the walls which was used as ventilation in the olden times.

They kept the theme intact without damaging the structure so much so they put pipes for the fitting rooms and kept the door where it is.

Love the mirrors

They did the stencil work on the ceilings on the floor too, which made the design cohesive with less cost. They called it "The Vigan Atelier".

The third one is called "Small Space, Big Living". I guess they picked the place with the smallest square footage. It reminded me of my favorite show Tiny House on HGTV.

They used smart design choices to keep the room feel and look spacious. From the receding stair handle, to the folding table, small nook for cooking and prep work, they doubled it's purpose by using them for storage too.

The bed can also be a double, but you would have to extend the loft to do that. They have options and space for this couch.

Modern Filipino Haven

True to it's name, the extensive use of wood and capiz shells made this a modern Filipino room which would perfectly fit a massage room, a nook and a bath tub. It's like the ultimate masters bathroom, now only if you had a room adjacent to it.

They also have that mirror I love!

This is the "Bridal Boudoir" but I didn't really like it that much. Sorry but the choice of color and finishing felt like a late school project. Too warm, if they were gunning for feminine it doesn't always have to be pink. It could be other things aside from that, it also felt a little tired. I completely understand what they were trying to do but this just didn't make the cut.

They could have done better :(

This kinda creeped me out a little because I often fall off bunk beds, about 5 in my lifetime.

They did well thinking of the materials to use so it could last for years.

The double sink, bamboo ceiling treatments, plastic plants and vines so no moisture could seep in.

They have a balcony and a place for all their herbs which they plan to out all their tea ingredients. Clean and refreshing.

This would be a good business venture for a tourist area which they plan to put this in.

This is the "La Moneda Bookshop and Cafe" which had that nice piece. It's the Philippine map made of 10 and 5 centavo coins stuck on the wall. They used about 700+ just for that so imagine. This is now the start of the Pangkalakal gallery.

I hope they serve real coffee next time LOL

They also have that treated mirror and daybed for lounging

This is the CC Cafe + Creatives. They made this with the original PSID building in mind.

I like the real plants, the iron shelves and the high ceilings

I also like the bar and Alibata wall which is still at the original location of the building

The shape of their rug and bar is also in Alibata, the lady I was with in the tour read it. I was schooled.

This is the "Little Cafe Museum", which seating was absolutely adorable.

They looked like they were floating with the accent lights, and I dig what this could do in big groups on commercial spaces. Perfect for coffee shop squatters, I mean people who stay at coffee shops too long LOL

It'ss bright and follows a theme, that's good

This is the Cafe 308. It is colorful and pleasing to the eyes. The use of the inspiration from old structures worked well. You can see the columns and combination of wood and concrete.

They used details from the old Regina Building in Escolta hence the look

This is the "Kusina Aduana" which they hope would be used as a tourist activity at the Intramuros tours. This would be like a place where they would get to know how to cook Filipino food, wouldn't that be nice?

It is spaced well so people won't bump into each other while doing the cooking classes

They can cook on the induction stove, do prep on the cutting board and sweep off the garbage on the side. Neat setup.

To end the section they have the "Below Zero Gelateria". As the name suggests it is a gelato place, I was actually impressed with their finishing, but that mirror at the back annoyed me. It was just too busy for an elegant space which should have been their goal.

See what I mean?

They also kept the arches and made their upholstery purple so the UBE flavor ties up the place

This one is good, they call it "13 Fit Street" and it's the first gym design in the history of PSID. They thought of turning this old Paco Fire Station into a gym that could service the university belt area and nearby offices.

Spinning classes here

Pole Dancing Classes here

Weight training here. I love the lights too and the faux brick walls separated by color

This is the "Dorm-Moderno" which is more of like a modern dorm type room. They have three layered bunk beds which you need a ladder to climb up and take the pole going down.

Comfy entertainment area for shared space or playing computer games

This is "Station No.15" which is a long property and an old fire station. Their Steampunk design worked well especially with the pipes and industrial touches. I kinda like this design.

It actually works

You can read a book and write here if you feel inspired.

Imagine this engine, now it's a table and perfect for their theme

I love what they did with the copper pipes and followed the design of the entrance, it also defined the space and separated the Barbershop part of the floor.

I super love the glass adorned with the rock icons, it felt right at place.

I super love the glass adorned with the rock icons, it felt right at place.

If you ask me, this looks super good from their work in the past and it still is evolving. The instructors at PSID must have been doing a great job passing on lessons from their past students, I've seen remarkable improvement. I only see one of the displays which need help, the rest are good. If I were to choose the best designed one it would be the "Station No. 15" and "Polo Estacion". You can flip a coin later.

For those who would like to see the exhibit, please go to Santolan Town Plaza. Climb up to the 11th Floor and check out their work, their sponsors and partners too.

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!