In an exclusive interview with MEGA, discover Sarah Lahbati’s dive into a serendipitous connection, the inspiration drawn from the depths of the ocean, and the surprising smoothness of her creative journey
Digital connections usually resemble fleeting mirages: the quick flash of a notification, the momentary glimpse of a social media post, and then, just like that, they vanish into the vast expanse of the internet, leaving us thirsting for something more substantial. But amid the transient nature of digital interactions, there are those rare connections that defy the ephemeral currents. They are the lighthouses in the digital fog, guiding lost ships to safe harbors. Or, rather, directing an actress to design houses.
It was Sarah Lahbati’s encounter with Vito Selma on the shores of social media that would set the stage for their collaboration with Vito’s brand, Casa Selma. Sarah reveals, “I’ve always admired Vito Selma’s work, and after becoming mutuals on social media, we became friends and discovered that we had a multitude of other similarities.” It was a meeting of kindred spirits, united not only by their shared love for their respective crafts, but also by a profound connection to the element of water.
Their meeting played like a serendipitous connection, similar to discovering a pearl in a clam bed or stumbling upon a message in a bottle washed ashore by the tide. It was the kind of serendipity that felt orchestrated by the universe, where two creative souls found themselves docking at the same creative port. This connection was a collision of passions, a love for the arts that flowed between them like a synchronized waltz.
Sarah’s dive into furniture design was sparked by her deep connection to the ocean. She’s been diving since she was a mere 8-year-old, thanks to her father, a professional instructor. For her, the underwater brings a sense of zen, an unparalleled tranquility that beats the surface. The aquatic became the guiding light for her creative venture with Casa Selma. “I wanted to personify this feeling of comfort in the pieces,” Sarah reveals. “They needed to be beautiful, but not overwhelming.” Each piece of furniture mirrors the calmness of the ocean’s embrace, designed to endure alongside the homes they grace.
Sarah’s creative and witty nature infused her design choices. Her collaboration with Casa Selma demanded not just aesthetic appeal, but also functionality. She explains, “The design decisions I had the pleasure of making, from the colors to the finishes, are so reflective of who I am.” More than furniture, this collaboration between Sarah and Vito is about creating beautiful memories. Each chair, table, or accessory has the potential to be a part of cherished moments in people’s lives.
Creative collaborations often emerge from impersonal boardroom discussions, and this familial touch melds the narrative with a touch of intimacy and authenticity, making it more than just a creative partnership—it’s a family affair. In her design story, Sarah’s family isn’t just a supporting cast; they’re the guiding stars by which she navigates. “My two boys got to test all the chairs before they were finalized because their approval mattered, too.”
Imagine the scenes where her two boys as active participants became quality controllers of the furniture pieces under scrutiny. It’s a heartwarming subplot where the warmth of their involvement wraps around the collaboration like a cozy blanket on a chilly seaside evening. “It’s so special for me that they were so involved.”
It’s a tale as old as time—one might expect a collaboration between two passionate and creative minds to be fraught with challenges, riddled with the suspense of overcoming obstacles. Yet, the most surprising thing was the lack of roadblocks. “When you’re working with a creative genius such as Vito, there was a sense of assurance that everything was going to be alright.”
The absence of hurdles doesn’t diminish the value of their journey. Instead, it highlights the synergy between two individuals who found themselves in creative alignment. Their shared vision for the collaboration and their unwavering dedication to their craft provided the unwritten script that guided them through this surprisingly smooth sailing. “And things did turn out much better than alright.”
Beyond the silver screen, Sarah is poised to delve deeper into the uncharted territory of homes and interiors, crafting spaces that are not just visually appealing, but also imbued with profound meaning and functionality. “It allows me to explore a different avenue of creativity and express myself through the design and creation of furniture.” Her next venture includes a booth at Manila Fame. This unfolding chapter is an extension of her broader artistic vision. It’s entertainment from a different perspective.
Her collaboration with Casa Selma isn’t a culmination, but rather the initiation of an exploration into the depths of design. “I’m excited to continue working, expanding my horizons, and pushing the boundaries of my artistic endeavors.” As her children grow and mature, she finds herself inspired to embark on this new venture that promises to be as enriching as it is rewarding.
Sarah and Vito’s serendipitous connection would lead to an artistic journey that would merge the expressive storytelling of an actress with the fluidity and enduring beauty of a furniture designer. In this vast digital ocean, their connection proved to be one of these enduring beacons: meant to connect, meant to collaborate, meant to create. Sarah and Vito’s collaboration with Casa Selma serves as a refreshing reminder that occasionally, the stars align and the sails billow with creativity, carrying them toward an artistic horizon that’s as serene as it is spectacular.
Photos: SARAH LAHBATI
