Rustan&rsquo;s, together with the PIID, unveils an exclusive program that celebrates local creativity through a series of curated vignettes&nbsp;

Each time we step into one&rsquo;s home, our eyes begin to wander, looking around the four corners of the room &mdash; quietly observing how the decors and fixtures are placed, how the colors of the furniture are coordinated, and how the space gently reveals one&rsquo;s way of life. Every shape, every texture, every scent &mdash; every detail tells us something about the person who curated it. As interior designer Nate Berkus once said, &ldquo;Your home should tell the story of who you are, and be a collection of what you love.&rdquo;
Recognizing that every space has a story to tell, Rustan's proudly launches its Designer&rsquo;s Circle 2025, together with the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID). This exclusive loyalty program celebrates the creativity, innovation, and expertise of local interior designers, artists, and design professionals who continually shape the evolving Filipino home &mdash; reaffirming the brand&rsquo;s commitment of championing local design excellence.

<h4 style="text-align: center;">Four Vignettes: Four Design Stories</h4>

During the launch event, Rustan&rsquo;s brought together four acclaimed Filipina interior designers and challenged them to create vignettes that blend personal style with the upcoming trends this year &mdash; including the use of sustainable materials, multifunctional spaces, and earthy color palettes. Drawing from Rustan&rsquo;s extensive collection of local and international home brands, each designer presented a curated corner that not only showcased their vision, but also encouraged others to express themselves through their homes.&nbsp;

<h4>Cynthia Almario: Living In Whimsy and Elegance</h4>

Stepping in the vignette created by an icon in design, Cynthia Almario reimagines the living room where modern sophistication is layered with touches of fantasy. The luxurious pieces from Poliform and Flexform establish the sleek foundation that lends the space quiet opulence, while the eclectic and curious accents from Jonathan Andler &mdash; sourced from Rustan&rsquo;s &mdash; injects a burst of fun and personality. &ldquo; My idea is to create an enchanting environment that invites exploration, blending various sumptuous materials that harmonize to provide a unique sensory experience," Cynthia explained.&nbsp;

The vignette features a foyer that plays with form and imagination. A mannequin-like lamp clutching glowing orbs and a black sheep ottoman brought the sculptural playfulness. Pop-art motifs, like the eye and lip visuals, punctuates the shelves with charm, while the black furniture elevates the space with refined modernity. This leads into the living room that, as Almario describes, &ldquo;radiates whimsical chic, where sophistication meets a playful spirit.&rdquo; From the bold zebra-print rug and surrealist bust vases, to the mustard yellow accent chair and teal sectional at the center, it plays on the idea of cozy confidence. As Cynthia reminds the audience, &ldquo;Do not be afraid to mix colors. There's no rules.&rdquo;

<h4>Cindy Fernandez-Beltran: A Tale of the East and West </h4>

In La Dolce Isla, Cindy Fernandez-Beltran designed a vignette that explored what happens when European opulence meets Filipino craftsmanship. At its center is a narrative where Fornasetti&rsquo;s signature surrealist imagery and monochromatic motifs seamlessly intertwine with the Philippines&rsquo; tropical essence and traditional materials. As Cindy shared, &ldquo;By pairing his signature aesthetic with the warmth and texture of Filipino design, the vignette reimagines maximalist European charm through a distinctly island lens."

Told in three parts, Cindy&rsquo;s vignette revolved around the dining area &mdash; where the sculptural glass table became a reimagined tropical foliage with the towering flora and fauna placed at the center and a playful hanging monkey chandelier adding a humorous touch. Framing the space is a backdrop of architectural trompe-l'&oelig;il wallpaper from Fornasetti that added a theatrical illusion to the scene. The chairs and tablewares echoed the same surrealist motif, blurring the line between art and function.&nbsp;

Adjacent to the scene is a formal dining foyer that reflects an art gallery, with a zebra-front cabinet and face-adorned Fornasetti plates set against the deep emerald walls. Completing the tableau is an outdoor cocktail nook, where a Kenneth Cobonpue Bloom chair in yellow standouts alongside the rattan animal sculptures, adding an exotic irreverence to the display.&nbsp;

<h4>Cecil Ravelas: A Home with A Heart</h4>

For Cecil Ravelas, a home must be a sanctuary &mdash; a place that calms, inspires, and reconnects us with what truly matters amid the haste of everyday life. &ldquo;I always try to bring out the story of the people inside the space,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;More often, everybody just buys ordinary pieces; but in reality, each piece that we bring home is a piece of our story.&rdquo; Rooted in this perspective, she curated her space with the spirit of hospitality.

Two distinct spaces made up the vignette, tied together with a narrative told through sculpture and intimate storytelling. First is the dining room where a monolithic stone table stood &mdash; a sculptural piece as timeless as it is tactile. Its raw form is softened by the addition of the deep red leather chair, bringing depth and balance to the composition.&nbsp;

The living room continued the structural motif with a statement sofa that toes the line between art and functionality. With its organic curves, it invites interpretation &mdash; whether it resembles a leaf or a lip. This is complemented by movable furniture, abstract tables, and flexible decor suited for modern urban living. In the end, Cecil encourages both homeowners and designers to embrace their personal expression: &ldquo;Find your own comfort, and then find the story to tell.&rdquo;

<h4>Ann Dee-Santiago: A Cozy Escape</h4>

Ann Dee-Santiago envisioned a space that welcomes both quiet solitude and shared joy &mdash; a lounge-dining lanai that connects home and nature for a truly lived-in experience of warmth and connection. &ldquo;The inspiration came from the pace of real life &mdash; how busy we all are,&rdquo; she shared. &ldquo;In the middle of all the hustle and traffic, one thing we all truly value is slowing down and sharing happy moments with close friends and family.&rdquo;
Blending contemporary comfort with natural elements, Ann created a tropical-bohemian interior that is perfect for both relaxing afternoons and lively gatherings. At the heart of the vignette is a rustic wooden table, adorned with colorful flower arrangements and artfully-placed tablewares. Framing this are lush greeneries that stretch throughout the area, bringing the outdoors in, while details like the warm glow from woven lamps, natural fiber rugs, and earth-toned cushions ground the layout and add to its inviting charm.&nbsp;
Tucked in the corner, a cozy lounge draped in throws and a stocked wine cart added a sense of sophistication to this garden-inspired haven. This design is about making space for connection, comfort and simple joys. In a busy world, true luxury is finding the time &ndash; and the space &ndash; to just be together,&rdquo; Ann emphasized.&nbsp;

Each vignette beautifully showcased the different perspectives on what it truly means to live in this modern world &mdash; from Cynthia&rsquo;s whimsical wonderland and Cindy&rsquo;s maximalist tropical paradise, to Cecil&rsquo;s&nbsp; sculptural sanctuary and Ann&rsquo;s natured-inspired haven.&nbsp;
These thoughtfully curated tableaus are still on display at the 5th level of Rustan&rsquo;s Makati, inviting customers to experience the designers&rsquo; visions and spark inspiration for their own spaces. It is also a chance to discover how Rustan&rsquo;s premium selection can easily be integrated into one&rsquo;s home and lifestyle.&nbsp;
To know more about Rustan&rsquo;s Designer&rsquo;s Circle 2025, you can follow RustansPH on Instagram and Facebook and visit www.Rustans.com

Inside Rustan's Designer’s Circle 2025: Stories of the Filipino Home

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