Manila FAME, the second-longest-running trade show in Asia, is returning for its 73rd edition, taking place from October 16-18 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City. The event, which focuses on home, fashion, and lifestyle, will celebrate Filipino artistry and its roots with the theme “Objects of Nature.” The event will highlight the qualities that make Filipino artistry sought after globally, as well as the unique selling propositions of products that have made the Philippines a must-visit sourcing destination for design. The theme aims to highlight the Philippines’ unique selling points and make it a must-visit destination for design enthusiasts.
The trade show’s theme takes into account the current international trends, all of which point to nature as a dominating key element for 2025 and 2026. From the use of recycled and upcycled materials to bolder, more playful aesthetics and nature-connected living spaces, the prevailing direction places a strong focus on sustainability and biophilic design, with the latter a concept that fosters the relationship between people and the environment.
The intrinsic qualities of Filipino design make it a natural fit for this prevailing movement. Thus, Manila FAME 2025 promises to showcase Philippine-made objects inspired by design’s original muse, nature.
Visitors can expect a fresh take on design that provides a counterpoint to the increasing influence and impact of technology and AI on daily life. Find meticulously handcrafted items made from natural and indigenous materials, creatively conceptualized and executed using community-based production processes. Discover their multiple iterations, inspired by our rich cultural diversity and heritage. Fall in love with products that are as adaptable as they are unique, thanks to the Filipino pasadya culture that results in bespoke beauty.
Since communal effort and cultural influences are innate aspects of Filipino design, Manila FAME’s signature features rightly put the spotlight on the people and the heritage that shape it.
Merging artisanship with innovation and sustainability, Design Commune once again has a selection of local manufacturers and brands working under the expert guidance of a renowned designer—this time, with one of Manila FAME’s frequent collaborators, Tony Gonzales. See how the hard work of 20 exhibitors from the lamps and lighting, furniture, home decor, and holiday and seasonal decor categories pushes the boundaries of product development through the creative use of raw materials to produce functional and stylish designs at a dedicated exhibit.
To cultivate the export capabilities of Philippine artisan communities and enterprises, the Artisans Village capacity-building program provides marketing and technical assistance to regional MSMEs in the handicraft sector. For 2025, participating MSMEs are fortunate to have Global Trends Ambassador Patti Carpenter making factory visits to help them conceptualize and develop pieces that match their branding while also sharing her vast knowledge of the design business. The design expert is working with local artisans from the following provinces to explore how they could maximize their signature materials and expand their product lineup: Bohol (natural fibers and materials), Ilocos Sur (inabel), Quirino (woodworks and fossilized flowers), and Tarlac (wood, stone, clay, and rattan).
Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn from design and business experts and thought leaders at FAME Talks. Through forums that tackle timely topics, such as “Innovative, Versatile, and Sustainable Approaches to Designing Products for the Home, Fashion, and Lifestyle Sector” and “Global Design Trends for Fashion Accessories,” attendees can delve deeper into the dynamic world of design, gain creative and actionable insights, and develop innovative strategies for navigating an evolving landscape.
Guests can also look forward to exclusive features that will further enrich their Manila FAME experience.
From a simple product category, Philippine Components, which made its maiden showcase last year, is now an exhibit that focuses on the fundamental building blocks of design: coverings, parts, and fittings. With Tony Gonzales also at its helm for 2025, guests can expect an immersive presentation of specially developed architectural fittings and components, exclusively designed for Manila FAME by 15 companies, in the spirit of the pasadya culture.
CITEM also brings CREATELab to Manila FAME to showcase a more integrative approach to exporting design. It is an on-site design clinic where professionals offer branding and marketing guidance to participating exhibitors. CREATELab is a joint project by CREATEPhilippines, a content and community platform for the Philippine creative industries, and the Communication Design Association of the Philippines (CDAP).
Through Manila FAME, Manila was lauded as the Milan of Asia in the 1980s and 1990s, and it continues to attract buyers from all over the world seeking distinctive, clever, and impeccably crafted items. International buyers attest to how the expo provides them with a comprehensive overview of the country’s design capabilities. According to Isabelle Miaja, the Managing Director for Singapore’s Miaja Design Group, “Manila FAME has always been a nice place where you discover new materials or new manufacturers.”
With all of the programs and features this year’s trade show has in store, buyers and visitors alike can expect to see the best of the best of Filipino artistry and craftsmanship across a wide range of products: fashion; personal care, beauty, and wellness; furniture; home decor and houseware; lamps and lighting; holiday and seasonal decor; gifts, souvenirs, and corporate giveaways; and components.
Marvel at these “Objects of Nature” and more up close at Manila FAME 2025 by registering at the trade show’s official website, fameplus.com.
