Can I Tell You... Rocio Tambunting.

I met Rocio last year through her mother Claudia, who I’ve known since my Manila days. She’s a senior at Barnard College majoring in Film Studies and pursuing a minor in political science. She lives in New York (with the most adorable dog ever) with her brother, actor and performer Nacho Tambunting. Alongside her studies, she works as a marketing intern at jewelry designer Joomi Lim.

I was immediately drawn to Rocio’s effervescent personality and her sense of style; playful, colorful and exuberant. She’s loves vintage shopping and isn’t afraid to do her twist on a classic. When I was designing the next collection I thought of the kind of bag that she might love.

The ROCIO flap clutch is constructed from dyed Lupiz straw with a shell inlay ornament on the flap. It also features an adjustable chain shoulder strap with a grosgrain running through the links. You can wear it short and long across your body depending on your mood and look.

Read our Q & A :

1. What is your idea of happiness?

My idea of happiness is being tan in a cute bikini, basking in the sun with my dog, swaying to good house music, and the enjoying the fantastic company of my closest friends and family.

2. What is your greatest extravagance?

My greatest extravagance is probably my dog, Mowgli. Rescued from Malibay in Pasay, he was adopted by my family malnourished and suffering from life threatening kidney and liver diseases. Since then, with lots of TLC, Mowgli has doubled in weight and has been certified as a service animal. Hence, he has been able to accompany me to college in New York. Though I take care of him every day, he too takes care of me! Mowgli grounds me: he shows me everyday that if I can take care of him, I can also take care of myself.

3. What is your current state of mind?

Presently, I am focused on not finding myself, but rather listening to myself. Recently, I have decided to stop repressing and bottling up my emotions. Instead, I challenge myself to feel every feeling, identify it, and discuss it with close confidants: by doing so, I find it easier to let things pass and accept them for what they are. Since, I have found a renewed understanding of the world as I experience it.

4. Whose style do you most admire?

Today, trends are accelerated by the temper and tempo of Tiktok: fast fashion and overconsumption have become the norm. However, some Tiktokers like Clara of @TinyJewishGirl and Mandy Lee of @OldLoserinBrooklyn (on Tiktok). Like me, they champion personal style and take risks that are aligned with their taste: they dress for themselves.

Aesthetically, I find myself inspired by characters rather than people. My fictional style icons include: Fran Drescher (from the Nanny), Holly Golightly (of Breakfast at Tiffany's), Fancy Nancy, Phoebe (from Friends), and Lola (from Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen).

5. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Life during the pandemic was mundane: for a while, I was uninspired and discouraged. Looking for a new creative outlet, I took to repairing old pieces of jewelry then began beading my own pieces. Suddenly, my life was saturated and charged again: I wanted to make something of my own. Slowly, I carved an online presence and developed a bidding system for one of a kind pieces. Eventually, I launched a website and designed a ready to wear collection. Rare by Rocio is one of my life's greatest achievements and I can't wait to see how this part of me blossoms.

6. What is your most treasured possession?

My most treasured possession is my "charm necklace." Over my entire life, I have been gifted a variety of pendants for various life experiences: for graduations, birthdays, awards, etc. Rather than wearing them separately on different necklaces, my maximalist instinct told me to put them all together on one chain. Today, when I wear the necklace, the amalgamation of the charms makes me smile: it's a reminder of who I was, who I am, and who I will be.

7. Who is your favorite writer?

My favorite writer is Laura Mulvey- though she isn't a fictional writer with a large body of novella- she is one of the most, if not the most, important feminist film theorist. Her seminal work, "Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema," made me (and the entire film world) cognizant of the ways in which female bodies facilitate spectacle on screen. She was the first to coin the term, "the male gaze."

8. Which living person do you most admire?

I most admire my Lulubel, Isabel Caro Wilson. Since I was young, I always had a special connection to her: she taught me how to wear red lipstick, would always read Eloise to me, and molded me into an empowered woman, one who isn't afraid to take up space. From her, I have inherited more than just a few adorable shoes (we have the same size); I have inherited a spirit of independence.

9. Where is your dream destination?

I wouldn't really say I have a dream destination; I can't really imagine myself fixating on one place. However, a dream of mine has always been to travel through the entire Philippines: to see all the provinces, experience all of the rich sub-cultures and dialects, and taste the native flavors of each faction of my culture. I've always felt a responsibility to educate myself on Filipino culture, especially because I am of mixed background and am not fluent in Tagalog. The colonial mentality seems to have infiltrated and eroded my connection to my Filipino heritage: I'd like to undo that.

10. What is your motto?

My Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Professor Paula Franzese once said: "The next time someone tells you that you wear your heart on your sleeve- take it as a compliment." This new digital age has bred a culture of detachment- a generation focused on being cool. In reality, vulnerability is your superpower; it fosters connections; it breeds empathy and it could create a world where we feel empowered to be present and kind- rather than out-of-touch and indifferent.

If you love the clutch as much as Rocio does, be sure to check the other colors by tapping on the link below.

Can I Tell You...about Kaya Magee.

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.

Can I tell you...about Sue Laguna Whang

Sue with her Sue hobo.

