ArteFino, a movement that promotes locally made products and supports Filipino artisan communities, will mark its 10th year with “Isang Dekada,” a trade fair featuring more than 100 Filipino brands, makers and designers.
The event will run from July 30 to August 2 at Power Plant Mall in Makati City, where participating brands will present their creations across different categories.
ArteFino’s journey
The theme “Isang Dekada” reflects ArteFino’s journey since the movement began in 2017. According to its founders, the goal from the beginning was to promote locally made products and help artisan communities.
“We knew from the beginning that we needed to promote locally-made products and in the process help our artisan communities,” founders Maritess Pineda, Armita Rufino, Susie Quiros, Cedie Vargas and Marimel Francisco said regarding their vision.
“When we realized that we had a following, we knew that we couldn’t just keep selling. Rather, we needed to convey a message that would create impact.”
They said the message behind ArteFino is: “Every handcrafted piece represents a livelihood; every tradition deserves a future; and every artisan deserves the opportunity to thrive.”
More than a fair
The founders said ArteFino was created with a vision beyond an annual trade fair.
“We envisioned more than a fair,” they said. “We wanted to build a movement that celebrates the finest of Filipino craftsmanship while creating meaningful opportunities for the people behind it.”
This vision led to the creation of the HeArteFino Development Program Grant.
The founders said ArteFino’s message and mission reach beyond the trade fair.
“There is now pride in supporting or consuming products that are made locally. It’s become something that people like to share and talk about,” they said.
Responsible retail
For “ArteFino: Isang Dekada,” responsible retailing is part of the fair’s direction, with featured brands exploring natural fibers and upcycling techniques.
The founders recalled that ArteFino began highlighting the importance of integrating sustainable practices in the creative process before the pandemic.
“No one was listening back then. But soon enough, it began to resonate with consumers who sought meaning. These are the buyers who wanted to know where products come from, how they are made and the artisans who made them,” they said.
One of the featured collaborations this year is a capsule wardrobe between HeArteFino and Isla Tek, which will use the maker’s specialized yarns made from pineapple, banana, and abaca.
“We are going down the value chain in reverse, deepening that mission and looking closer into the conversation. We started with the products, then touched on the makers, the community. Now, we are looking into the materials or the fibers,” the team said.
Anniversary collections, event spaces
As part of the anniversary celebration, partner brands were invited to create exclusive Dekada Collections.
“We asked them to create pieces that reflect how far they’ve come, how their craft has evolved, and where they hope to take Filipino design next,” the ArteFino team said.
More than 100 Filipino brands will be featured at “ArteFino: Isang Dekada,” which will cover areas of Power Plant Mall including The Fifth, North Court, South Court and the R1 Lifestyle Hallway.
The North and South Courts were designed and curated by Philippine Institute of Interior Designers President Cecil Ravelas.
“It’s the event’s showcase. It’s an invitation, drawing visitors into the ArteFino story,” Ravelas said.
Designer Gino Gonzales will create the Central Display at The Fifth, a feature that has been part of previous ArteFino trade fairs.
“We’ve always had a Central Display as a space where we could inspire our brand partners to look beyond the bazaar set up. It’s a continuous exploration of visual merchandising, which is very important especially for young or emerging brands,” Gonzales said.
New spaces at ‘ArteFino: Isang Dekada’
The fair will also introduce Studio ArteFino, a space that will showcase products developed, designed, handpicked or directly invested in by ArteFino.
Eats by ArteFino, created in partnership with The Seven Pantry, will also debut during the fair. It will feature food selections alongside pantry staples, home, dining, and entertaining wares.
“ArteFino has always been more than just the shopping. We are excited about introducing reimagined sections that add meaningful layers to this year’s fair,” the team said.
Looking ahead, ArteFino’s founders said they aim to create opportunities, drive innovation and ensure that Filipino heritage continues to flourish.
“We honor the artisans, traditions, and communities that laid our foundation. Today, we celebrate the movement we have built together. Looking ahead, we set our gaze on creating opportunities, driving innovation, and ensuring that our heritage continues to flourish for generations to come,” the founders said.