Moda Interni’s The Luxe Collective: Celebrating Art, Design, and Community brought together design enthusiasts, art lovers, and lifestyle advocates at its showroom in Quezon City. The event highlighted the synergy of Filipino artistry with global modern luxury, featuring local creativity with renowned Italian furniture brands.

Introducing visual artist Rachel Ngan Duenas, fashion designer Yumi Christina, and chocolatíer Christian Valdes, the event explored their journeys and how their crafts elevate contemporary living. Paired with curated brands from Moda Interni’s portfolio, they showcased how art, culture, and design can transform homes into personal sanctuaries.

The event marks the beginning of The Luxe Collective series, where Moda Interni reinforced its commitment of integrating Filipino creativity and global luxury design into everyday living.  “Luxury isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about creating spaces that tell who we are,” said Goldwin Sison, President and CEO of Moda Interni.  “We selected these incredible Filipino artists because their crafts reflect a unique blend of artistry, culture, and personal storytelling. By showcasing their work with brands like Turri, Opera Contemporary, and Pedini, we aim to inspire Filipinos to see their homes as more than just spaces—they’re sanctuaries of personal expression,” he added.

Rachel Ngan Duenas: Creating Space for Art

Rachel Ngan Duenas sitting with Turri furniture

Rachel Ngan Duenas, a first generation artist in a family of entrepreneurs, who was recently featured in a prestigious exhibit at at the Carousel de Louvre in Paris, captivated guests with her vibrant art piece, Come Into Life, which is now on display at the Moda Interni showroom. Rooted in “tropical impressionism,” her works are inspired by the vitality of the Philippine landscape.

Turri’s refined and versatile designs that blend timeless elegance with modern sensibilities, resonate with Rachel’s vision of “Creating Space for Art.” She believes that spaces reflecting authenticity become natural homes for art. “Authenticity is key. When you know yourself and your story, you will naturally curate a space that reflects that,” she added.

Come Into Life: Inspired by a chick hatching and the main message is you fought for your life. 

Exhibited at the Louvre Oct 18, - 20, 2024

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.”

Rachel revealed how painting became a healing outlet during the pandemic, transforming emotions into evocative pieces. Her Louvre-featured artwork will remain on display at Moda Interni, with half of its proceeds pledged to the Philippine Cancer Society.

Yumi Christina: Old World Luxury Becomes Modern Luxury

Yumi Christina sitting on Opera Contemporary Desk

Japanese-Filipino designer Yumi Christina, founder of EDYA1929, brought a touch of Japonism to the Moda showroom. Japonism, a 19th-century art movement, is known for its focus on simplicity, asymmetry, and nature-inspired motifs, all while creating an East-meets-West aesthetic. 

Known for transforming vintage kimonos into contemporary fashion, Yumi celebrates cultural preservation while infusing her designs with a modern twist. Her journey began in 2019 when a kimono from a Japan surplus sparked her creative rebirth, inspiring her to craft one-of-a-kind pieces in collaboration with local artisans.

Paired with Opera Contemporary’s refined furniture, Yumi showcased a shared dedication to preserving tradition while embracing modern luxury.  “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.

A Call to Be Fearless: "Women Who Fear Nothing" is a rallying cry for women to put on their armor 

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Similarly, Opera Contemporary, with its roots in 1886, combines timeless craftsmanship with today’s luxury living. Just as kimono motifs convey the wearer's virtues,  Opera Contemporary’s designs reflect the individuality and personality of those who choose them, creating timeless yet personal expressions of luxury.

Christian Valdes: Championing Glocal Cuisine

Chef Christian Valdes with Pedini kitchen

Chocolatier Christian Valdes, founder of CMV Txokolat, presented his glocal creations—luxurious confections infused with Filipino ingredients. Partnered with Pedini, renowned for its innovative kitchen designs, Christian brought to life the trend “Championing Glocal Cuisine.”

His journey began with a passion for both chocolates and Filipino culture, leading to the establishment of CMV Txokolat in 2018. “Chocolate is more than just an ingredient—it’s a piece of history and culture,” he shared. “The Philippines was the first in Asia to cultivate cacao, introduced via the Acapulco galleon trade in the 1600s. From a humble ingredient, it has become a platform to highlight the richness of Filipino heritage.”

A box of CMV Txokolat

For Christian, luxury chocolate represents the elevation of a basic ingredient through exceptional materials, refined craftsmanship, and thoughtful preparation. It’s about transforming something simple into a masterpiece, much like a Pedini kitchen, where every detail is designed to inspire creativity and support culinary artistry.

Christian emphasized the importance of heritage in his work, using flavors, ingredients, and stories that reflect Philippine culture. “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 explained. A well-designed kitchen, he added, plays a crucial role in this journey. “As a person who works in the food industry, kitchen design is very important. It enhances accessibility, functionality, and even morale, creating the perfect space for culinary creativity to thrive.” With Pedini, you’re not just designing a workspace—you’re building a platform for expression, supporting the artistry behind every creation.

For inquiries about the artists or featured collections, you may contact Rachel Ngan Duenas via email at rachelnganduenas@gmail.com  or on Instagram at @rachelnduenas. Yumi Christina can be reached on Instagram at @edya1929, through her website edya1929.com, by email at info@edya1929.net, or by phone at +63 9985592708. For Christian Valdes, visit www.cmvtxokolat.com, follow him on Instagram at @CMVTxokolatOfficial, or connect through Facebook at CMV Txokolat.