For its last edition in 2023, gavel&block is shining a light on two of Manila’s legendary icons – society columnist and bon vivant Maurice Arcache, and fashion trailblazer Pepito Albert whose estates will be up for bidding on October 21. The lots in the room list offer an intimate look at their personal lives to reveal Pepito’s great love for art and fashion, and Maurice’s eclectic taste.
Jason Oliveira’s Super Moon
KAWS, BAPE Dissected Milo
Pepito’s books, for example, are some of the best collections to come to auction. Exceptional tomes on other designers he obviously admires (Rei Kawakubo, Salvacion “Slim” Higgins, Hussein Chalayan, among them) are up for bidding, alongside hardbound surveys of the art of Rodel Tapaya (which comes with a drawing and dedication), David Medalla, etc.
“Brighten Heart” by Arvik Vilmansa
Jewelry box featuring the art of Anita Magsaysay-Ho
His art collection is a compelling lot meant for the brave at heart, just like him. Pepito collected the works of Jason Oliveira, Chris Villanueva, Jonathan Olazo, Ronyel Compra, international auction rising star Arvik Villamansa, Dan Salubayba, to name a few, as well as antique prints and maps. He is drawn to whimsical objects too, like Jason Montinola’s bust from ‘The Sensational Painter’ series, and the KAWS,BAPE Dissected Milo toy – a highly coveted collaboration with Japanese fashion brand Bathing Ape.
Charlie Co, untitled
Onib Olmedo’s “Mother and Child.”
Maurice’s taste, on the other hand, appears more eclectic. His diverse estate includes modern and antique furniture pieces, including an intriguing ebony display cabinet with oriental motifs that somehow gives off an unexpected gothic vibe. His collection of pottery is well known among his friends, from Chinese antique vases, celadon bowls and miniature blue and whites,to excavated earthenware, together with ashtrays and catchalls from luxury brands Hermes, Versace, and Cartier. In a house that was filled to the brim with art and decor, he made room for two paintings by Charlie Co, as well as jewelry boxes with the art of Anita Magsaysay-Ho and BenCab.
A framed original Popeye animation cel
Juan Luna y Novicio’s boceto of a soldier
There’s more from gavel&block’s room list of nearly 600 lots for every kind of collector. Pop culture vultures can choose from a series of original animation cels, while fans of fashion will delight in a suite of luggages from luxury brands Prada and Louis Vuitton, two pairs of never-used Gucci x Adidas sneakers, and bags by Christian Louboutin and Chanel.
A botica cabinet
Andres Barrioquinto’s sculpture, “#Traveller”
And of course, there’s more art across generations, from Juan Luna y Novicio’s boceto of a soldier, Onib Olmedo’s “Mother and Child,” prints by Arturo Luz and Sanso, to paintings by Geraldine Javier, Yeo Kaa, Andres Barrioquinto and Emmanuel Garibay. Collectors of ecclesiastical objects and antique furniture can consider taking home a towering botica cabinet, a Nuguid dining table or a set of Ah Tay-style chairs. Or, why not consider taking them all?
