Can I Tell You?

Blockbuster Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Rafe Totengco) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:17:00 +0000

I live for weekend getaways especially during the summer. Escaping Manhattan’s sweltering heat and baking streets is a preoccupation I share with other New Yorkers. There are so many places within a few hours drive from the city that you can escape to. Staying put is almost inexcusable.

On a recent holiday weekend my boyfriend and I decided to go to Block Island off the coast of Rhode Island. Friends who had been there several times this summer were going again and suggested we join them.

The island was named after Adriaen Block, a Dutch explorer famous for establishing early trade with the native Algonquians and for his expeditions in the North East following Henry Hudson. Block Island is about eight and a half miles long and about three and a half miles wide with a terrain full of sandy beaches and rocky cliffs that dot the shoreline. There only two ways you can arrive on the island, either by ferry from Judith Point, Rhode Island or by chartering a small airplane, which only takes approximately twelve minutes from the airport in Westerly, also in Rhode Island.

Most hotels are within walking distance from the Old Harbor Ferry dock and on weekends you’ll find a lot of day-trippers coming in just to enjoy the beaches. You can also rent bikes or mopeds during your stay. Take note that a lot of the dirt roads are off limits to mopeds so a bike with a basket is what you should take if you don’t mind getting a little physical.

We stayed at the Atlantic Inn, a former boarding house built in 1879 converted into a quaint Victorian style bed and breakfast with a wraparound veranda offering spectacular views of Ocean Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. None of the rooms have radios or televisions, which I appreciated because it really forces you to get away from reality. I never watch TV when I’m on vacation anyway. We enjoyed sunset cocktails and oysters on the lawn before heading to dinner at the inn’s restaurant, one of the island’s few fine dining spots and the Clinton’s favorite.

Another place worth checking out for a late afternoon drink is the Spring House Hotel, one of the island’s oldest hotel and a historic landmark with its mansard roof and wraparound veranda. It has even better panoramic views than the Atlantic Inn. When the sea breeze gets too chilly take shelter in the hotel’s cozy bar and have a New England clam chowder.

If you think you’re going to do some major shopping while you’re here then you’re going to be very disappointed. This is not the Hamptons and that’s the beauty of it. There are no high-end retailers or chain stores, which is a blessing in disguise. What you will find are a handful of independent boutiques and galleries showcasing local talent.

Lazy Fish on Dodge Street was one of my favorite finds. Carolyn Perry, the owner pulls together an eclectic mix of vintage objects, home accessories, repurposed furniture and a collection of estate jewelry. I found a sterling silver locket from the thirties with RAF (my shortened nickname) engraved on the front that I had to have.

I also loved Rick Foreman’s Eylandt Antique inside the Payne’s Harbour View Inn. He got the name from an antique map when the island was called "Adriaen Block’s Eylandt", the Dutch spelling of island. He moved to Block Island ten years ago from Manhattan and goes on yearly trips to Montevideo to shop for antiques. He sells everything he buys except for one purchase that he may never part with and it’s parked right outside the store. It’s a 1931 Model A Ford delivery truck that once belonged to the Montevideo gas company. It took him nine long years to get it to island so the thought of parting with it is out of the question.

The charming antique façade of the Glass Onion has inspired artists and photographers for decades according to the store’s owner. Located at the top of the ferry landing of Old Harbor, the shop is full of unique gifts, jewelry, summer wear, bags and home accessories. I was eyeing a Saint James French sailor top but alas my size was sold out.

I highly recommend dropping by Juice’n’Java for a little tasty scone and freshly brewed coffee. It has been a local favorite for the past twenty years. They also offer organic teas, fine espresso and thirst-quenching specialty drinks served up by laid-back baristas. Bagels are flown in from NYC daily and the baked goods are made on the premises. The entry way is paved with surf art and has become its own tourist destination whether you’re there for the coffee or the art.

After biking around in the morning we made our way to New Harbor and had lunch at The Oar, another local favorite. Named after the hundreds of painted oars that hang from the ceiling and on the walls. The view of the harbor is pretty with hundreds of boats docked. They’re famous for their lobster rolls, clam chowders and mudslides (vodka, coffee liqueur and Irish cream liqueur). It’s a great spot for lunch and the prices are reasonable.

Mabel’s Cafe is a fun little spot to have a home style breakfast or lunch. Try their freshly baked muffins; they are so worth the calories. Besides, that’s what the bikes are for.

Wander over to the Abrams Animal Farm right across the Atlantic Inn. This small farm maintained by Justin Abrams and his family is more like a mini zoo. It is home to camels, llamas, emus, sheep, donkey, swans, kangaroos, ducks, a turtle, a yak and a famous Zedonk (a crossbreed between a Zebra and a donkey). Visitors are free to pet the animals and these animals are so used to people that the moment they see someone by the fence they walk over for their share of petting.

If you enjoy fine dining in a relaxed setting, go to the Hotel Manisses on Spring Street. The intimate dark paneled bar serves a hearty bistro menu, an impressive wine list and local seafood is prepared with herbs and vegetables from the hotel’s garden.

There are so many beaches on the island but we particularly enjoyed biking to Mansion Beach the most. Its location is the furthest among the other beaches on Crescent Beach and the least crowded. It lies at the end of a dirt road with the same name. The island’s most stately mansion once sat like a jewel on a hill over-looking Jerry’s Point. Fire destroyed the house and only the stonework is left.

We also made our way to Mohegan Bluffs for a very different beach experience. Descending on the steep stairway (141 steps) down the cliffs is not easy if you have vertigo like I do but I overcame it. I will almost do anything for a great photo. You can see all the way to Montauk on a clear day. At the bottom of the stairway is Bluff’s Beach, a secluded spot for swimming and a favorite among surfers. You’ll find some people engaged in DIY mud treatments using the damp clay within the beach’s perimeter.

We biked all the way to the North Lighthouse on Sandy Point at the northern end of the island. Past the lighthouse is a sandbar that is the tip of the island. This side of the beach is very rocky and the surrounding dunes are part of the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge so we had to be careful. On Cow’s Cove, on the way to the lighthouse you will see a stone memorial called Settler’s Rock. It was erected in 1911 in commemoration of the landing of the first European settlers on Block Island 250 years ago. According to history, because the island had no natural harbor, the people on board had to leave the ship and pushed the cows off the boats forcing them to swim ashore, hence the name Cow Cove. Swimming is absolutely prohibited due to the strong riptide.

What I loved most about Block Island was the laid back atmosphere. I could only imagine that if we stayed a bit longer we would get to know the locals by first name and they would know ours. It’s that kind of a place. We enjoyed our weekend so much we’ve decided to come back same time next year. We’ve already blocked it off our calendar.

This originally appeared in Rafe's regular column in Travelife Magazine, the Philippines' leading travel and lifestyle publication.

Fairytale Setting

noreply@blogger.com (Rafe Totengco) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 18:56:00 +0000

After my first trip to Portugal several years ago I knew it wouldn’t be long before I returned. I stayed in Lisbon for a few days and enjoyed that trip so much I wanted to see what else the country had to offer. The people were warm, the food was delicious, the scenery was picturesque and the vibe was relaxed.

