Stories in Every Holiday Corner
Rustan’s Christmas Shop returns with a festive celebration of design and holiday joy.
By Art+ Magazine Team
Photo courtesy of Rustan’s
September 25, 2025
‘Tis another holiday festivity to look forward to as Rustan’s transforms tradition into inspiration with the season’s most beautiful décor at Rustan’s Christmas Shop 2025. This year’s festive showcase brings the magic of togetherness and heartfelt moments to life with the artistry and creative vision of select personalities who each create stunning vignettes inspired by their own personal take on festive moments at home using Rustan’s Christmas Shop merchandise offerings.
(L-R) Malu Liu, Marketing Consultant for Home of Rustan Commercial Corporation; Michael T. Huang, Senior Vice President for Store Development and Expansions, Rustan Commercial Corporation; Michelle Suzuki; Myze Bangayan; Jia Estrella; Nicole de los Reyes; Miko de los Reyes; Happy Ongpauco-Tiu; Anton T. Huang, President and CEO of Rustan Commercial Corporation, SSI Group of Companies and Rustan Marketing Corporation; Pam Gonzales-Lopez; and Jackie Avecilla, Head of Marketing, Rustan Commercial Corporation
Rustan’s is proud to collaborate with some of the country’s most creative talents, who bring their unique perspectives and personal stories into holiday design that will translate the magic of Christmas into curated vignettes with Rustan’s holiday collections.
They reimagine what Christmas can look and feel like in the modern Filipino home, weaving stories of tradition, creativity, and joy into immersive spaces that shoppers can walk through and draw inspiration from. Decorating for Christmas is more than a tradition; it is an act of storytelling, memory-making, and celebrating togetherness.
Sofia Zobel Elizalde
Sofia Zobel Elizalde, founder of STEPS Dance Studio, presents a tablescape inspired by the many things she grew up with that make Christmas dinner truly special. Sofia recalls, “My mother always brought out her best piña tablecloth for such a special evening, and paired it with all her favorite plates and good crystal glasses to serve water, white wine, red wine, and of course, champagne.” For her own interpretation, she placed white magnolias at the center of the table—a nod to one of her favorite cities, New York. “The white magnolias add a touch of white and green to the lovely Filipino piña tablecloth,” she shares. Around it, she included sweets, along with playful touches inspired by The Nutcracker, her favorite Christmas ballet. On one side of the tablescape, Sofia created a small bar area for festive drinks like rosé champagne and single malt whiskey. To complete the setting, the opposite side features a tea set adorned with butterflies, a detail that she says “caught my eye as it’s filled with butterflies that I love.” Sofia adds, “Christmas is family, a wonderful time of the year of love, giving, sharing and memories. I hope you enjoy this table setting as much as I enjoyed putting it together with all of Rustan’s beautiful table setting choices.”
Michelle Suzuki
Inspired by the Japanese art of Ikebana, Michelle Suzuki brings thoughtful precision and cultural artistry to her vignette, ‘A Red Reverie.’ Merging heritage and festivity, Michelle’s setting exudes both elegance and intimacy: “Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, and this Japanese-inspired vignette is a refined tribute to both the season and a culture that holds deep personal meaning,” she shares. At its heart stands a striking red Christmas tree, embellished with cherry blossoms, red berries, and jewel-toned ornaments in shades of ruby, fuchsia, and pink. A flowing pearl garland introduces a luminous softness, balancing the vibrancy of the palette, while gold and lacquer-inspired accents tie the composition together.
Happy Ongpauco-Tiu
For interior designer and founder of My Happy Home, Happy Ongpauco-Tiu, Christmas is a chance to embrace evening glamour through a vignette that radiates timeless elegance. “This Christmas, we’re embracing evening glamour with a tablescape that truly shines! Golden accents shimmer under the soft glow of candlelight, while sleek black and champagne tones bring a modern yet timeless elegance to the table,” she shares. From crystal glassware to stunning china and polished cutlery, every detail adds festive charm, while hints of greenery provide just the right sparkle, making it a glowing stage for memorable Christmas gatherings.
Miko De Los Reyes
Architect Miko De Los Reyes reimagines the season by blending heritage with contemporary flair. “I was inspired by the adage ‘something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.’ It celebrates Christmas as a time for honoring family heritage,” he explains. His vignette features Rustan’s signature blue, paired with European prints reminiscent of heirloom treasures, while natural textures “borrowed” from nature add warmth and grounding. Bright pops of orange punctuate the setting, infusing it with fresh, festive energy that exudes a thoughtful mix of nostalgia and modernity.
Pam Gonzales-Lopez
Floral designer Pam Gonzales-Lopez of FLORET transforms her vignette into a lush woodland escape with ‘A Floret Christmas in Woodland Whimsy.’ “Floret presents a lush tapestry of nature’s finest textures. It reimagines traditional holiday décor through botanical abundance, creating a wild yet harmonious silhouette. It’s a true Floret Christmas moment,” she shares. With raw elements of the forest as her inspiration, her design layers texture and abundance, embracing the beauty of the outdoors while elevating it into a festive narrative that offers a fresh perspective on holiday elegance.
Myze Bangayan
Interior designer Myze Bangayan offers a serene and sophisticated counterpoint with her vignette, which captures the harmony of the season. “Every table tells a story. For this season, I chose an eclectic Christmas afternoon tea set-up—a mix of textures, colors, and little details that spark joy. Because Christmas is also about slowing down and savoring conversations over tea,” she says. With a refined layering of tones, textures, and curated details, her design embodies balance and warmth that celebrates both the peaceful and the joyful side of Christmas.
Jia Estrella
With ‘Noel Majorelle,’ Jia Estrella curates a vignette steeped in artistic vibrancy—an imaginative space that feels both global and personal. “The inspiration behind my work is rooted in the Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech, where vibrant colors and intricate designs blend and reflect both French and Moroccan cultures and design elements, creating a truly magical Christmas,” she says. From hand-painted furniture to found-object artwork, her composition highlights the fusion of cultures while radiating festive warmth.
Details from Winter Blue
Each personality infuses the Rustan’s Christmas Shop with imagination, breathing life into the holiday spirit and celebrating the joys of the season that will inspire families to create their own Christmas Magic at home.
For more inspiration, visit rustans.com or follow @rustansph on Facebook and Instagram.
