The Real Trendsetter: Citem's Fall 2004 Furniture Show
October 29, 2004 | Levent OZLER
"Furniture trends? It's the Philippines that actually sets the pace in furniture design not other countries."
It was an audacious claim that design critics would normally pronounce with caution-and with accurate backup data.
Its source, however, was neither designer nor critic, but Filipino furniture and handicrafts exporter Olga L. Monti. Her assertion was based on 22 long years in the furniture, woodcarvings and ethnic handicrafts trade. And no other person, she says, would be in the best position to make such a claim than the exporter, who's always right in the middle of all the action.
"I've seen it all," she strongly avers. "Most of the furniture designs abroad were inspired by what first came up in here. People just don't realize that."
Monti was arguing her case amid the frenetic crowd of trade visitors and buyers, who were marveling at the exquisite pottery she had on display. The lady exporter of Olm Treasures Enterprises Inc., which occupied stall H22, was standing next to some 540-strong Filipino exporters who were at last weekend's Manila F.A.M.E. International show.
On her elaborate showcase for three consecutive days at the World Trade Center were big, big pottery adorned with Mimosa leaves, plus a large selection of tribal ornaments.
more: manilatimes.net/national/2004/oct/29/yehey/life/20 (164)
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