From Pampanga to Paris with love and craft
Genteelhome unveiled earlier this week its latest collection, Bigkis, with an exclusive media preview at its showroom in Bacolor, Pampanga.
The event served as a prelude to the brand’s upcoming participation at Maison&Objet Paris, one of the world’s most prestigious interior design fairs, set for Sept. 4 to 8 of this year.
Collaborative project
Bigkis—a Filipino word meaning “to bind or unite”—is a collaborative project featuring five acclaimed designers from across Southeast Asia namely Eggarat Wongcharit (Thailand), Keat Ong (Singapore), Lai Siew Hong (Malaysia), Kezia Karin (Indonesia), and Ivy Almario (Philippines).
“Like us Filipinos, together they speak of love, imperfection, resilience and unity.
Bigkis is a celebration of not just collaboration but differences united in one collaborative platform,” said Katrina Blanca de Leon, Genteelhome principal designer and CEO.
Beyond aesthetics, the pieces draw from diverse cultural influences—blending sustainability, pop art elements, and functional versatility. Each creation reflects the skill and creativity of Southeast Asian design, anchored by the meticulous work of Pampanga craftsmen.
“This is about showing the world that Southeast Asia’s creative voice is rich, diverse, and worth listening to,” de Leon added.
Platform for regional talent
Maison&Objet Paris will mark a major milestone for Genteelhome as it steps onto the European stage, not merely as an exhibitor but as a platform for regional talent. The Bigkis Collection embodies the warmth of family ties, the resilience of shared heritage, and the unifying power of design.
“Bigkis is not just about design. It’s about memory. It’s the warmth of a mother’s embrace. It’s the strength of a father’s hand, the laughter of a sibling sharing a meal, and the quiet comfort of coming home, all in one stage. No matter where life takes us, Manila, Asia, or Paris, family is something we carry within us. Through the Bigkis Collection, powered by Genteelhome, we hope to remind the world that home is not just a place, it’s a feeling,” de Leon explained.
The event concluded with an exclusive, up-close viewing of the pieces bound for Paris, a guided tour of Genteelhome’s workshop, and the unveiling of the brand’s new emblem.
