Filipino contemporary artist Dex Fernandez has long been known for “Garapata,” a street art character that often thrives in bold, black-and-white grit.
But at the Philippine launch of Ploom’s Design House Collection on May 22 in Bonifacio Global City, Fernandez introduced a more colorful take on his work—one that didn’t just reflect his evolving palette but also his growing presence on the global design stage.
Fresh from his participation at Milan Design Week, Fernandez recalled the surreal feeling of being featured alongside creatives from Italy, Greece, Germany, Poland, and Malaysia in the international launch of Ploom’s new lifestyle collection.
“When they brought me to Milan Design Week, it was a super unforgettable experience,” he told Manila Standard Life.
The event marked Ploom’s first local artist collaboration in the Philippines. Fernandez departed from his usual stark style to explore a more vibrant composition that would match the sleek aesthetic of the product.
“They gave me artistic freedom,” he said. “No limitations at all. As long as I could keep the design in a small device, that’s it.”
This shift to bold colors proved to be a defining move, one that helped Fernandez’s piece stand out at Milan Design Week.
“It’s full of labor of love and effort,” he said of his creation.
Among the international lineup, Fernandez noted that he and Malaysian artist Kenji Chai brought something uniquely vibrant to the table.
“I was impressed that there are two of us, Asian artists. Our works were able to pop more because of the hues,” he said.
For Fernandez, the experience was more than just a design opportunity—it was a moment of recognition. The collaboration allowed him to stand shoulder to shoulder with global creatives.
“I felt that I could work with them,” he said. “It made me proud that we were there.”
Ploom’s collaboration with Fernandez is part of its effort to merge lifestyle, technology, and personal expression through design.
JTI Philippines’ category director for reduced-risk products, Karin Tan, praised his contribution as “truly unique and totally outstanding.”
Beyond the launch event, Fernandez sees the project as a way to reach new audiences and bring his work into unexpected spaces.
Although Fernandez isn’t a tobacco user, he admitted that the sleek design of the device made him look at it differently.
As someone drawn to aesthetics, he found the appeal hard to ignore. “I might as well try it,” he said with a laugh.
