A ‘homecoming’ for alumni at the PSID GOLD exhibit
It began at the Cancio-Calma and Associates studio. Interior designer Edith Oliveros came back from her studies abroad, joined the firm, and was being tailed by young socialites who wanted to learn the practice. With the support of her bosses, Oliveros together with architect Lor Calma and sculptor Napoleon Abueva designed a certificate program for interior design. On 1 June 1967, the Philippine School of Interior Design was born. The graduating batch of 2017 celebrates this 50th anniversary milestone with an exhibit aptly called PSID GOLD – Glamorous, Opulent, and Luxurious Designs.
Twenty-four galleries present an anthology of styles and trends that epitomize the school’s 50 years of design education. For the first time in PSID’s history of graduation exhibits, students, alumni, and faculty have joined forces and showcase their brightest design ideas. It is a homecoming of sorts. Below are glimpses of the booths by PSID faculty and alumni. PSID GOLD runs until 31 October 2017 at Uptown Mall in Bonifacio Global City.
READ MORE: Leo Almeria pays tribute to Edith Oliveros, the Grand Dame of Philippine Interior Design
Jigs Adefuin presents Goldface (A Luxe Anteroom). The booth is a sensual feast. Multiple textures and textiles co-exist with each other. Leather and fabrics are set off by iconic Gio Ponti pieces. And walls are decked with Philippine masters: Luz, Olazo, Orlina, and Malang.
Vianca Anonuevo and Mark Perez present “Tomorrow’s Living,” a hip and timeless living area. The space exudes a youthful easy luxury vibe that incorporates leading design brands such as Ligne Roset, Tom Dixon, and B&O Play with AVDI automated home entertainment systems.
Michael Pizarro interprets tradition’s marriage to contemporary design. The mood is replete with patterns that pay homage to timelessness: Chinoiserie-like wallpaper, a naturally-finished wall in ash with moldings, and furniture that evoke classic French and English pieces.
Stephanie Yan wanted to create a home office and sitting area that inspires connection and the exploration of Asian culture.
A stark palette of gray, raw wood slats, and poured concrete may seem harsh and cold. However, Lalyn Nivera combines these with the rich detailing of fabric, the muted luster of metals, and gentle burnished accessories to create a striking yet welcoming industrial luxe bedroom.
Pam Lagura and Ezra Halili wanted to pay homage to extravagantly furnished homes throughout history. But instead of following traditional styles, they made unexpected choices for their classic-meets-modern appeal.
Mary Ann Bulanadi proposes an adaptive reuse of the Joyeria Nakpil room of Quiapo’s Bahay Nakpil-Bautista. She presents a den in which works of contemporary Filipino artists will be be collected, safeguarded, and exhibited.
Chitz Legaspi challenges herself by straying from her comfort zone. She channels the innovation and precision of the late icon Zaha Hadid for her interpretation of a lanai.
Kat Obcemea and Mike Suqui present a living room with a view of greenery. Evocative lighting, velvet cushions, and the ocean-blue-and-gold tandem showcase a between luxury and quality.
Raw and untreated materials placed alongside polish pieces display contrasts that highlight the study room by Gelo del Mundo. The characteristics of the materials used are amplified in his interpretation of Brutalist luxe.
Gino and Karen Abrera appropriate the Japanese kintsukuroi (repairing broken pottery with gold) for their booth. They create a den with programs that are meant to “repair” one’s self and to shed the toils of the day before engaging with the family.
READ MORE: Why should I imitate anybody — Life lessons from Lor Calma
Photographed by Kieran Punay
