A New Language of Craft: Hanoia Debuts in the Philippines at Rustan’s

Vietnamese artistry and modern design come together for discerning Filipino homes

Continuing its legacy of introducing exceptional global brands to the Philippines market, Rustan's introduces Hanoia, a renowned design house known for elevating lacquer into an art form for contemporary living. The partnership marks Hanoia’s official arrival in the Philippines market, offering local design enthusiasts’ access to a collection where heritage craftsmanship and modern living converge.

Founded in 1997, Hanoia takes its name from the artisans who perfected the ancient Asian art of lacquer, passing their knowledge and expertise from one generation to the next. What began as a deep respect for tradition has evolved into a globally recognized brand that brings together Vietnamese artisans and international designers to produce home accents and furniture that are both functional and enduring. Each piece reflects a thoughtful balance that’s deeply rooted in tradition, yet designed to resonate within modern interiors.

With a collection of home décor that feels at once cultural and modern, Hanoia offers creations that are as functional as they are visually striking. For homeowners who value meaningful design, the brand has a distinct sensibility which will resonate with a lifestyle that appreciates craftsmanship, patience, and beauty that unfolds over time with values that align naturally with the way Filipino homes are lived in and cherished.

The Art of Lacquer, Reimagined

At the heart of every Hanoia piece is lacquer, an intricate craft that demands extraordinary discipline and care. Each creation undergoes a meticulous process that can take months, sometimes even a year, to complete. From forming the base object to applying an average of 15 layers of lacquer, artisans move through repetitive stages of lining, water sanding, coloring, and polishing. Depending on the design, special techniques such as eggshell inlaying, engraving, hand painting, or gold and silver leaf gilding may be introduced. 

As the brand eloquently puts it, “If the design, the illustration is the hallmark of the artist alone, lacquer is the collective work of many artisans and accumulates layers of meticulous small steps.” This philosophy explains why each Hanoia piece carries a sense of depth and individuality: no two are ever exactly alike.

Beyond the technical mastery, Hanoia’s lacquer works embody the essence of Eastern culture and the values of Vietnamese ancient practices, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. Bold centerpieces, sculptural vases, and refined accents are designed to enrich living spaces without overwhelming them, allowing the artistry to speak quietly yet confidently.

Crafting Timeless Living Spaces

While deeply rooted in lacquer, Hanoia continues to evolve. Guided by a forward-looking vision, the brand explores new creative territories through collaborations with artists and designers, and by working across mediums such as ceramics, weaving, metalwork, embroidery, and mixed media. 

This openness to innovation ensures that each collection feels relevant to modern lifestyles while remaining anchored in heritage.

Hanoia’s pieces will be thoughtfully presented through curated vignettes created by leading Filipino design talents. Grace Reyes of the prominent interior design firm Grace S. Reyes Designs, Inc., known for its contemporary classic approach, brings her signature blend of modern elegance and timeless sensibility to the display. With decades of experience across residential, corporate, and hospitality spaces, the firm creates environments where art, function, and refined design coexist seamlessly.

Complementing this perspective is Grace Tan, an interior decorator and stylist celebrated for her refined sense of luxury and quietly dramatic aesthetic. Known for crafting spaces that feel both regal and welcoming, Tan’s vignette highlights Hanoia’s lacquer creations through a lens of understated sophistication, where every detail is elevated with effortless grace.

Together, these interpretations demonstrate how Hanoia’s sculptural accents and lacquer masterpieces can seamlessly inhabit contemporary interiors, transforming everyday living spaces into expressions of artistry and character.

Hanoia’s arrival at Rustan’s reflects a shared philosophy: that true luxury lies in craftsmanship, intention, and longevity. More than decorative objects, Hanoia’s pieces are designed to become part of everyday life—quiet statements that bring warmth, character, and meaning into the home.

Now available through Rustan’s curated home selection, Hanoia invites Philippines audiences to experience lacquer not merely as décor, but as living art—crafted with patience, shaped by tradition, and designed for contemporary living.