Designing Bonds: Southeast Asia’s Conquers the Global Stage
From Pampanga to Paris, Genteelhome’s Bigkis collection celebrates Southeast Asian design at Maison&Objet Paris 2025.
Words Mian Centeno
Photo courtesy of Genteelhome
September 03, 2025
Southeast Asian craftsmanship is set to shine on the world stage as Filipino brand Genteelhome presents ‘Bigkis’ at Maison&Objet Paris 2025, one of the most prestigious design and décor fairs in Europe.
From September 4 to 8, the collection will debut at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, showcasing pieces by five celebrated designers from across the region.
Inspired by the Filipino word for “ties” or “bonds,” Bigkis embodies how design connects people, places, and ideas. At its heart is Filipino craftsmanship, with Genteelhome’s artisans from Pampanga shaping natural materials into pieces that speak of tradition, innovation, and cultural identity.
“Bigkis is about creating spaces that reflect the warmth and togetherness at the heart of every Filipino home,” says Genteelhome founder and principal designer Katrina Blanca de Leon. “We hope our Bigkis showcase sparks a deeper interest and appreciation for Filipino design—not just abroad but also among our fellow countrymen.”
The collection is brought to life through the visions of five celebrated Southeast Asian designers. Thailand’s Eggarat Wongcharit blends nipa thatch and tinalak into adaptable designs, while Singapore’s Keat Ong merges Eastern craftsmanship with Western campaign furniture for sustainable versatility.
Malaysia’s Lai Siew Hong weaves poetic forms from rope and timber; Indonesia’s Kezia Karin reinterprets jewelry motifs into furniture accents; and the Philippines’ Ivy Almario delivers bold, pop-art energy through functional art.
All pieces came to life through Genteelhome’s master artisans in Pampanga, where collaboration thrives in trust, shared values, and eco-conscious craftsmanship.
Completing the showcase is a booth designed by Milan-based Filipino architect Michael Vincent Uy, whose flowing walls echo the richness of the Philippine archipelago, while uniting diverse designs into one harmonious space.
“This is about showing the world that Southeast Asia’s creative voice is rich, diverse, and worth listening to,” adds de Leon.
More than a collection, Bigkis is an invitation to experience Southeast Asian design as a celebration of cultural identity, creativity, and belonging—bonds woven beautifully through design.