Every local I had met in Lisbon said I must go to Sintra, so who was I to disagree. They were all raving about how enchanting and mystical the town was. "Going to Sintra is like stepping into a fairy-tale!", my concierge exclaimed. I took the train from downtown Lisbon – one leaves every hour directly to Sintra. Can I tell you, I’m so glad I went because that short visit only peaked my curiosity to see even more.

This past summer I came back and stayed in the outskirts of Sintra in a small town called Colares. My boyfriend’s family was renting a house for a week and invited me to join them.

During the day we drove around to see the sites and neighboring towns and at night we would have a swim in the pool and cook at home. We loved buying from local farmers who set up roadside stalls selling produce fresh from their gardens. The prices were incredibly reasonable even with the Euro exchange rate and everything tasted so good.

Ever since Sintra was classified by the UNESCO as a World Heritage site in 1995 throngs of tourists have traveled to Portugal to marvel at the historic sites this medieval town has to offer. The collection of magnificent palaces, grand homes and gardens coupled with the narrow and winding streets live up to Sintra’s mysterious, fairytale reputation.

The Pena Palace is definitely on top of my list and a must-see. It’s a fabulous pastiche of nineteenth century neo-moorish and neo-medieval styles; a great example of Portugese architecture during the Romantic period. Situated on one of the hills of the Serra de Sintra, it blends beautifuly with its’ verdant surroundings. Dating back to 1839 when the palace, formerly ruins of the Hieronymite Monastery, was bought by Dom Fernando II to convert it and build his fantasy home. With the help of German architect Baron Eschwege, he took inspiration from Bavarian and Moorish castles and constructed an elaborate conglomeration that has made this monument one of the seven wonders of Portugal and cultural icon.

We wandered around Pena Park before heading to the Palace. The Park was created the same time the Palace was being completed and it is a lush labyrinthe landscape of narrow paths and secluded spots. Dom Ferdinand ordered ferns and trees from all over the world to create this exotic garden covering almost 200 hectares.

The Moorish Castle is the perfect vantage point to see the vast Atlantic coastline, the town of Sintra and Pena Palace. It was built sometime between the 8th and 9th century by the Moors until it was taken over by Scandinavian crusaders in the 11th century. In 1830, Dom Ferdinand II attempted to restore the castle. While the walls and the towers were rebuilt, some areas were left intentionally in ruins. Go early in the morning or late afternoon when it’s not as hot. It’s a bit of a hike so wear comfortable shoes.

The Monserrate Palace is another prime example of Sintra Romanticism filled with Moghul-inspired ornamentation and designs. It was built in 1858 for Sir Franics Cook, an English merchant and art collector who made his fortune from trade with Brazil and designed by English architect James Knowles Jr. This palatial villa with it’s sprawing gardens is the perfect spot for an afternoon picnic.

Not far from Sintra is the Capuchin Convent or more widely known as The Cork Monastery because of the extensive use of cork within the structure. The monks that belonged to this humble branch of the Franciscans Order were devoted to poverty and found this convent in a secluded area a few miles from Sintra. Stepping into the sparse, dark and diminutive rooms was so claustrophobic I couldn’t possibly imagine what it must have been like back in 1560 when the convent was built. The monks were known for their detailed work covering walls in cork and seashells and carving a chapel out of rock using cork for insulation. Apparently in 1834, the monks suddenly abandoned the convent. I can’t blame them. If I were a monk I would have turned around and ran away screaming. Their living conditions were beyond austere.

Driving through the winding roads, we chanced upon the fabulous Quinta de Regaleira estate or the "Palace of the Millions". Built during the last days of the Portugese monarchy at the turn of the 20th century, this manor house mixes Gothic, Manueline and Renaissance styles all under one roof as was common during that period. It is surrounded by a garden filled with mythological and esoteric symbols -- statues of gods, mysterious wells, ponds, and grottoes.

My favorite part was a dark and dank tunnel that ended at the bottom of a 5 storey deep well. The only way out was up the well shaft ascending a spectacular spiral staircase that apparently symbolizes death leading into a "Garden of Eden" or the entrance to Heaven. It could have been a set for Harry Potter.

Conveniently located in the center of town is the Sintra National Palace. It’s filled with Flemish tapestries, oil paintings and some amazing glazed tile work that Portugal is known for. The Stag room depicted a country hunting scene like a ‘toile de Jouy’ but all in blue and white tiles. Just like the other famous structures in the vicinity, the palace is a combination of Gothic, Moorish and Manueline styles having been built over many centuries from Moorish sultans to Queen Maria Pia. It also great views of Sintra from the windows. The views were so spectactular that there were as many people taking photos of the views as they were of the interiors.

I loved seeing Royal kitchen. Inside there were two conical chimneys several stories high. You can almost imagine what it must have been like in the past when the cooks were preparing for a feast. These gigantic chimneys form a distinctive landmark on the Sintra skyline since they are the first things you see once you arrive into town.

After seeing our share of grandiose castles and homes we drove out to Cabo da Roca - the westernmost point of continental Europe. The panoramic view is absolutely breathtaking, the blue ocean going on and on eventually blending in with the blue sky. The poet Luis de Camoes described it as the place "where the land ends and the sea begins".

We also drove through the picturesque seaside town of Cascais to have lunch by the beach and check out Boca do Inferno (literally Hell's Mouth). During high tide, while watching the spectacle of the violent waves crashing on the rocks, you can see why this spot earned it’s name.

If you’re only going to Sintra for a few days I would book a room at Tivoli Palacio de Seteais. This restored palace was built in the 18th century and is one of the most luxurious boutique hotels to stay in all of Portugal. Their claim to fame is that the famous poet Lord Byron worked on "Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage" in their front garden. The hotel is situated on the top of a hill so you have gorgeous views of Sintra from it’s restaurants. And if you fancy outdoor activities they have a tennis court, a pool and their own Equestrian center.

As Frank Sinatra sang, "Fairytales can come true, it could happen to you". You just have to make it to Sintra.

This originally appeared in Rafe's regular column in Travelife Magazine, the Philippines' leading travel and lifestyle publication.

Dutch Treat

noreply@blogger.com (Rafe Totengco) — Mon, 16 May 2011 11:52:00 +0000

I love long holiday weekends. They give me the opportunity to take a quick trip out of the city and go somewhere for a few days to chill, get lost and get inspired. Last Thanksgiving I decided to treat myself and go Dutch. I hopped on a plane and flew to the Venice of the North, Amsterdam.

The city’s name means dam of the Amstel River or Aemstelledamme as it was called back in 1204. The origins of the city go back as early as the thirteenth century when fishermen who lived along the banks of the River Amstel built a bridge across the waterway. The wooden doors on the bridge served as a dam, which protected the town from being flooded. The mouth of the river Amstel formed a harbor, which was key to Amsterdam’s prosperity because of all the trading that went through it. It is now the largest city of the Netherlands.

It is also often referred to as the Venice of the North because of all the canals that divide the city into ninety small islands, linked together by more than a thousand bridges. These bridges, the tree-lined canals and the mansions that line these canals make Amsterdam one of the most photogenic and charming cities in Europe. Almost seven thousand of these mansions are protected as historical monuments and as you walk along them at any time of the day, they give you that ‘time stood still’ feeling.

