We're in Elle Decor!!!

This is not the first time a Filipino concept graced the pages of a western glossy.  Nonetheless, when Elle Decor Magazine featured a handsome side table clad in blue Java lizard skin on page 74 of their October 2010 issue, I was thrilled!  The piece, dubbed "Spoliarium" (a gracious nod to Juan Luna's Behemoth oil painting), is one of the accent tables created by the Philippine design company Celestina Maynila currently selling  at Barneys, New York.  I've been searching everywhere for an isolated photo of the lovely Spoliarium but have come up empty-handed.  I shall, instead, post the cover of the Elle Decor issue wherein it is featured.  If you go to their site, you can actually leaf through the entire issue for free! Remember, the Spoliarium is on page 74!

The Spoliarium is on page 74!!!

Barneys also carries another Celestina accent table called "Katipunan".  The metal legs, resembling twisted tree branches, support a marble tabletop covered in either vibrantly dappled or soothing grey shagreen (stingray leather).

The Katipunan.  Stunning, yes?

 

The Barneys Version  in grey shagreen!

It is crucial to stress that to be distributed by Barneys, the iconic purveyor of all things tasteful and upscale, is no easy feat. For a company with no known advertising budget or marketing power to have penetrated their hallowed halls is even more impressive.  In truth, very little is known about this company, but what I have unearthed is most intriguing. 

Celestina "Tina" Ocampo, a former fashion model, originally launched a line of evening clutches reminiscent of 1960's "minaudieres" under the Celestina brand.  Boasting superior craftsmanship, graceful construction and a polished interpretation of Southeast Asian natural elements, the purses were soon featured on the "Last Look" page of Vogue magazine, thereby establishing Celestina as a viable fashion brand.
The accessory line has since been sold at exclusive boutiques the world over.  Further, the precious minaudieres have been cradled by celebrities such as Sandra Bullock at red carpet functions.







Sandra Bullock with a Celestina "Patricia" clutch at the Screen Actors Guild Awards (left) and the Celestina "Ebun" clutch at the Academy Awards (right).



Tina's husband, Ricco Ocampo, a consummate multihyphenate, followed shortly after with Celestina Home, a stunning line of artisan-borne home accents and furniture.  Calling upon skilled craftsmen spanning Thailand, Laos and the Philippines, Ocampo sought to alchemize materials indigenous to Southeast Asia into stylish yet functional objects.  Modern in their silhouettes yet evocative of organic forms, many of the pieces play in a space of tasteful whimsy and quiet intelligence. The upscale Chicago home boutique, Lille, carries a wider selection of Celestina's pieces, many of which are dreamlike, even at some points Dali-esque.  The fact that the Ocampos christened each item after a Philippine historical figure, dynasty or national artwork further adds to the charm of the line. 

My personal favorite is the Gabriela Silang - a slanted chair, utilitarian in form, cushioned with mongolian lamb fleece.  The tension of the piece excites me no end!  With such delightful designs, it would be a treat to see what Celestina has in store.  Pun intended.

Celestina's Gabriela Silang Chair