Familiar forms, new takes

By Kap Maceda Aguila
JUST AS ONE might match a pair of jeans with a blazer in a defiant interpretation of formal chic, Ethan Allen is proving that formal can be a relaxed proposition. The 85-year-old company known for its handcrafted furniture pieces is reimagining classic furniture forms swathed in “more modern fabric” or fashionable surfaces.
That’s exactly the ethos behind the Uptown Collection, a compendium that shakes up classic familiarity and comfort through more contemporary executions. Recently presented at the Ethan Allen Design Center, a considerable showpiece was curated by Cynthia Almario—an acknowledged name in Philippine interior design. Together with her sister Ivy, she runs Atelier Almario, which, according to a release, “creates and curates spaces for many of the country’s chicest homes, hotels, and restaurants.” Confessed Ms. Almario: “I was really amazed at the variety of selections and the complimentary interior design service that (Ethan Allen) offers. It is an added value for homeowners who want to decorate their homes but do not have the time or expertise, or the extra budget, for a designer. This way, they get good quality furniture along with advice from experts.”
One of the standout pieces is a three-drawer Bowen Chest (P168,320) with a textured veneer marked by tightly arranged nailheads—an Ethan Allen signature—fringing its edges and depicting interlocking semi-circles on the drawers’ midsection. The Powell Tall Dresser (P138,080) is rendered in dark wood and accented simply by hoop drawer pulls and a pair of traditional knobs on its six drawers. A little more glitzy is the Vivica Dresser (P280,000), covered with glass. A play on veneers is equally apparent in the Rhys Shagreen Console (P115,040), wrapped in faux stingray skin—an Art Deco favorite.
Homeowners wishing to showcase their collection of spirits and flutes can go for the Evansview Bar Cabinet (P214,880), another smartly assembled piece in dark wood. Its shelving is highlighted by a mirror back.
Meanwhile, Ethan Allen also proffers a wide selection of side or accent chairs. The snug Caden Wing Chair (P126,720), plus nailheads-highlighted Yves Side Chair (P74,240) and Harley Chair (P216,120) are conversation pieces—lending themselves most naturally for mixing and matching.
The collection draws heavy inspiration from jewelry, said design specialist Nina Mendoza. When matched with “muted fabrics and darker, richer wood,” accents such as hoop handles appear louder and more prominent. “Uptown pieces are more comfortable—more livable,” underscored Ms. Mendoza. Ethan Allen is also distinguished by highly customizable pieces. “Customers can decide on finishes and even hardware color,” she said.
Designer Joey Tay emphasized the stain- and odor-resistant qualities of Ethan Allen fabrics by spilling liquid on a swatch and compared it to a normal piece of fabric. The latter absorbed the colored fluid quickly which showed up as a stain. A simple and easy dab on the Ethan Allen swatch removed the offending liquid.
Ms. j declared that the brand is distinguished not just by superior craftsmanship but by the breadth of options available. Imagine 144 finishes—from weathered oak to walnut, to different kinds and shades of fabric, to different kinds of details such as studs that can be in nickel or chrome. “I like the fact that they can give clients what they want and what they value, and this makes everything bespoke and artisanal.”