Genteelhome marks a pivotal moment in the local luxury furniture landscape with its first-ever summer outdoor collection called “PAYAK.” This emerged from an exclusive partnership with artist and cultural advocate Catriona Gray, who provided the creative vision for five distinct pieces. The unveiling of these limited edition designs took place at the furniture brand’s showroom at The Podium on March 21st.
Known for championing Filipino craftsmanship since 2013, Genteelhome believes in collaborating with visionary minds to craft meaningful and authentic products. Beyond being a leader in bespoke furniture design, the brand also provides a platform for local artists to bring their creativity to life. And Gray, with her global influence and ingrained passion for art, is a natural choice to embody this principle.
It all began from a simple conversation. Genteelhome Principal Designer and CEO Katrina Blanca de Leon described that this interaction highlighted Gray’s dreams and humble beginnings. These genuine narratives then became the very inspiration to create the artist’s first capsule collection with the brand.
PAYAK, translating to simplicity, is a summer outdoor furniture line defined by its purpose and timeless elegance.
“It’s more of sharing a piece of her heart and turning it into actual art pieces or furniture,” de Leon shares of her collaboration with Gray. “Because when she was designing each piece, she made it from her memories. It’s fun because while sketching and developing the materials with her, you can actually be in that moment. She’s very immersed in all of the details that she wants and explains the reasons behind them. So, you will get to understand why and how these pieces would come together.”
Moreover, this collection prides itself with handpicked premium materials such as teak wood, high-performance fabric, and lampakanay rope. All of which contribute to the longevity and durability of these bespoke artisanal products.
Weaves, vibrant hues, and various textures are the hallmarks of the PAYAK Collection. Gray specifically opted for a weave design to underscore the Filipino women who pass down this meticulous and colorful tradition. Each piece represents a significant narrative reflecting the heritage, practices, and landscapes of the Philippines.
Honoring the scenery of Gray’s home province of Albay, the first on the list is the warm and cozy Mayon Lounge Chair. It consists of an accent chair and an ottoman that doubles as a foot rest.
Drawing inspiration from the majestic Mayon Volcano’s flows, the fabrics feature a weave pattern of pink berries and orange hues, simulating its fiery colors. The wooden frame’s curvaceous contour symbolizes the movement of the molten rock as it descends from the peak.
Genteelhome characterized it as “an art of passion, power, and homecoming.” This description stems from the view that Gray’s mother cherished from her childhood.
The Pinay Accent Chair honors Filipino women’s grace, inspired by the baro’t saya; a Philippine national costume. Its curved armrest, in matte-stained ash teakwood, echoes the dress’s iconic sleeve.
Vibrant blue and purple solihiya weaves reflect Yakan tapestry traditions. This bespoke piece features a reclined backrest and a low-profile seat.
Gray, as a homebody, revealed that this chair is her favorite from the collection. Whether having quiet mornings or decompressing after a long day, the accent chair’s high backrest makes it her go-to spot.
Another PAYAK Collection piece that integrates solihiya and teakwood is the Balik Tanaw Side Table. It features an awning-shaped glass top that rests gracefully upon the weaving.
The glass can be opened, providing a space to insert and display a cherished memento or photograph. Alternatively, it can be left as is, allowing the intricate weave pattern beneath to be fully showcased as a design element.
Moreover, the interesting angular design is a key feature; ensuring the piece stands out in any room. De Leon stated that this table is one of Genteelhome’s most asked about pieces during the Philippine International Furniture Show. She further dubbed it as “a keepsake side table,” resonating Filipinos’ value of sentimentality.
Resembling two raised hands in playful motion, the Beh & She Side Tables embody a dance of friendship. Each side table offers a distinct aesthetic with different rope colors and heights. While each can stand alone, these differences represent the dynamics of companionship, where individual personality shines brighter when paired together.
They are also accentuated by hammered smooth brass rings, mimicking the T’boli bangle bracelets. These “furniture pieces with jewelry” promise countless creative styling possibilities, allowing them to adapt to diverse interior designs.
Answering to Filipinos’ inclination towards maximalism, the Kapit-Bisig Shelving Unit offers open storage for various home accessories, memorabilia, and anik-anik. It is an excellent addition to exhibit and infuse personal flair in any space. Due to its lightweight materials, this shelf can also function as a room divider.
True to its name, this piece playfully interweaves colorful abaca accents, acting as connecting elements between platforms. The vertical teak columns further symbolize the enduring tradition of weaving, linking generations of Filipino women and their stories.
De Leon notes that the PAYAK Collection is not only meant to celebrate collaboration with Filipino artisans and artists. This outdoor furniture line is created with the hope that it will fill homes with pride, comfort, and a lasting legacy to every home it graces.
“The intention [of PAYAK Collection] is not just to have beautiful pieces in your home,” de Leon underscores. “Having something with meaning in your space is a different thing. We only use quality materials. And of course, most importantly, they are handcrafted and thoughtfully created, which makes these products different. You know, what makes a Filipino product or furniture different is the way our craftsmen would do it.”
In the same vein, Gray wishes people to feel proud to have artisanal products like these in their home. She hopes that by appreciating the love and labor in these bespoke furniture, anyone could express their most authentic and relaxed selves at home.
This desire for connection and authentic self-expression within the home is precisely what made her collaboration with Genteelhome fulfilling.
“Working with Genteelhome has been such a wonderful process,” Gray states. “They take all of my crazy ideas. So, when it comes to color matching or different silhouettes, they really allow my creativity to thrive and to really just be expressed. It’s been such a dream collaboration and to see it all be produced into this beautiful high quality furniture that if any of you take one home, it can be something to last a lifetime to be passed on to generation.”
Read more: Iconic Fusion: Heart Evangelista Joins Genteel Home as New Ambassador
Photos provided by Genteelhome
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