Modernbrands Explores “Spaces & Dialogues: Narratives in Form, Function, & Feeling”

A showroom is often a place of silent admiration, where pieces are observed from a respectful distance. But on the evening of July 30, the Modernbrands Inc. showroom transformed into a vibrant forum—a hub of conversation, connection, and community. Titled ‘Spaces & Dialogues: Narratives in Form, Function, & Feeling,’ the exclusive event, held in partnership with Bluprint, gathered some of the country’s leading architects, designers, and industry tastemakers to discuss the very soul of the spaces we create.

The evening was a testament to the Modernbrands ethos: “The Pursuit of Tasteful Living.” More than a purveyor of fine and rare design pieces, the company has cultivated a space designed to inspire and engage.

A Shared Vision

The collaborative spirit was the evening’s focal point. In her welcoming remarks, Anne Young of Modernbrands Inc. emphasized the role of community in driving design forward. “This gathering is both a way to connect, and to share,” Young articulated. “Every exchange here informs how we design better, together. Here, design is more than function or form—it’s a dialogue waiting to unfold.”

This sentiment was echoed by Bluprint Editor-in-Chief Geewel Fuster, who spoke on the power of the partnership. “The pieces we choose for our homes say a lot about who we are,” Fuster explained. “This partnership is all about showing how great design can transform spaces and reflect personal style. It’s about building spaces that transcend, even for the next generation.”

The Italian Art of Living: Santalucia Mobili

With a proud 60-year history rooted in the Region of Veneto, the presence of Santalucia Mobili’s brand representative was among the highlights of the evening. Export Sales Director Christian Mella explained that their participation was about forging a deeper connection beyond the product itself. He framed the purpose of his first visit to Manila by saying, “Events like this give us a chance to show not only the product… but to share our vision, one that puts people, comfort, and smarter design at the center.”

This human-centric vision is built on two core pillars that have guided the brand for decades. Mella articulated their entire design driver into one clear statement: “For us, it’s very important, the functionality, but also customization.” This is a practical commitment, and the brand’s approach to functionality goes beyond aesthetics to consider the intricate details of daily life, incorporating intelligent inner equipment into their wardrobes and living systems to ensure every item has its place.

This dedication to practical living is matched only by their profound capability for personalization. To illustrate just how committed they are to this principle, Mella provided a powerful fact about their production. He revealed, “About 80% of our production is tailor made,” a stunning statistic that confirms their ability to craft truly bespoke solutions. This expertise allows them to approach every project as a unique and welcome challenge, a philosophy they nurture through their close partnership with the team at Modernbrands.

The Heart of the Home: Novacucina

For Novacucina, the modern kitchen is a space of boundless potential. CEO Marco Vettori began by defining the company’s foundational ethos, which combines personal commitment with vast technical capability. He stated, “We are a family company, and we are focused on giving our client a lot of different possibilities in terms of design.” These possibilities manifest in an extensive range of materials, customizable dimensions, and innovative opening systems.

This vast toolkit is the result of a relentless and forward-thinking innovation process. Vettori pulled back the curtain on their creative engine, explaining, “Our R&D office, every day researches new material, and from the new material, we study how to work with it.” This material-led research is the starting point. The execution is then made possible through a dynamic and highly skilled production model. Vettori described this by saying, “It’s a network of craftsmen… that permits us to obtain and give to our client the maximum personalization.”

This synergy between research and a flexible network of artisans allows Novacucina to masterfully integrate technology. They offer clients the choice to either showcase technology as a design feature or conceal it completely for a seamless, linear look—a concept perfectly demonstrated by the Revego pocket door system on display, which can hide an entire kitchen. This level of Italian innovation is then thoughtfully applied to the Philippine context through their deep collaboration with Modernbrands, who they trust to translate their capabilities into solutions that resonate with the local market.

A Toast to the Future

The evening’s program culminated with the principals of Modernbrands, Bluprint, Santalucia Mobili, and Novacucina taking the stage for a celebratory toast. It was a fitting end to the program—a gesture that solidified the evening’s theme of partnership and shared passion.

The event, ‘Spaces & Dialogues,’ successfully transcended the typical showroom function. It became a powerful statement on the future of design in the Philippines: collaborative, community-driven, and deeply in conversation with the best of global craftsmanship. It proved that when the right people and the right pieces are in the room, a space doesn’t just display objects—it tells a story.

Experience the Dialogue Firsthand

The conversation on design continues. To explore the masterful craftsmanship of Santalucia Mobili and Novacucina in person, the Modernbrands showroom invites you for a personal viewing. For ongoing inspiration and to join their journey in ‘The Pursuit of Tasteful Living,’ make sure to visit their website, follow them on Instagram, or set an appointment to see their showroom at 7489 Bagtikan Street, San Antonio Village, Makati.