…and how it can stand out by staying true to its roots.
Luxury today isn’t just about marble countertops or designer labels, it’s about creating a space that tells your story. That’s exactly what Moda Interni’s The Luxe Collective showcased: how Filipino artistry can transform living spaces into personal sanctuaries.
Held at Moda Interni’s showroom in Quezon City, the event brought together local creatives Rachel Ngan Duenas, Yumi Christina, and Christian Valdes, pairing their work with iconic Italian furniture brands like Turri, Opera Contemporary, and Pedini. The result is a celebration of creativity, culture, and individuality that highlights what modern luxury means in this day and age.
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Rachel Ngan Duenas: Art that feels alive
Rachel Ngan Duenas’ art isn’t just for admiring, it’s for living with. Her painting Come Into Life was the star of the show, a vibrant, emotional piece inspired by the resilience of life. Fresh off an exhibit at the Louvre (yes, that Louvre), her work captures the energy of the Philippine landscape through her “tropical impressionism” style.
For Rachel, creating a home isn’t about trends, it’s about authenticity. She also emphasized that true luxury lies in creating a space that tells a story. “Collectors of art or furniture are storytellers at heart,” she explained. “The furnishings you choose should complement your narrative, inviting others into your world and allowing your space to become a reflection of who you are,” she said, sitting among Turri’s elegant yet modern furniture. Her painting, now on display at Moda Interni, will have half its proceeds donated to the Philippine Cancer Society.
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Yumi Christina: When heritage becomes haute
Yumi Christina takes history and makes it wearable. The Japanese-Filipino designer repurposes vintage kimonos into stunning modern pieces, blending tradition with contemporary aesthetics. Her work was paired with Opera Contemporary furniture, an ideal match for her East-meets-West vision.
“Kimono fabrics are more than just materials. They’re a tapestry of stories, blending tradition and craftsmanship to symbolize virtues or seasons,” Yumi explained. “By transforming them into modern fashion, I give these stories new life while respecting their heritage.” she added. By turning these textiles into modern fashion, she’s preserving their heritage while giving them new life.
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Christian Valdes: Chocolate as a love letter
Christian Valdes, founder of CMV Txokolat, is proof that food can be just as artistic as anything else in your home. His handcrafted chocolates combine Filipino ingredients like calamansi and tablea with European techniques, creating luxurious confections that tell a story with every bite.
“Each truffle or bar carries the soul of our traditions, turning local ingredients into a global experience. Filipino cuisine is gaining international recognition, and it’s our responsibility to champion its richness and make it sustainable by supporting local producers and establishments,” he said while demonstrating his craft in a Pedini kitchen that looked more like an artist’s studio. Christian’s work highlights the beauty of local flavors, elevating them into something truly global.
A new kind of luxury
The Luxe Collective wasn’t just about beautiful things (though there was plenty of that). It was about showing how Filipino artistry can stand out on the world stage by staying true to its roots. Whether it’s through Rachel’s vibrant paintings, Yumi’s reimagined kimonos, or Christian’s elevated chocolates, the message was clear: the future of luxury is personal, cultural, and unapologetically Filipino.
And honestly? It’s about time.
