Each of us expresses our thoughts and emotions in unique ways, some through song, dance, painting, or writing. For others, creativity takes shape in tangible forms—pieces that are not only visually captivating but also rich in meaning. Catriona Gray's outdoor collection with Genteelhome embodies this idea, blending artistry with purpose to create furniture that reflects transformation, self-discovery, and aspiration. Unveiled at the brand’s showroom in Podium Mall, Ortigas, this collaboration marks its first-ever outdoor collection with the former Miss Universe.

Dubbed the Payak Collection, this new line is more than just furniture—it’s a tribute to Filipino artistry, designed for homes that value heritage as much as aesthetics, reflecting Gray’s passion for art and her shared mission with the brand to celebrate Filipino artisans and heritage. Each curve, weave, and material tells a story, bridging past and present, nature and design.

"I’ve really enjoyed the avenue of designing for a few years now. If you recall, the jewelry I wore throughout Miss Universe—including the ear cuff and earrings—was all designed by me. Last year, I had the chance to create an eco bag design, and now, I’m exploring furniture because it just makes sense. I’m a homebody," shared Gray.

At the helm of this collaboration is Katrina Blanca De Leon, Genteelhome’s principal designer and CEO, a visionary who has spent years pushing the boundaries of Filipino craftsmanship. “With this collection, we are redefining luxury outdoor living by combining artistry with purpose,” she shared. “Collaborating with Catriona Gray, an advocate for culture and craftsmanship, has allowed us to create a collection that truly embodies what Genteelhome stands for—elegance, sustainability, and the soul of Filipino artistry," De Leon added.

Enjoying slow living
The Payak Collection, named after the Filipino word for simplicity, embodies the idea that true elegance comes from meaning and purpose. Crafted from teak wood, high-performance fabric, and lampakanay rope, each piece is designed to withstand time and nature, reflecting the resilience of Filipino craftsmanship. More than just a design philosophy, Payak symbolizes how dreams, no matter how simple their beginnings, can grow into something extraordinary.

Gray's personal style, a blend of elegance and meaning, perfectly aligns with Genteelhome’s vision and the inspiration behind her design approach to the collection. “The pieces in this capsule collection had to be more than just beautiful; they also needed to be functional, and that intention is reflected in every piece.”

“You can see those pops of color in the bookshelf. Adding those little unexpected details to your space helps it feel like a true reflection of who you are. That’s what these pieces represent to me,” Gray added.

Gray’s favorite piece, the Pinay accent chair, draws inspiration from the baro’t saya’s sleeves, reflecting Filipina strength and grace. Its solihiya weave nods to the vibrant patterns of Yakan textiles, while the stained ash teakwood frame balances elegance with comfort.

The collection features the Balik Tanaw side table, a teak wood frame with solihiya accents, designed to hold memories within its form. For Gray, this piece is deeply personal, inspired by the idea of preserving meaningful keepsakes. "I was gifted a handmade swatch by Nana Magdalena from Ilocos when I had the chance to visit and interview her. She signed the swatch and gave it to me, and I thought, ‘I don’t want to cut it or turn it into just clothing. So what can I do with it? I want to display it.’ That’s when I realized—a piece of furniture that allows for personalization. If you look at all my pieces, you’ll see that they truly reflect my personality," she shared.

Also in the series is the Mayon lounge chair, a two-piece set with an accent chair and ottoman, captures the flow of molten lava, a tribute to Gray’s Bicolano roots. As well as the Beh and She side tables capture the spirit of friendship. Lastly, the Kapit-Bisig shelving unit integrates colored abaca weaving into open storage, blending tradition with modern design. Its vertical teak-covered columns represent the connection between heritage and contemporary living.

“The thoughtfulness I brought to this collection isn’t about creating an exact replica but rather drawing inspiration from them. For me, it’s a nod to our heritage and culture, channeling my love for tradition and culture into something artistic and design-driven. That was the core of my thinking when creating these pieces,” Gray shared, drawing from the T'Boli brass bangles, the inspiration of the Beh and She side tables.

The creative process behind bringing the Payak Collection to life was deeply personal, with Gray sharing a piece of her heart through each design. As she explained the stories and memories behind every detail, it became clear that these pieces were more than just furniture, they were meaningful conversation starters, offering not only beauty but also a deeper connection to home.

Proud Filipinas leading the way
Filipino products reflect heritage, craftsmanship, and creativity, standing proudly alongside global designs, blending storytelling with design to create meaningful pieces that celebrate Filipino culture.

De Leon believes Filipino products are something to be proud of, emphasizing the importance of sharing the platform with global brands, as Filipino craftsmanship is on par with international offerings. Gray echoes this sentiment, expressing that being Filipino is not only her heritage but also a guiding force in her life, influencing her work in pageantry and various collaborations she supports.

"I also take a lot of pride in locally made products. If you look inside my home, you’ll see a lot of locally made items. I love sharing these with others to encourage the appreciation of Filipino-made products, which are beautiful, unique, and filled with stories. For me, stories hold so much meaning, and I love sharing that. This capsule collection is an opportunity to share Filipino culture and storytelling with an even larger audience," Gray concluded.

This collaboration highlights the growing influence of women in the design industry. De Leon and Gray bring a fresh, visionary approach to furniture design, creating spaces that truly feel like home. It stands as a testament to bespoke Filipino craftsmanship, celebrating the artistry that transforms each piece into a reflection of cultural heritage.