I stayed in the Nine Streets area because it is the most picturesque and charming location in the city. I checked in at Hotel Pulitzer and got a well-appointed room with a canal view. Robin Van Kooten, the hotel’s charismatic concierge gave me some great tips on where to dine, what to see and all sorts of insider tips.

The hotel also has a fabulous grill restaurant, Keizersgracht 238 with stunning views of the canal. I enjoyed having breakfast and lunch there while watching the Dutch go about their daily life.

Now let me warn you, you are most likely to get hit by a bicycle than a car so walk the streets careful and always look at bike traffic because there are more cyclists than drivers in Amsterdam. There are even parking garages for bikes. Even at the height of winter, you see people pedaling about braving the icy wind. It’s incredible.

Now let’s talk shop. De Negen Straatjes or The Nine Streets is my favorite shopping destination in Amsterdam. It’s named after the nine side streets connecting the main canals between Leidsestraat and Raadhuisstraat. This area has a diverse selection of small boutiques, cafés and bars. I loved ambling through the streets and going from store to store, stopping for a coffee at Harry’s Koffiehuis de Hoek to mingle with the locals.

If you didn’t already know this, I’m slightly addicted to vintage clothing and accessories. Fortunately, this neighborhood has a handful of unique shops that stock amazing pieces from the 50’s to the 80’s. I got a taupe shearling jacket for 40 Euro and silk cravattes for 10 Euro each! Absolutely insanely fabulous!

All that shopping can be exhausting. Conveniently at the end of the Nine Streets area there’s a small square called the Spui where I walked into the famous Café Luxembourg for some hot chocolate. On a cold winter day it is the perfect remedy for cold hands. If you happen to be here on a Friday there is a book market and on Sundays a modern art market.

I’ve always been a fan of Marcel Wander’s sense of whimsy, irony and larger-than-life aesthetic. Walking into Moooi Gallery over in the Jordaan neighborhood was like walking into a wonderland of curiosities. The enormous high-ceilinged former warehouse is packed with his classics like “Animal Thing”, the “Egg Vase” and the “Crochet Table” along with other life-size horses, pigs and rabbits posing as lamps or tables.
Believe it or not but the life-sized black horse with a lamp on it’s head is one of the store’s best sellers. One of my friends has this same horse lamp in the middle of his office and it really puts a smile on people’s faces upon entering.

The Rijks museum is worth a visit just to see the Rembrandts and Vermeers. The museum is still undergoing renovation so they’ve put the masters in a smaller space, which I managed to do in one hour giving me enough time to head over the Van Gogh museum. The museum has over 800 works of the artist. Seeing his paintings made we want to go to Provence. That’s on my checklist for this year.

Amsterdam is a city for foodies, full of fine dining choices from Dutch, Italian, French and Indonesian. My favorite was De Kas. Located about twenty minutes outside the city center in Frankendael Park, the restaurant grows their own vegetables, herbs and edible flowers which they grow in an old greenhouse that used to belong to the Municipal Nursery. The main dining room designed by Piet Boon is gorgeous! Be warned, it’s a prix fix menu but worth every Euro. Imagine my surprise when Chef Gert Jan Hageman stopped by my table, introduced himself and asked how I was enjoying myself. Fortunately I didn’t have to lie because I enjoyed every delectable bite of my dinner.

A hop and skip from the hotel is a fantastic wine bar called Vyne. It’s a dark, cozy, sexy spot emulating the atmosphere of a ‘brown café’. It’s packed with chic locals tasting wines from their impressive wine library. This is the sister spot of Envy, a stylish ‘delicatessen’ with a long communal bar serving up small and shareable portions much like a tapas bar.

Another good alternative is a small Indonesian restaurant called Sampurna right in the middle of the Flower market. Netherlands has a long history with Indonesia and as a result Indonesian food has become a popular component in Dutch cuisine. The restaurant offered reasonably priced Indonesian classics like Sate Ayam, Krupuk Udam, Nasi Goreng and Gado Gado. Eating here satisfied my craving for Asian food which I always have whenever I’m in Europe.

If you have time, take a day trip outside the city center to see the village of Marken and the windmills at Zaanse Schans.

A trip to Holland is not complete without seeing windmills. Over in Zaanse Schans, you’ll see six large working mills on the banks of the Zaan River. Imagine how the landscape must have looked like back in the nineteenth century when there were over four hundred of them by the river. I went into one of them that made artist’s pigment and observed a volunteer working the windmill dressed in overalls and traditional wooden clogs.

Meandering along the narrow alleys in Marken will give you a feel for a traditional Dutch fishing village with it’s green painted houses. It was a separate island up until 1957 when a causeway was built connecting it to the mainland. These days’ busloads of tourists come to see a picturesque view of old Holland.

I’m considering coming back for Queen’s Day in April, the biggest holiday in Holland and Amsterdam’s biggest party of the year. Imagine everybody wearing the color orange in celebration of her Majesty’s birthday. That must be a sight for soar eyes. I’ve seen pictures but I want to take my own, experience the revelry plus I love the color orange. Okay, I admit that I’m coming up with reasons to come back and go Dutch.

This originally appeared in Rafe's regular column in Travelife Magazine, the Philippines' leading travel and lifestyle publication.

So near and not so far

noreply@blogger.com (Rafe Totengco) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:19:00 +0000

We’ve all heard the expression, ‘so near yet so far’. In my case, after living in Manhattan for almost half of my life I realized that I had never seen anything north of the Upper East Side. I admit that I never made the effort to explore upstate New York. I’d no sooner go to far-away Kathmandu before I’d even consider going somewhere two hours (gasp!) away. “It will always be there, it’s so near”, was what I always said to myself every time I thought about it. But this year, as the leaves started to turn, I got the itch to travel. So I packed my bags and left the city. But instead of heading to JFK International Airport, I took the Lincoln Tunnel and ventured somewhere closer to home.

I’ve been reading about the Hudson Valley over the years and I’ve kept a list of places to see, things to do and restaurants to try. It was now or never. There are so many things to do up by the Hudson River Valley on weekends from hiking to antiquing and I had compiled a wish list I was eager to check off.

The Hudson Valley’s history goes way back to the Native Americans who fished and farmed in the area until the first Dutch settlers arrived in the early part of the seventeenth century. The valley and the river were named after English sea explorer Henry Hudson, who came here in 1609 hoping to find a route to the Orient while working for the Dutch East India Company which founded New York City.

First on my list is Glenmere Mansion, the new Tuscan-style villa boutique hotel in the town of Chester. This 19-room luxury hotel has quite the pedigree. Built in 1911, the mansion was real estate mogul Robert Goelet’s country home outside of the city.

He commissioned Carrère and Hastings, the architects of the New York Public Library, to design a mansion that would make a grand statement complete with marble staircases, terraces and balconies overlooking idyllic Glenmere Lake. Edith Wharton’s niece, Beatrix Farrand designed the gardens.

Fast forward to today and more than $30 million later the new proprietors Alan Stenberg and Daniel DeSimone have restored it back to it’s former glory. They brought in Interior designer Scott Snyder from Palm Beach to give the property an elegant and modern facelift. Scott made sure that no two rooms were alike. He filled the rooms with contemporary art from Robert Rauschenberg and Robert Motherwell, custom-designed Italian linens, Carrara mable baths with heated floors and all that state-of-the-art technology one expects a luxury hotel should provide.

