A thriving art and design scene has invigorated the stretch of Chino Roces. Once only known for its office buildings, commercial spaces and automotive showrooms, the bustling neighborhood has been attracting troves of design and art enthusiasts in recent years. This, in turn, has slowly and organically transformed the area into a legitimate creative hub, punctuated by new lifestyle experiences and a distinct demographic of forward-thinking city dwellers.
The selection of design hubs along Chino Roces are varied, but never generic or ordinary. Each destination offers a unique point of view that inspires fresh creative expressions. For the true design and style enthusiast, the north-south road formerly known as Pasong Tamo is a well-loved haunt for getting their fill of visual stimulation. Little wonder then that design-forward residential developments like DMCI Homes’ Fortis Residences are slowly rising, adding to the luminous Makati skyline. This upscale, mix-used property, located at the heart of the city’s emerging design district is a reflection of the neighborhood’s redefined lifestyle.
In this new city guide series, we take you on a discovery trail of the Chino Roces’ distinctive design landscape:
Roche Bobois is a luxury French maison that has brought the expression of art de vivre around the world–and to Chino Roces as well. The design world leader’s contemporary pieces showcase iconic designs by some of the greats. These include Marcel Wanders, Kenzo Takada, Ora Ito, Sasha Lakic. Roche Bobois has also collaborated with fashion maisons including Jean Paul Gaultier, Missoni Home, and Christian Lacroix. It’s the institution’s savoir faire for customized, made-to-order designs, however, that’s attracted the most discerning of maila homeowners to its doors. Sometimes to jumpstart a living space refresh, and on others just to get inspired.
Casa Bella Home Living presents fresh perspectives to the well-appointed life in the city. With elite European furniture brands under its umbrella, pieces from the The Alley at Karrivin showroom echo distinct attributes of refined, modern living. Casa Bella’s tight edit of labels include Cassina, Kettal, Morosa, Cattelan Italia, Novamobili and Henga. The impressive range is resonant to eyes that know. On vernissage weekends, you will most likely bump into A-listers like Pepito Albert and company, shopping and browsing through the latest offering from Casa Bella Living.
W/17 is a style and design wonderland for those who appreciate objects d’art and statement pieces sourced from around the world. Founded by Andres Vazquez-Prada and Kaye Tinga, the warehouse-turned-design-wonderland is home to one-of-a-kind furniture, art, and antiques from both the East and the West. W/17’s brilliance at building a mosaic of design eras, genres, and styles speak to discriminating taste pallets. On some of the city’s most stunning tablescapes, you can expect a piece of W/17 adding design flavor to any feast–whether as a centerpiece, marbled coasters or wooden charcuterie platter. With the holidays fast-approaching, W/17 has also proven itself a reliable to-go for Christmas presents that loved ones have long had on their wish list.
Pietro Collection knows how to fill any living space with light and luxury. Among insiders of the design world, it is a must-go destination because of the brand’s vast range of opulent lighting fixtures, rugs, and home decor. The well-loved showroom located inside the La Fuerza Compound has inspired and filled some of the grandest homes in and around the city.
Shop 1335 is a concept spun off from renowned art gallery, 1335 Mabini. The curated space infuses the design experience with nostalgia, intimacy, and brilliant storytelling. Every piece in the shop tells a story that is personal and deeply rooted on everyday musings of today’s urban dweller. Art pieces harmoniously blend with handpicked home decor, earthenware, lamps, tasses, collector’s item coffee table books, jars, handwoven rugs, pillows, and twigs. It’s a special design space that sits quietly along The Karrivin. But as soon as you enter its doors, a visual revelation awaits.
Design Story was conceived with the intention of burning the design experience to every home. Its team writes, “We have carefully considered a selection of brands that value the importance of sustainability and accessibility.” As the official distributor of brands like HAY, Stellar Works, &Tradition, and Verpan, Design Story is a gem for homeowners who seek exceptional home furniture, accessories, and lighting fixtures without having to break the bank.
Wilcon Depot is everyone’s go-to for home improvement and construction supplies. Anyone who’s had to refurbish, renovate or build their homes has, at one time or another, sought refuge in the trusty selection of goods offered by Wilcon Depot. The vast floor space carries anything and everything for the home–from tiles, sanitary wares, plumbing, furniture, home interiors, building materials, hardware, electrical, appliances, and other DIY essentials. Across the metro, it’s neighborhoods within arm’s reach of a Wilcon Depot outlet that have the beautifully built homes.
The elevated design and lifestyle experience that lines Chino Roces truly makes the area an ideal place for modern city living. At nearby Fortis Residences, upscale condominium units surrounded by world-class, resort-inspired amenities, echo the neighborhood’s unique ethos for work, play, and create. Here, inspiration and easy access abound as one builds the dream city residence, without having to venture too far out. Amidst the thriving art and design scene of Chino Roces, Fortis Residences is the one address for endless design possibilities.
