Ben Chan honored with Order of the Star of Italy
Filipino fashion leader and entrepreneur Ben Chan received the Ordine della Stella d’Italia (Order of the Star of Italy) on Friday, Nov. 15, for his contributions in bringing Italian culture closer to Filipinos through his furniture business Studio Dimensione.
Ben Chan applied his “innate creativity and exemplary entrepreneurial skills in distributing high-quality Italian furniture brands in the Philippines,” said Italian Ambassador Giorgio Guglielmino. “It is in this sector that he has developed a solid relationship with Italy.”
Chan started Studio Dimensione before establishing Bench, his now ubiquitous Filipino fashion brand that continues to redefine Pinoy fashion and promote all things local.
“Even before Bench, I first put up this shop selling furniture. Little did I know that I would later be working with the finest Italian furniture brands and bringing them into the country,” Chan said in his acceptance speech. “I am very proud to be a purveyor of Italian goods. Every piece of Italian furniture is like an ambassador of Italian culture.”
Amb. Guglielmino conferred the order to Chan on behalf of Italian President Sergio Mattarella. Upon the recommendation of Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Order of the Star of Italy is given to non-Italians who have shown exemplary spirit in promoting Italian culture and fostering strong relationships between Italy and their respective countries.
“I think it’s all about the Italian passion,” Chan continued. “We Filipinos have a lot to learn from Italy, which holds high standards in quality, craftsmanship, and respect for tradition.”
Other Filipinos who have been knighted as Cavaliere della’Ordine della Stella d’Italia include Chef Margarita Fores and wine businessman Alex Lichaytoo, as well as Robert Coyiuto Jr. of PGA Cars.