A true feast for the senses was Moda Interni’s latest event, The Luxe Collective: Celebrating Art, Design, and Community, held at their showroom in Quezon City with an audience that included some design enthusiasts, art enthusiasts, and lifestyle advocates together in a unique showcase of Filipino artistry alongside big brands from Italy.
The affair was not only about stunning furniture on show. It was a show of where art, culture, and design converged in perfect harmony, using the latter to create personal havens in the home. Featured were three talented Filipinos: visual artist Rachel Ngan Duenas, fashion designer Yumi Christina, and chocolatier Christian Valdes. Each showcased his work side by side with curated pieces from Moda Interni’s portfolio to show how each could be used to elevate daily living.
It will be the first show in a series by Moda Interni, setting to start their commitment to creating an avenue for Filipino creativity in the global luxury design.
“Luxury is more than just aesthetics,” Goldwin Sison said as President and CEO. “It’s about creating spaces that tell who we are.”
Rachel Ngan Duenas: Creating Space for Art
Fresh off a prestigious exhibit at the Carousel de Louvre in Paris, Rachel Ngan Duenas captivated guests with her vibrant “Come Into Life” piece, now displayed at the showroom. Her “tropical impressionism” style reflects the energy of the Philippine landscape.
Paired with Turri furniture, known for its timeless elegance, Rachel emphasized how authenticity fosters a space where art thrives. “By showing their work with brands like Turri,” explained Sison, “we hope to inspire Filipinos to see their homes as more than just spaces-they’re sanctuaries of personal expression.”
Rachel further emphasized that true luxury lies in creating a space that tells a story. Collectors of art and furniture, she believes, are storytellers at heart.
Yumi Christina: Old World Luxury Becomes Modern Luxury
Japanese-Filipino designer Yumi Christina, founder of EDYA1929, brought a touch of Japonism to the showroom. Known for transforming vintage kimonos into contemporary fashion, Yumi celebrates cultural preservation with a modern twist.
Her works were matched with Opera Contemporary’s sophisticated furniture, reflecting a commitment to tradition and modern luxury. Yumi said, “Kimono fabrics are a tapestry of stories, blending tradition and craftsmanship.” She breathes new life into the stories by transforming them into fashion.
The same way, Opera Contemporary unites rich history with modern luxury living, giving the homeowner a chance to express his individuality.
Christian Valdes: Glocal Cuisine Champion
Chocolatier Christian Valdes, CMV Txokolat founder, was at the event to share his “glocal” creations: rich chocolates imbued with Filipino ingredients. He was part of the “Championing Glocal Cuisine” trend by partnering with Pedini, famous for its innovative kitchens.
The passion that started everything was a love for chocolates and Filipino culture. “Chocolate is a piece of history and culture,” he said. “The Philippines was the first in Asia to cultivate cacao.”
For Christian, luxury chocolate symbolizes the taking of a basic ingredient to a higher level. Much like a Pedini kitchen, it is about elevating something from ordinary into a masterpiece and, at the same time, promoting culinary artistry.
He mentioned heritage, using flavors and stories that come from Philippine culture. “Each truffle or bar carries the soul of our traditions,” he said. “A well-designed kitchen plays a crucial role in this journey.”
A Showcase of Filipino Excellence
It has been a successful event with Luxe Collective, which gave people the opportunity to appreciate the best of Filipino talents and designers. It has also shown how these artists can easily integrate their creativeness with the global world of luxury design.
