Can I Tell You...about Kaya Magee.
Rafe Totengco
There are some people who light up a room as soon as soon as they enter. And that’s exactly how I met Kaya Magee. I was visiting a friend for the weekend in Upstate New York. She had just started Momo Global Flowers and brought the loveliest floral arrangements for dinner. Over the course of the evening, she told us all about her daunting project of growing flowers in a biodynamic way in her21 acre farm in Catskill, NY. She was filled with enthusiasm and optimism.
We also realized that we had a a friend in common who was her colleague when she was working for the legendary Yohji Yamamoto. Such a small world, really.
I designed the Kaya woven tote inspired by Kaya’s energy, and her easygoing attitude. Something handcrafted in an easy silhouette that she could wear with almost everything.
Read our Q & A :
1. What is your idea of happiness?
To appreciate every day of my life and notice the small things in life.
2. What is your greatest extravagance?
During pandemic I purchased a house with 20 acres of land in Upstate NY and starting a biodynamic flower farm.
3. What is your current state of mind?
Happy, peaceful and breathing.
4. Whose style do you most admire?
I do not have particularly person to admire, but I studied fashion stylist in Tokyo and worked for Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto so I am always looking for the current fashion and I usually twist the style in my way.
5. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
To have lived and worked in Tokyo, Paris, and New York.
6. What is your most treasured possession?
My heath, family, friends, my son Luca and our recently adopted Bichon Frise’ mix Tobi.
7. Who is your favorite writer?
The Japanese Buddhist nun Harumi Setouchi (Jakucho Setouchi). She just passed away in 2021 at the age of 99 years old.
8. Which living person do you most admire?
My mother in Yokohama, Japan and my ex- mother-in-law in Melbourne, Australia who is 104 years old.
They have both taught me a lot of life lessons.
9. Where is your dream destination?
The West Coast of France, Biarritz, the South Coast Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, and the island of Corsica.
10. What is your motto?
It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop and keep going and trying. Positive thinking and believing what you want to do. The universal energy will bring you everything TOGETHER.
Kaya wearing the Kaya Tote in Wine.
The Kaya woven tote is constructed from handwoven leather that emulates the look of a straw basket. It comes with a detachable woven leather strap and has a fully lined interior with a magnetic snap closure and inside pockets. Aside from the wine color that Kaya is wearing, it also comes in black and stucco.