I’m a self-confessed hotel junkie so I checked in for the weekend for the total experience. The elegant living room has fireplaces at either end, a grand piano and a chess table just in case you felt like playing a game while sipping a glass of proseco. The cozy library is filled with old collector’s editions as well as hardbound bestsellers and American classics.

The ambience and the food at main dining room called The Supper Room was fabulous, all using local ingredients and thanks to chef Michael Foss, who previously worked for Steven Spielberg and Jack Nicholson. DeSimone’s own four-layered lemon-meringue cake was unforgettable and OTT, in a good way. Order a slice and share, trust me it’s so worth the calories! I know I’m gushing a bit but you would be too. I’m coming back in the summer when the spa is open.

The Rockefeller Estate, also known as Kykuit is situated at the highest point in Pocantico Hills with a breathtaking view of the Hudson River. This 40-room home is one of America’s most famous private residences filled with paintings, sculpture and history. It’s like a who’s who in the art world. Henry Moore, Alexander Calder, Louise Nevelson, David Smith and Pablo Picasso are some the artists the family collected.

They had so much art that they converted their basement into an art gallery where I saw a rare Picasso tapestry of “Guernica” in tonal shades of brown. This is one open house you won’t want to miss.

If by chance you happen to find yourself in the quaint town of Warwick during their famous Applefest then I suggest you give in to your sweet cravings. Reistance is futile. People come from all over to and take over the town to celebrate this quintessential American icon.

Everything apple related is on sale with stalls upon stalls showcasing different varieties of apple, freshly squeezed ciders, home-made pies and even apple butter!

That’s right, apple butter! Who knew such a concoction existed?! And it is delicious, especially on salty crackers.

For years I’ve heard friends exclame how inspiring it was going to the Dia Art Foundation in Beacon. Once a Nabisco box printing factory, it was transformed to an exhibition space in 2003. The museum is the ideal location for showcasing Minimalist, Conceptual and Post-Minimalist art , sculpture and installations.

I wanted to walk into Richard Serra’s steel sculptures and stand with Louise Bourgeouis’ Spider in the museum’s attic. On the afternoon that I went, I bumped into friends who also made the pilgrimage from the city.

A trip to the Hudson would not be complete without some shopping or antiquing as I like to specifically call it. Conveniently, all the stores are on Warren Street right in the center of town. It’s almost one stop shopping. They are literally right next to each other so it makes for a nice leisurely stroll up and down the street. I liked Neven and Neven Moderne, Historical Materialism and Hudson Home.

I loved dining at Local 111 in Philmont. This farm-to-table restaurant used to be an auto service station with tall glass garage doors that open during the summer. It’s a chic and contemporary dining space with a relaxed atmosphere. All the ingredients are from local farmers including goat cheese from the award winning Old Chatham Sheepherding Company. The food needless to say was worth the trip. I had a Warm Potato and Squash salad with Blue Cheese, Toasted Pecans, Golden Raisins with Spinach for my appetizer then a Thyme Grilled Pork Poterhouse with Warm Apple and Kielbasa, Fennel, Toasted Brioche and Cider Reduction. Hungry yet? I can’t say I even knew how blueberries were supposed to taste like until I had them here, with crème fraiche of course.
I’ve barely scratched the surface in discovering the treasures and bounty of what upstate New York has to offer. And now that I have, my checklist is even longer! Fortunately, I don’t have to fly international to get to them because they are so near, and not that far.

This originally appeared in Rafe's regular column in Travelife Magazine, the Philippines' leading travel and lifestyle publication.

The Fashion Oscars

noreply@blogger.com (Rafe Totengco) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:36:00 +0000

Can I tell you..about one of the most anticipated events of the year. The 28th annual CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) Awards were back at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center for a second year in a row. This is the one evening when fashion, media and film come together to celebrate people in the fashion industry. It’s our version of the Oscars. Nominees are announced months in advance and members (350 and counting) of the Council are given the opportunity to vote for who they believe deserve the recognition. Awards are also given to individuals who have been influential through their body of work and have made an impact on fashion.

As you can imagine on such a glamorous event there was no shortage of Hollywood stars who came to support their favorite designers. The relationship between Hollywood and Fashion has always been a cozy and close knit one. Gwyneth Paltrow arrived with Michael Kors, wearing the designer’s asymmetrical black gown. Supermodel Iman wore a stunning couture number from Giambattista Valli and Sarah Jessica Parker looked resplendent in a bright Alexander McQueen fairytale gown. I went with my girlfriend Stylelist’s Fashion Editor Sarah Cristobal and my friend menswear designer John Bartlett.

The pre-show cocktails is always so much fun with celebs, designers, stylists, editors and industry executives schmoozing and hobnobbing with each other. In one corner Actor Ed Westwick was discussing his next project while behind me actress Jessica Biel was planning her summer vacation with who else?! Zachary Quinto looked every bit the leading man in his Simon Spurr suit and designer Richard Chai was toasting with actor Hayden Christensen. Meanwhile, accessory designer Alexis Bittar was caught shamelessly flirting with Lulu and Betsey Johnson. Designer Prabal Gurung was bubbling with excitement to be nominated and brought supermodel Heidi Mount who wore a Rafe minaudiere! In fact, Amanda Hearst, Eugenia Gonzalez-Olloqui and Sarah Cristobal were all wearing Rafe bags that evening, much to my delight!

Sarah Jessica paid tribute to Alexander McQueen, who committed suicide in February, before a flow of models presented his final collection in a mini fashion show. That was a poignant moment.

I was really happy that my friend, jewelry designer Alexis Bittar won the Accessories Designer of the Year. I’ve known Alexis for years and this was well deserved and long overdue.

I loved Paper Magazine’s Kim Hastreiter’s short film trailing her day-to-day life complete with fab dinner party scenes. She received the Eugenia Sheppard Award acceptance speech and rocked the crowd when she said, “Just because you’re cute, well-connected, rich or the offspring of someone famous doesn’t mean you design great stuff!” Hmmm, I wonder which celebrity /designers she was referring to? Ha!

The funniest line of the evening came from model-turned-cosmetics mogul Iman, who received the Fashion Icon Award. During the 54-year-old's acceptance speech, Iman joked to her famous spouse: 'Move over, you're not the only icon in the house.'

As soon as the awards were over, everybody made a mad dash to the Standard Hotel’s Boom Boom Room for the After-Party hosted by Swarovski where the drinks continued to flow all night.