Sue Laguna Whang and I met in the mid-90s during a model casting call. I was working for a clothing company and was put in charge of casting models for our catalog shoots and runway shows. We hit it off immediately and worked together during my tenure there. When I launched my own company and needed a model she did it gratis without hesitation. Over the years, we have kept in touch and she remains one of my dearest friends. Recently, Sue embarked on a new career in body building and after months of rigorous training, competed and won 3 first places at the Johnny Stewart Limitless championship. This doesn’t surprise me at all. She was always a go getter and pursued her passions.

The Sue hobo is inspired by Sue’s relaxed demeanor, her casual lifestyle and her love for craftsmanship. The bag features handwoven panels, a knotted shoulder strap and zip top closure to keep all your personal belongings safe. It’s soft and slouchy and comes in camel or black leather.

Read our Q & A :

1. What is your idea of happiness?

Being surrounded by calmness and having a front row seat to a spectacular sunrise or sunset.

2. What is your greatest extravagance?

My health. I spend a ton of time, money, and energy on it because it’s the most important thing we have.

3. What is your current state of mind?
Excited. I have so many goals I’m focused on and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for me and the other people involved with them!

4. Whose style do you most admire?
Diane Keaton and Carolina Herrera. I love how they are classic, yet individualistic and sharp. However, I personally get stuck somewhere between dressing like a teenager and an old-school Milanese woman. Cashmere sweaters, Tods loafers, scarf, ripped jeans.

5. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Finding the proper medical team for my eldest brother when he had a brain tumor. He was misdiagnosed as just having migraines for years. Once we finally found out what was causing them, I was able to get him placed with a world renowned team at UCLA. They saved his life!

6. What is your most treasured possession?
No playing favorites! There are a few things I absolutely cherish and they are all in relation to my family. Royal tea sets from my grandmother, jewelry from my mom, Christmas ornaments from my kids.

7. Who is your favorite writer?
I don’t have one. I love reading on planes and then gifting the books to the flight attendants when I’m done. They are always receptive to new books! I’ll chose something at the airport depending on my mood and the selection.

8. Which living person do you most admire?

Anyone who isn’t afraid to carve their own path. People who are unafraid to take risks, shake things up, and make use of every moment of their lives chasing goals and experiences.

9. Where is your dream destination?

I love temperate places where mountains meet water. I want to climb the mountain and be calmed by the views of the water, and swim in the water excited at the views of the mountains.

10. What is your motto?

You gotta get ugly to get pretty. It’s true in every facet of life.

And, more recently I’ve added a second one: Stop saying no to things you should say yes to. I can credit that as fuel for all my current life goals!

The Sue hobo also comes in two colors; camel and black.

Can I tell you...about Jullian Culas.

Jullian Culas wearing his namesake bag.

I first met Jullian Culas back in 2016 when I was in Manila for my collaboration launch with Bench, a well loved multi-store, multi-brand retailer. The day before the show, the Bench team and I were held a casting for the models and in walks this svelte, androgynous figure with a mass of wild curly hair that fell well below his shoulders.

I was immediately drawn to his look, his attitude and his presence. We promptly added him to walk the show and to be part of the photo shoot.

Years later, we’ve spent time together in Paris and New York while he’s been pursuing a career in modeling.

When I started designing my collection I was thinking of Jullian and how he walks a fine line between being masculine and feminine. The confidence and the nonchalance of it all was inspiring to me.

The #JullianCrossbodybag is a compact style that I consider gender neutral. It features a front pocket with a drop lock closure, two short handles and a skinny shoulder strap to be worn across your body. It fits all your essentials; cell phone, keys, wallet, sunglasses, hand sanitizer, lipstick and AirPods. It also comes in an array of colors from pink, green, cognac, an iridescent gold and black.

Read out Q&A :

1. What is your idea of happiness?

My idea of happiness is doing something with purpose and fulfillment no matter how small or big it is.

2. What is your greatest extravagance?

Probably traveling. I mean I’ve only traveled to a few cities but I make sure I make the most in every trip. 😇

3. What is your current state of mind?

Just to be good at what I do. No drama.

4. Whose style do you most admire?

Timothée Chalamet’s style is impeccable. He is a true chameleon. More than anything, it’s the mystery he exudes (through this style) that makes him so interesting to me.

5. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Myself. Who, what and and where I am now is my greatest achievement in life.

6. What is your most treasured possession?

Not to sound dumb or millennial, but honestly, my most treasured possession right now would have to be my iPhone 😂 it’s literally everything in my life right now— work, family, friends, connectivity, my easiest source and outlet for creativity etc.

7. Who is your favorite writer?

I don’t really read, so I don’t have one.

But for movies/shows, it would have to be Shonda Rhimes.

8. Which living person do you most admire?

Anyone who’s passionately flighting for their dreams and using their talent to make a change. 💪🏼

9. Where is your dream destination?

Berlin. I don’t even know a lot about Berlin but it has always fascinated me. I’ll make sure to drop by that city the next time I visit Europe.

10. What is your motto?

“If you don’t have any shadows, you’re not standing in the light”. - Lady Gaga

Jullian pink crossbody bag.