While best known as a former Miss Universe, Catriona Gray is, in fact, also a designer at heart. In fact, the model and personality designed her own jewellery for the Miss Universe competition in 2017. This included the now iconic ear cuff she wore that featured sun rays and three stars, which was executed by jewellery brand Tessera. Today, she challenges her design skills to a whole new level, collaborating with local furniture brand Genteelhome to create a caspule collection inspired by local culture.

Called the Payak Collection, Catriona Gray and Genteelhome Founder Katrina Blanca de Leon unveils a versatile line of furniture pieces that can be used both inside and outside the house. Handmade by Kapampangan artisans, with hand-woven accent pieces made by local weavers, each piece was meticulously designed and curated by none other than Catriona herself. Boasting of tables, accent chairs, and even a bookshelf, the Payak Collection embodies Catriona’s love for local and a minimalist lifestyle that is functional and beautiful.

Catriona, what is your design philosophy and how can it be seen in the Payak Collection?

Catriona Gray:  I live in a condominium, so the pieces I own can’t just be beautiful; they also have to be very functional. And you see that intention carried out in the pieces [like the Balik Tanaw side table, which is both a side table and a picture frame].

Everything in the collection is also highly customizable, and you can see my love of tradition and culture being funnelled down in an artistic and design aspect [through the materials used]. Of course, you can also see my personality in it, like how there are pops of color in the Kapit Bisig shelf. For me, that pop of color is personality because interjecting those little unexpected details in your space can help reflect who that person is.

Lastly, one of my biggest advocacies is to empower women, and you can see that in the collection through the way we’ve incorporated weaves into the design. Traditionally, it is the women who pass down these cultures and art styles, and that in itself is a nod towards such incredible women.

Katrina, what was it like bringing Catriona’s vision to life for Payak?

Katrina Blanca de Leon: It felt like sharing a piece of [Catriona’s] heart and translating that unto pieces of art or furniture. She made sure to incorporate a lot of her memories into each design, and sketching her was so fun because we felt like we were in that moment or memory alongside her.

Our conversation flowed easily because Catriona is very immersed in all the colors and elements. She’d explain why she wanted a certain color, and we got to understand and visualize how each piece would come together. For Payak, it wasn’t just about having a beautiful piece in your home, but also having something that has meaning.

 What makes a Filipino product or furniture different?

Katrina: It’s really the way our craftsmen create. Not everything is machine crafted [we also rely on the artistry of our people]. And we believe that when you pour your heart into something, it is seen in the details; and when you mix handcrafted furniture with modern, machine-made pieces, you see a space truly come to life.

How do you incorporate mindfulness and authenticity in the spaces you create?

Catriona: I think it's really in my love for supporting local, and I think that's also why this partnership with Genteelhome took on the life that it did, because we both share the same passion for elevating Filipino craftsmanship.

I even had the opportunity to visit one of the warehouses and see the pieces being made. It was wonderful to see the people being impacted by the livelihood that these pieces allow them to have. It gives you a sense of pride [to see how it’s locally made]. Other countries are known for creating such gorgeous furniture, but we also have a distinct flair that I think can be appreciated no matter who is looking at it from wherever in the world they may come from.

I also incorporate mindfulness into my space because I'm very practical because with my space. As I mentioned, I live in a condo so I have to maximize what I have. The pieces that I have are all comfortable, practical, and beautiful at the same time.

What is your most used piece from the Payak collection?

Catriona: Maybe it’s the accent chairs because I like to read a lot. But even when I review contracts or decompress at the end of the day or make quiet time for myself in the morning, I’ll be sitting on my accent chair.  I also have a lot of bookshelves at home, so the Kapit Bisig bookshelf is special to me. Whenever I travel, I love to collect anik-anik (trinkets), and I have them all on display.

 What emotions or experiences do you hope people to take away from the Payak collection?

Catriona: I want people to feel proud that they have a piece like this in their home, because it's not just beautiful, it has intention behind it, and it’s made so expertly by Filipino artisans. I also want people to feel comfort because a home for anyone should feel like an escape from the hustle and bustle of the world. It should be a place where people can just exhale and be their authentic self.

 Will certain part of the proceeds will go charity?

Catriona: Yes, I will be giving some of the proceeds to a charity of choice, but I’m still finalizing which one that would be. This collaboration wasn’t really about earning for me, but more about an expression of my creativity as a designer [because people don’t really know me for design, though I do love design].

Shop the Genteelhome x Catriona Gray Payak Collection here. Visit their furniture ateliers in multiple locations in Metro Manila and Luzon. Follow Genteelhome on Instagram.