My New York

noreply@blogger.com (Rafe Totengco) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:16:00 +0000

Can I tell you…about my New York. Frank Sinatra crooned it in Vegas, Liza Minnelli belted it on Broadway and Odyssey discoed to it but I think Alicia Keys sings it best. “In New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there’s nothing you can’t do. Now you’re in New York, these streets will make you feel brand new, the lights will inspire you, lets here it for New York, New York, New York!”
I’ve always said that moving to this city was one of the best decisions I ever made in my life. I came with a dream and now I’m living that dream. I’ve lived here for almost twenty years now and I’m proud to call myself a New Yorker. There is always something happening every night of the week and the possibilities are endless. New York is like the energizer bunny, it just keeps going and going. I love every exhilarating, adrenaline pumping minute of it.
As a designer, the city is a great source of inspiration. The museums, galleries, the fashion industry, theater, concerts, shopping and dining all compete for their fifteen minutes of fame. Just walking around the different neighborhoods can bear fruit to so many ideas. New York is one big stimulus package!
In a city where the best of the best and the worst are at your fingertips, finding the unique and the truly special can be quite a challenge. I’m always on the hunt for what’s new and fresh yet at the same time I’m a creature of habit. Once I find something I love, I come back for more. Inevitably, whenever I have friends visiting they always want recommendations of where to go for shopping, dining and other hedonistic activities. New York can be intimidating and overwhelming because there are way too many choices. Over the years I’ve culled a tried, true and tested list of faves and I’m happy to share "some" of them with you.

Eat:

Indochine – a New York downtown institution and one of my go-tos if I’m craving Vietnamese! I used to live next door so I became a regular stopping by for a lychee saketini routinely. I swear by their spring rolls and crab cakes! During Fashion Week, this place is mobbed by cognoscenti every night. This restaurant has such an illustrious history that in honor of their 25th anniversary, Rizzoli released a coffee table book filled with images and stories of their famous diners. How chic is that! In a pinch, Jean-Marc Houmard, my friend and one of the owners, always manages to squeeze me in on a busy Thursday night.

Zampa – A cozy Italian enoteca (wine bar) in the West Village. I always go here if I want something quick and simple. They have classic antipasti like ‘prosciutto e melone’ and tuna tartar. They also have a nice wine list, with enough Barolos and Venetos to satisfy a connoisseur. Anthony, the proprietor always comes over and pours me an extra glass. In my book, that gets double stars! And if you’re hungry for more, order their cannelloni. Trust me, these carbs are worth it!

Boqueria – Although it’s not strictly a tapas bar, it’s these small dishes that keep me coming back again and again. Yann de Rochefort, one of the owners as well as my friend, was inspired by his childhood memories of Spain and didn’t think anyone had created a New York version that was nearly as compelling as the originals in Barcelona. I always order the “albondigas” (meatballs), “pimientos de Padron” (fried green peppers) and a glass of Onix (Priorat red wine). They don’t take reservations so come early if you want a table but I like eating at the bar, just like the Catalans.

Bubby’s- You haven’t had a proper New York brunch until you’ve been to this Tribeca landmark. Back in the day you’d bump into JFK Jr. or Harvey Keitel having breakfast. These days you might catch a glimpse of an incognito Robert Pattinson having coffee or JT having a semi-private brunch with Jessica Biel. Try their famous Banana Walnut Pancakes (perfection!) and have a bite of their Key Lime pie, chef and owner Ron Silver makes them fresh daily. On weekends, be prepared to wait at least an hour for a table and just in case you’re out really late and have a sudden urge for Eggs Benedict, they are open for midnight brunch. Love that!!!

NyoNya- Malaysian cuisine at its best. Straight to the point and cash only. Roti Canai, Satay Ayam (chicken sate’), Nasi Lemak and Hainanese chicken are my personal faves. They will also serve you fresh coconut juice from a coconut, just the way it’s supposed to be done.

Cocktails:

Boom Boom Room- If you can manage to get in, what awaits you at the top of the Standard Hotel is the chicest watering hole that the Big Apple has seen since Studio 54! Celeb spotting is almost guaranteed. Just last week I was having cocktails right beside SJP ( Sarah Jessica Parker), over at the bar was Dylan McDermott and Mary Kate Olsen was huddled around the fireplace! Like any hot spot, entry is next to impossible and details are ambiguous. There’s a special number you have to call to get on the list but if you’re staying at The Standard then you’re all set. Book a weekend at the hotel when you’re in town so you can see what I’m talking about. The hotel is located in the Meatpacking district which is a great area to meander around in anyway, day or night.

Rose Bar and Jade Bar- Inside the Gramercy Park Hotel is a cozy bohemian drawing room complete with a huge fireplace, a pool table and packed with exquisite 20th century artworks by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Richard Prince and Julian Schnabel. Coincidentally, Mr. Schnabel is also the hotel’s art director but you already knew that. The crowd is as sophisticated as the interiors and the drinks are appropriately expensive. Be warned, reservations are required after 9pm even for cocktails. This is New York after all.

Kowloon – Just below Canal Street, underneath the hip restaurant Macao Trading Company is another secret den reserved for fabulous downtown denizens. It’s decorated to resemble an opium den with dim lighting, Chinese teak screens, silk brocade cushions and walls filled with erotic imagery and paraphernalia. If you’re as lucky as I was, you’ll catch hunky actor Josh Hartnett working the turntables. He’s even adopted a new nickname, “DJ Heart-net”. I heart that! LOL! But be warned, entry is elusive unless you know the right people or the door person fancies you.

Shop:

Jonathan Adler – Jon’s got the Midas touch (4 stores in the city!) and he can do no wrong in my book. Everything he does is so “happy chic”, including needlepoint pillows, platinum dipped pottery and enamel picture frames! He even lets you customize your own pillows or rugs! How’s that for special and unique?!

Opening Ceremony – Umberto Leon and Carol Lim are pioneers in the downtown retail scene opening a store in an unlikely location on Howard Street back in 2002. Now they count Derek Lam, Jill Sander and Vesper as their neighbors. They’ve collaborated with stylish actress Chloe Sevigne and even Timberland boots! Going to their store is a fun experience. You’ll find emerging American and international designers mixed with one of a kind vintage pieces and established designer labels like Alexander Wang and Acne. They've just opened the ‘ultimate hotel shop’ at the Ace Hotel.

John Derian – Here’s a store that I can get lost in for hours. You have to do several laps before you can take it all in. It’s an atmospheric Hodge podgy of antiques, art, clothing, home furnishings and John’s own decorative objects. John singlehandedly made decoupage chic again. They make great gifts! Here, you can either buy a paper weight, plates or wall art. My favorite is the multi piece wall hanging with an image of a skeleton. You’ll always find interior designers browsing the store with fabric swatches in their hands and occasionally you will run into Helena Christensen buying a Hugo Guinness print. I get all my Rogues Gallery T-shirts here.

Odin – I have a serious love / hate relationship with this men’s store. I love that they carry my favorite labels like Richard Chai, Robert Geller, Engineered Garments, Band of Outsiders and Shipley & Halmos but I hate that I can’t walk out empty handed. The shop staff is just as cool as the merchandise they carry and are often photographed by Japanese magazines for their sartorial choices.

New York Vintage- Shannon has a curator’s eye for designer and couture vintage clothing and accessories. You can count on the fact that every piece is one of a kind and in mint condition. She scours vintage auctions for the best of the best. The last time I was there I saw Sarah Michelle Gellar trying on a vintage Halston dress. I go to her every season to look for inspiration and she’s never failed me.

Amarcord – This is one of my favorite vintage stores in the city! The owners, Marco Liotta and Patti Bordoni scour vintage fairs and flea markets in Europe several times a year to bring back the best of the best. Often they buy dead stock merchandise and unknown labels which I prefer because the details are usually more interesting. Last season I bought the original army sneaker that Martin Margiela and Dior Homme based theirs on for a fraction of the price!

note: This article originally appeared in Rafe's regular column for Travelife Magazine, the Philippines' leading travel and lifestyle publication.

