B&B Italia Celebrates Filipino Heritage
In celebration of Philippine Independence Day, B&B Italia presents its Filipino Heritage Campaign – simultaneously an homage to unmistakably beautiful Filipino architecture and design; and a tribute to some of the most iconic and timeless pieces of Italian furniture from the renowned brand.
The Filipino Heritage Campaign for B&B Italia captivatingly intersects old and new. The campaign is initially set in an ancestral home designed by celebrated Filipino National Artist for Architecture, Pablo S. Antonio. It was built in the 1960s, coincidentally around the same time B&B Italia was founded. The palatial home was made for businessman Felipe Sangil Juico and his wife, Maria Ella, whose influences and interests are seen throughout the home. Later on, additions were made to the property when it was sold to restore and recreate areas reflecting Filipino culture and history from across the archipelago and ultimately convert it to a sprawling, transportative wonderland.
The Filipino Heritage Campaign for B&B Italia captivatingly intersects old and new. The campaign is initially set in an ancestral home designed by celebrated Filipino National Artist for Architecture, Pablo S. Antonio. It was built in the 1960s, coincidentally around the same time B&B Italia was founded. The palatial home was made for businessman Felipe Sangil Juico and his wife, Maria Ella, whose influences and interests are seen throughout the home. Later on, additions were made to the property when it was sold to restore and recreate areas reflecting Filipino culture and history from across the archipelago and ultimately convert it to a sprawling, transportative wonderland.
As such, the collaboration became one with storied Filipino heritage homes that exude the country’s charm and character and transport guests to the past through its meticulous wood carvings and striking tilework. These homes are a unique blend of East & West, embodying indigenous and foreign influences, reflecting the country’s tropical environment and resulting artistic sensibilities, and giving rise to a colorful tapestry of traditions, customs, and beliefs. These homes were chosen to emphasize the timelessness of B&B Italia’s pieces, highlighting the traditional elements of Filipino homes while juxtaposing them with contemporary designs.
From its birth to the present day, B&B Italia has been committed to creating pieces that are both timeless and elegant. The Filipino Heritage Campaign is a testament to this dedication, as it celebrates the meeting of these two artistic worlds – Filipino designed architecture and Italian crafted furniture. The result is an unprecedented collaboration, showcasing how B&B Italia can appeal to any lifestyle, no matter how traditional or modern it may be.
The brand’s most iconic pieces such as the Camaleonda sofa, Serie Up 2000 armchair, and Eda-mame daybed are put in a romantic, old-world atmosphere. Viewers are also invited to marvel at some newcomers to the B&B Italia collection, namely the Blitz chairs and Noonu sofa collections, as their unique shapes and luxurious materials dance against antique silhouettes. The Noonu is strategically placed in the historic wing of the home, where its original owners hung portraits painted by Philippine National Artist Fernando Amorsolo. The result is a fusion of nostalgic charm and modern-day luxury. The campaign also proudly showcases limited edition pieces such as the Tobi-Ishi table in striped white Carrara and green Alpi marble set against the intricate brick and woodworks of a colonial-style chapel, and the reissue of the iconic Le Bambole armchair in a fresh new Manila fabric.
This remarkable staging of modern furniture pieces with Filipino heritage homes accentuates the unique beauty and charm of both cultures. Not only does it create an unforgettable visual experience for viewers, but it also puts B&B Italia on the global stage as a leader in luxury Italian furniture design.