In the world of furniture design, where trends shift and aesthetics evolve, there are few creators who stand out not just for their work, but for the stories they tell through it. Rain Alqaseer-del Rosario is one such name making waves at the ongoing INDEX Dubai 2025, where her debut designer collection Ysla: A Story of Islands, Crafted through Furniture is capturing hearts and attention alike.
The Filipino-Bahraini designer, born and raised in the Philippines, brings a deeply personal and cultural narrative to the global design stage—one that celebrates identity, community, and the artistry of island life. For Rain, INDEX Dubai isn’t just another event on the calendar—it’s the culmination of years of perseverance and passion.
A journey shaped by grit and culture
Rain’s career started in 2011, long before she ever imagined showcasing her work in one of the Middle East and North Africa region’s largest design events. “My journey into design was definitely uphill, both ways,” she shared with TGFM. “I am a first-generation manufacturer, and I didn’t have any guidance at the beginning. So I had to do everything by trial and error.”
She grew up in a multicultural household, embracing both her Filipino and Bahraini roots. That blend of influences shaped her unique worldview and later, her approach to design. “I studied Interior Design at the University of the Philippines and later founded my first company in 2012, initially serving startups and small studios,” she said. “We didn’t have a showroom or a high-tech factory—we just had a deep commitment to create pieces that mattered.”
Rain’s hard work paid off when she aced her licensure exam and placed 4th among interior designers. That milestone pushed her to dive deeper into product and furniture design—ultimately giving birth to Arksmith, her now-recognized brand known for thoughtful pieces crafted for high-end hospitality and residential spaces.
Ysla: A story from the islands
At the heart of Rain’s INDEX Dubai 2025 exhibit is Ysla, a six-piece collection inspired by the Philippine archipelago. Launched during the fair’s opening on May 27, the collection is not merely about form or function—it’s a deeply emotional offering.
“Ysla was born out of a longing to tell stories that felt personal yet universal,” Rain explained. “Being born in the Philippines—a nation of over 7,000 islands—I’ve always been inspired by how isolation and connection coexist in island life. Ysla is my way of capturing that tension: the stillness of solitude and the power of community.”
Each piece in the collection reflects textures drawn from natural materials, silhouettes influenced by coral formations, and colors echoing the sea, sky, and land. The result is furniture that doesn’t just furnish a space, but evokes memory and meaning.
“I want viewers to feel an unexpected familiarity, even if they’ve never set foot in the Philippines,” she said. “Most importantly, I hope they walk away with a renewed appreciation for the Philippine Islands—not merely as idyllic destinations, but as living symbols of curiosity and movement.”
Embracing heritage and breaking barriers
Rain admits that embracing her heritage in design took time and self-discovery. “For the longest time, I conformed to minimalism—Japandi, clean lines, less is more. But over time, it started to feel restrained,” she said. “Then I realized—I was a closet maximalist all along!”
That realization allowed her to fully express the richness of both her Filipino and Bahraini roots. “These are cultures steeped in ornament, in story, in spirit. Suddenly, the boldness I once hid became my compass. I began to weave restraint with richness, and elegance with emotion.”
Now on the international stage, Rain says the experience is both humbling and empowering. “To be able to share our narrative on a global platform is both an honor and a responsibility. I carry not just my name, but the hopes of my team, my community, and the legacy of Filipino artisans,” she said.
She also hopes her presence will amplify the work of other Filipino designers waiting to be discovered. “There are only a handful of Filipino furniture designers who’ve truly broken through on the international stage. But back home, there’s an abundance of raw talent—young, bold, and full of aspirations. I’m here not just to represent, but to advocate.”
Looking forward: Building bridges through design
With Arksmith now on a trajectory toward international expansion, Rain is eyeing the Middle East not only as a growing market—but as a cultural extension of her story.
“My vision is to grow Arksmith into a bridge between cultures, between stories, between makers and markets,” she said. Already, she’s in talks for potential collaborations with luxury lounges, resorts, and villas across the region.
Ultimately, Rain doesn’t see Arksmith merely as a design brand. “Long-term, I hope Arksmith becomes known not just as a furniture brand, but as a movement,” she declared.