Rafe Loves...Yeane Keet

noreply@blogger.com (Rafe Totengco) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 19:16:00 +0000

Raison d’Etre: My children, my political ambition and my passion for fashion

Job: Sales and Marketing Director for Denpoo Mandiri Indonesia and I am also in the Chamber of Commerce of Indonesia

Live: Jakarta (Indonesia)

Happiness: To be on a beach with a book in a clear blue sky

Brunch: China Doll (Sydney) with my girlfriends

Drink: Martini at Cork and Screw (Jakarta)

Eat: Social House (Jakarta)

Escape: Maldives, Bali, Sydney and Paris

Read: Australian magazine (Instyle,Bazaar,Vouge), Why men love bitches.

Listen: Chill out and anything on the top 10 in I-tunes but no Beiber.

Watch: Tudor and Rome.

Indulge: Bags..can't get enough!!!

Shop: FJL(jakarta), Paddington (Sydney) and Hermes!

Fashion:Anything chic and timeless.

Aspire: Coco Chanel

Charity: An orphanage in Jakarta. There is one organization I am in called PUN (perempuan untuk negeri) which helps unfortunate women

Dream: When I achieve my career goal I want to go traveling around the world with my love one.

Accessory: I love Rafe accessories because they are unique and timeless with edge!

Rafe visits St. Francis of Assisi School

noreply@blogger.com (Rafe Totengco) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:36:00 +0000

Silay City, Negros Occidental, Philippines, July 6, 2010 – New York-based accessories designer Rafe Totengco visited the St. Francis of Assisi School for the first time today. As a supporter of the Tapulanga Foundation, Rafe took a special trip to Negros in order to meet the scholars and check out the school. The students entertained Rafe, who came with his sister Tesa, with song and dance numbers. He also shared his inspiring success story with the students. Along with Executive Director MicMic Abello-Golez, they toured the school grounds that included an eco-friendly chapel made entirely of mud. Through the many projects that Rafe has done for the Tapulanga Foundation, a college scholarship fund in his name has been created. The Rafe Totengco College Scholarship Fund has four college scholars today.

Tapulanga Foundation is a nonprofit charitable organization that provides educational, healthcare and micro-credit assistance to poor families in Silay City and its neighboring communities. Other programs include: lunch meal program, infant feeding program, public hospital assistance, disaster emergency relief, children’s summer workshops and volunteer vacation program.

Rafe Totengco is the President and Creative Director of the accessories brand Rafe New York. Based in New York City, Rafe has created handbags, shoes and small leather goods that have been worn by women, as well as celebrities, all over the world. He has won many awards including Best Accessories Designer by the Accessories Council and 2007 Asian Entrepreneur of the Year by the Asian Enterprise Magazine.

To get involved and for further information please contact:
in the Philippines
MicMic Abello-Golez
Executive Director
Tapulanga Foundation
email: mgolez@tapulanga.org

or in the USA
Janice Ragona
President
Friends of Tapulanga Inc.
janice@tapulanga.org

Rafe Loves...Azura Mangunhardjono

noreply@blogger.com (Rafe Totengco) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:25:00 +0000

Raison d’Etre: Art, Charity, Family, Friends and Love

Job: Beside being the head of my family charity foundation for South East Asia, I also represent artists from Indonesia, design jewelry (Pavitra) and a 'mother' to 26 children in Indonesia.

Live: Wherever my heart is... but current location when Rafe sent me this e-mail is Hong Kong

Happiness: To live dangerously

Brunch: Sarabeth's Kitchen (New York), Cafe Pierre (The Pierre hotel New York) and my Mum's garden at her home in Sebastian de Los Reyes, Madrid

Drink: Anywhere that serves Dom Perignon or Krug (safest bet) but if I have to go with Martinis... MO Bar at Landmark Oriental is the best.

Eat: Anywhere my friend Joel Robuchon has his restaurant and my uncle's kitchen in Portofino (seriously, the man can cook and I don't have to pay!!)

Escape: I keep one as a secret, but the other two are Four Seasons in Langkawi and my friend's ranch overlooking the Pacific who owns many pretty horses.

Read: Esquire, GQ, Vogue and Stuff (I love gadgets)

Listen: I grew up with classical music, Opera, Sinatra, Louis Armstrong and lots of Jazz... But if I have to listen to one thing for the rest of my life that would be Piano Sonata 14 from Beethoven (a testament of something gentle can be very strong and haunting)

Watch: Boston Legal, Criminal Minds, Mentalist

Indulge: Listening to Shakira's Hips Don't Lie and trying to imitate her dance move, buying too much flowers, Austin Powers and snacking on cup noodles at midnight (soooo gooood!!!)

Shop: Bergdorf Goodman, Harvey Nichols in London and Oscar De La Renta near our home in NY. Although I really hate shopping and rarely go.

Fashion: I am more of jewelry person so I will have a big purchase on incredible cocktail ring or amazing earrings but I love Marchesa and Azzaro although I have too many Michael Kors and Oscar de La Renta

Aspire: Depends on my mood... One day I love the bombshell way of Marilyn Monroe, next day I love Grace Kelly's elegance and chic but my so called uniform is white shorts from Michael Kors, heels and my boyfriend's white shirt with a huge cocktail ring. Go figure

Charity: Begins at home

Dream: In black and white

Accessory: I love Rafe because I can wear his bags with my so called uniform and my cocktail dresses. Well versed people call it "versatile" . I call it Rafe Love and Rafe Chic

Let's Hear it for the Boys

noreply@blogger.com (Rafe Totengco) — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:32:00 +0000

Can I tell you…there is one party I never miss during New York Fashion Week. Every year GQ celebrates the Best New Menswear Designer’s in America by throwing them a party. This year’s venue was at the iconic IAC building in Chelsea designed by Frank Gehry. A platform stage stretched out in the lobby allowing all six designers a “tableau vivant” of edited looks from their Fall collection. Honestly, I prefer this set up more than a runway show sometimes.

The stage allows guests to view the clothes up close and personal. Trends in men’s fashion hardly change overnight unlike their female counterparts so a subtle detail tweak or shift in proportion and fit can make a huge impact on a brand’s identity. The devil’s in the details so the closer you are, the better to scrutinize these subtleties.

Ever since they established this initiative in 2008, there has been a resurgence of new labels in the menswear industry. These labels speak to a new generation of guys who are sartorially inclined and want to express their individuality through non-established names. In certain cliques, the less famous the brand, the cooler it is. As in previous years, the winner will receive a cash prize, a mentorship with an established industry executive and the opportunity to design a limited- edition collection for Levis. On top of that, GQ featured each label with a one page editorial in their March 2010 issue.

This year’s roster included Eunice Lee of UNIS, Vincent Flumiani of Caulfield Preparatory, Ben Burkman of Burkman Brothers, Richard Chai, Frank Muytjens of J. Crew and Billy Reid, who won the competition.

This year, the looks were diverse and distinctive, from Southern dandy, urban lumberjack, collegiate prepster to downtown hipster, all evoking each designer’s definition of American style.

