MAKATI CITY — With rising oil prices and costly booth rentals making it harder for small artists to join fairs and gain visibility, award-winning furniture designer Ito Kish decided to help by opening his Makati showroom and in-house cafe to local creatives completely free of charge. No rent, no commissions, just a chance for exposure.
From May 21 to 24, 2026, Kish is holding the “Pop-Up for Creatives Series 1” at his store located along J.P. Rizal Avenue in Makati, running daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event features five up-and-coming brands from the worlds of fashion, art, crafts, and home decor. Kish personally provides the display fixtures and does not take any percentage from sales. According to him, truly supporting small businesses means giving them a space without added financial pressure.
Why He Chose to Offer the Space for Free
The idea came to Kish after oil prices began increasing during the early stages of the conflict in Iran. While reviewing expenses for an upcoming fair, he realized how difficult it had become for smaller brands to afford participation fees and promotional costs. Concerned that many talented creators might lose opportunities simply because they lacked funding, he posted an open call on Instagram. More than 20 interested brands responded. From there, he curated a rotating group of five to six brands per month from May until July, with plans to continue the initiative beyond that period.
The Featured Creative Brands
Among the participating brands is Style Isle, which showcases island-inspired fashion pieces and home decor created together with indigenous communities. MiArt offers live gouache portraits designed to capture the personality and story of each subject. Nyanya Crochet presents handmade knitted accessories while also helping support community cat rescue efforts. Rada Collab features works by local artists specializing in stoneware, clay creations, and collapsible baskets, while Beyond Layers focuses on custom 3D-printed decorative pieces.
Giving Back to the Creative Industry
Kish has long been recognized in the design world. His Gothic-inspired Gregoria Lounge and Chair received the Katha Award for Best Furniture Design, while his Basilisa Collection earned an Iron Award at the prestigious A' Design Award in Italy. He was also named among the “Icons of Asia” during the Gwangju Design Biennale in South Korea. Despite these achievements, Kish remains grounded. He shared that he started his own journey more than 25 years ago in a modest 45-square-meter shop. He noted that today’s market is far more crowded and competitive, making it difficult for new creatives to stand out.
For him, supporting younger entrepreneurs is part of his responsibility as someone who has already built a name in the industry. Whether by opening doors for them or simply giving them room to shine, he believes even small acts of support can make a meaningful difference. This is the second time Kish has organized a pop-up event in his space. The first was held in 2020 during the pandemic. Aside from shopping from local brands, visitors can also explore the Ito Kish showroom and relax with coffee at the cafe.
