A seat through time

“In Chairs We Trust” takes place at Somewhere in Nuvali

“Chairs are architecture,” the great Le Corbusier once said. And much like architecture, a good chair has a sense of history and a strong design foundation. This mindset is something husband-and-wife duo Ken and Isa Mishuku bring to their purveyor brand, Midcentury Manila, a project that brings together restored post-war pieces—from iconic Noguchi lighting fixtures to Eames chairs.

Midcentury chairs and design objects are highlighted in “In Chairs We Trust” Heart Cone Chair by Verner Panton

Design beyond seating

On view at Somewhere in Nuvali, their ongoing exhibition, “In Chairs We Trust,” takes their appreciation for design another step beyond seating.

Alongside the selection of midcentury chairs, the showcase brings together a variety of design objects that reflect the duo’s nuanced attention to form. These include sought-after Visvim pieces, the Japanese brand well-known for melding craftsmanship with vintage Americana flavor.

For sneakerheads with niche tastes, you’ll find Flower Mountain’s latest Yamabushi sneakers. Watch enthusiasts can also seek out vintage, yet futuristic-looking Seiko watches from the 1970s.

Groeten uit Hollan lounge chair by Rob Eckhardt

Furnishings beyond furniture

For those seeking to elevate their space with more than just chairs—there will be a range of furnishings beyond the classic seats. Step onto the floor and onto Flatloom rugs, some in vintage tribal-style flat weave kilim, others in newer styles.

There will be many lamps to love, too, from George Sowden’s TL2 table lamp to Bang Lop’s spectrum of colorful, sculptural lights at the Dept Store. Midcentury Manila also presents their very own Hopper Throw Pillow, crafted in-house with canvas, leather, and signature tufting inspired by the creases of an Eames Lounge Chair.

For those looking to exercise their creativity, visitors can customize the colorway of miniature Welcome Stools in an ongoing project by Exploratory Projects, which will run throughout the entire duration of “In Chairs We Trust.” Design enthusiasts looking for something smaller to take home can also pick up Studio PC’s midcentury-inspired notecards.

Throughout, visitors can settle in for pleasant afternoons, browsing fresh batches of vinyl records from Tambaï Records and jamming to live DJ sets from 2 p.m. onwards, cups from Type A Coffee in hand.

“In Chairs We Trust” at Somewhere in Nuvali runs on weekends from Oct. 3 until December