The party always draws a huge crowd of fashion insiders, fellow designers, some actors and PYTs. Plus there was overflowing champagne, tons of eye candy, and a peek into next season’s looks, how could I possibly turn down this invite. I can barely wait for next year’s party.

Flower Power

noreply@blogger.com (Rafe Totengco) — Tue, 25 May 2010 19:17:00 +0000

Can I Tell You...about the Tulips and Pansies show. Here's the press release.

May 20, 2010 – New York City

Designer Rafe Totengco joined the fashion and floral community in the 9th Annual Tulips & Pansies: Headress the Affair at Gotham Hall. Each year the event pairs fashion designers with NYC’s finest floral designers such as Preston Bailey, L’Olivier, Ovando and Golf Srithmarong. The concept is to create a high-fashion runway show of elaborate floral headdresses made entirely from fresh cut flowers and other living plants.

The event raises funds for Village Care of New York, a non-profit organization providing vital health care programs to people living with HIV/AIDS. The show was hosted by James Aguiar and chaired by Ariana N. Rockefeller, writer and philanthropist and Kelly Cutrone, Founder of People’s Revolution. The show was judged by John Bartlett, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Freddie Leiba, Fern Mallis and Ashleigh Verrier.

This year, Rafe was paired with Chuck Dorr of GardenDig from Brooklyn. For their runway look, Rafe and Chuck utilized some of the plastic crochet pieces from Rafe’s Craftwork collection and fresh tropical orchids and ferns to do a Carmen Miranda-esque inspired outfit while showcasing Rafe bags as well.

"Drawing inspiration from the hardworking women in Manila that hand crochet Rafe's new globally conscious handbags, Dig will showcase the color and beauty of the tropics and bring the wonder and charm of the Philippines to the boroughs of New York."

The event benefits Village Care’s comprehensive array of HIV/AIDS services, which includes two day treatment programs, community case management, home care, Red Hook Community Center, treatment adherence, Village Health Center and The Momentum Project, a food and nutrition program, along with the Rivington House, a modern, state-of-the-art residential care facility that offers clinical services and skilled nursing for persons living with HIV/AIDS in an encouraging and supportive environment.
Village Care is a community-based, not-for-profit long-term organization serving seniors, persons living with HIV/AIDS and individuals in need of medical and rehabilitation services.

Rafe Loves...Zue Overley

noreply@blogger.com (Rafe Totengco) — Mon, 24 May 2010 13:36:00 +0000

Raison d¹Etre: To travel the world , to love and be loved by my amazing family and fabulous friends.

Job: Flight Purser and mother of two.

Live: In spectacular Hong Kong

Happiness: Blessed to have beautiful girls and my fabulous wedding in Bali.

Brunch: Chat & Chew in NYC

Drink: Kee Club in Hong Kong, Bar Chateau Marmont in LA, Ku De Ta in Bali.

Eat: La Lucciola in Bali, Tamarind Spring in Kuala Lumpur and Petrus Shangri-La in HK

Escape: It's a secret place of my heart that exists in Bali

Read: Gossip magazines are my guilty pleasures.

Listen: Laurent Garnier, Rasmus Faber, Cassius, Haze and Gregory Darsa

Watch: Californiacation, Gossip Girls and Entourage.

Indulge: I like to keep up with my E! gossip

Shop: Lane Crawford and Harvey Nichols in HK, Fred Segal in LA

Fashion: Miu Miu

Aspire: Nicole Richie

Charity: Unicef

Dream: I can be with all my friends and family all the time.

Accessory: Rafe! To put it simply I love Rafe; the bags and shoes he designs, because when I wear them I feel like they were made especially for me.

Dream Weavers

noreply@blogger.com (Rafe Totengco) — Wed, 05 May 2010 17:46:00 +0000

Can I tell you...about one of my favorite groups in my collection this season.
Read the release below.

RAFE NEW YORK WORKS WITH “DREAM WEAVERS” FOR
HIS INSPIRED SPRING 2010 COLLECTION

New York, NY, October 2009 – Designer Rafe Totengco continues to utilize the artistic talents of the people in his native Philippines. The designer’s latest collaboration features the work of the T'boli, one of the Philippines surviving ethnic tribes occupying an area in the southwest coastal range of the Cotabato Cordillera. This non-Muslim tribe is known for their skills in brass casting and traditional weaving, which creates a fabric called Tinalak.

"I've always had an affinity for products that are handcrafted using traditional techniques and I've been wanting to use Tinalak in my collection", says Rafe. He collaborated with Maricris Floirendo-Brias who has been working with the T'boli for several years now developing home furnishings using tinalak.

The fabric is characterized by rhythmically repeated geometric patterns of highly stylized human and animal forms, some of which are said to represent human figures in traditional housing structures. The T'boli weaves this cloth using fibers from the abaca plant, a variety of the banana family. The fibers are extracted from the inner section of the wild banana plant, dried and separated into strands, then joined into long threads needed for weaving.

This is used as thread and binding material for Ikat, a decorative technique whereby threads are resist-tied and dyed into warp Ikat patterns before weaving. The dyes used are extracted from vegetables and other materials.

Karolina beaded flap clutch in orange.

Katherine large tote

Rafe has created a group of Beaded Ikat handbags with the Tinalak fabric in vibrant hues of orange, yellow, pink and blue. The bags come in three styles: a large tote, a flap clutch and a minaudiere. Each style comes in indigo blue, hot pink, orange, yellow and black. The clutch and the minaudiere feature hand beaded ornamentation that complement the colors of the bags.

Kim minaudiere

The Kim minaudiere as featured in Vogue Magazine.

This is not the only group in Rafe’s Spring 2010 collection to boast a connection to the designer’s birthplace. Craftwork, a capsule collection within the line, features crochet work done by 80 women in the Philippines utilizing plastic bags collected during school drives. Both endeavors allow Rafe to help provide work for each group and preserve their distinctive craft.

Rafe Loves...Mary Anne Arculli

noreply@blogger.com (Rafe Totengco) — Mon, 03 May 2010 15:47:00 +0000

Raison d’Etre: To live life passionately, productively and always with a sense of wonder and humor.

Job: Interior designer and property developer, Maria Luisa Homes

Live: Cebu

Happiness: My Family

Brunch: Sitting in my boat, moored in front of a beautiful island, eating an all out Filipino breakfast!

Drink: Fresh coconut juice, a really cold beer on a hot day, sharing a glass of excellent wine with my Dad.

Eat: Peoples Palace - Manila, Hong Kong Country Club for Chinese food, and Lechon, especially Cebuano Lechon.

Escape: Amanpulo – I never tire of that island.

Read: Design books published by Beta-plus, Cookbooks-always in the hope that I will be a good cook one day, Meditations - Marcus Aurelius, Elle Décor, Architectural digest

Listen: Lounge, Bossa nova, House

Watch: I love all the James Bond movies (always wanted to be a Bond Girl), hate reality shows, and never pass up a Miss Universe contest or a Manny Pacquiao fight.

Indulge: Day dreaming, dark chocolate, and shoes, shoes, shoes!

Shop: Lane Crawford, Hong Kong, Barneys and Saks, Los Angeles. Billion dollar babes

Fashion: Monique Lhuillier, Rose Anne de Pampelonne, Herve Leger.

Aspire: To be loved and revered, like both my grandmothers.

Charity: Cebu Hope Center for girls and Don Bosco Boys home. Cebu Design Education Foundation.

Dream: To design a dream house that is beautiful and eco friendly and an inspiration for others to do the same.

Accessory: I love every single Rafe bag that I own. From my hippie fringe cross body, to my python metallic clutch and most recently the mother of pearl minaudiere ( I'm holding it in the photo) which he named after me! They all update my wardrobe and give my outfits that extra Wow factor.

P.S. The Maryanne minaudiere is sold out online but can be bought at these specialty stores.
Garmany in Red Bank, New Jersey, telephone (732) 576-8500
Menina in Westfield, New Jersey, telephone (908) 654 0358

Labor of Love

noreply@blogger.com (Rafe Totengco) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:08:00 +0000

Can I tell you...about my latest project that I'm so passionate about. Here's the press release, read all about it.

RAFE NEW YORK PARTNERS WITH INVISIBLE TO INTRODUCE CRAFTWORK

A partnership to protect the environment and reduce poverty.

Accessories designer Rafe Totengco is proud to announce a collaboration with INVISIBLE, a socially responsible, eco-conscious program founded by artist and activist Ann Wizer. Rafe launched Craftwork, a capsule collection of handbags within his Spring 2010 line, featuring crochet work done by women in the Philippines. These women, many of whom are single mothers, have been recruited from impoverished areas of Manila and taught the dying craft of crochet by Ann and her team of volunteers.

This program allows the women to recognize their artistic talents and provide a source of income for their families. The Craftwork by Rafe collection is comprised of three styles- a tote, a clutch and a wristlet. Each piece is crocheted by one woman from start to finish then finished with leather straps for maximum wearability.

“Growing up in the Philippines I was always conscious of the poverty of my country but never had the opportunity to witness it first hand until recently. I’m so excited to be the first US based designer to be working with Ann Wizer and the women at INVISIBLE,” states designer Rafe Totengco. “After meeting these women, seeing the conditions they live in and learning about the significant difference this program can make in their lives, I was determined to help in any way that I could.”

This program not only provides much-needed revenue for these women, it also helps to clean up Manila’s waste strewn streets and rivers. The handbags are made using plastic bags collected through school drives and collections from grocery stores. Rafe's Spring order alone rescued 40,000 plastic bags. As a result of the varieties of plastic bags available to the women, each bag will be, by default, “one of a kind” and truly special. Rafe hopes that this project will inspire other designers to follow in his suit and collaborate with Invisible for other products. "I love anything made my hand and helping these women so this project was a labor of love for me", Rafe says.

These fabulous Rafe bags are now available online at Amazon.com, just in time for Spring!

Happy Potter

noreply@blogger.com (Rafe Totengco) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:45:00 +0000

Can I tell you…about Jonathan Adler. If you live in New York City, watch design shows like Top Design, buy your share of Interior Design magazines and appreciate a sense of color, whimsy and humor in your environment then you would have undoubtedly have heard of my friend and the Guru of “Happy Chic”. Ever since his first order for pottery from Barneys New York fifteen years ago, Jonathan’s brand has grown by leaps and bounds starting from one store in Soho and now totaling twelve in the country; offering furniture, rugs, bedding, bath accessories, pillows, lighting and interior design services.

Jonathan’s upbeat and witty personality comes through in everything he touches. Going into his stores can put a serious dent in your cash flow. Everything is eye candy and you want them all! I dropped in on Jonathan for a little tete-a-tete while he was busy working on his next collection to get to the bottom of what makes him so happy and …chic!

RT: You have so many stores in the US, are you planning more? Did you ever imagine you would have so many stores?

JA: When I first started my pottery business my idea of success would have been selling my wares at a rain-soaked craft fair as long as I found an audience for my work. I had no plan and very modest goals. So I never imagined I would have the business I have today.

RT: Are you considering the international market? And if you had your pick, which country would you priority.

JA: I'm pretty busy with America. But I am a huge Anglophile and am considering opening a store in London. I'm always looking for an excuse to zip over.

RT: What was that “Eureka” moment that made you realize that you were going to be fabulously rich and famous?

JA: I'll let you know when I have it.

RT: You've come a long way from pottery to now being a TV celebrity and interior designer, was this always part of your big picture or a happy turn of events?

JA: Surreal, unexpected and really fun! Before I became a potter I tried to work in the movie business and I got fired from every job that I ever had. I was unemployable! So I realized that I had to make my pottery business work or I would be homeless.

RT: You've designed hotels, retail stores, private residences and even Barbie's Malibu Dream House. Is there another venue that you'd like to give the Adler makeover?

JA: I want to design an airline!

RT: It seems like every time I go to one of your stores you have something new to offer, from tabletop accessories, pet products and even lighting. What motivates you to dive into a new category?

JA: The great thing about having my own stores is that I don't have to ask anybody's permission to make something. I just make it and put it in my stores and, hopefully, it will sell. I design the stuff that I need or want to have. And I find that the more quirky and personal something is and the less commercial it seems the more successful it is.

RT: Dream destination? My weekend house on Shelter Island. I go there all the time and I still dream of it.

Favorite Hotel? La Scalinatella Hotel in Capri. It is HEAVEN!

Weekend Escape? Shelter Island.

5 things you can't live without and why?

1. My husband Simon. He is perfection.

2. My dog Liberace. He is also perfection.

3. 4 cups of English Breakfast Tea in the morning.

4. My Ping Pong table. Simon and I have a ping pong table-2 Saarinen bases with a custom top covered in paisley wallpaper--in the middle of our living room and we play ping pong for an hour each night.

5. Apple pie. Yum!

Brunch? Sant Ambroeus downtown.

Dinner? Il Cantinori.

Favorite spot in NY? My home in front of my TV.

Gallery? Deitch Projects

RT: What are your absolute style dos and don'ts? List 3 for each and why?

JA: Dos:

1. Overdressed or underdressed always!

2. Tight ,tight, tight!

3. Embrace color.

JA: Don'ts:

1. Don't be too trendy.

2. This applies only to me, but I never wear black. It makes me sad.

3. Don't be cheap when buying clothes.

RT: What and who influences your aesthetics?

JA: So many people it's hard to list! But my design heroes are Bonnie Cashin, Alexander Girard, and Bjorn Wiinblad. Their work isn't just beautiful--it's about the joy of creativity. I strive to channel their playful spirits in my own work.

RT: What gets you up in the morning?

JA: First Liberace licks me and makes me take him out to poop. Then I drink a lot of English Breakfast Tea.

RT: What you love about living in New York City?

JA: Everything! It's the only place I could ever live. It keeps me young and happy.

RT: Best advice that you've ever received?

JA: Best advice I ever received was from my college pottery professor who told me that I had no talent and that I couldn't be a potter. Nothing is more inspiring that somebody telling you that you can't do something.

RT: How do you remain true to your creativity and still be a commercial success? Sometimes the two don't necessarily go together.

JA: I've been at it a long time and made a lot of mistakes along the way. I suppose the key is to be very analytical and cheap, cheap, cheap! I started with nothing and I'm not extravagant.

RT: What advice would you give budding designers?

JT: Work really ,really, really, really, really hard and don't be impatient.

RT: If a man is decorating his apartment for the first time, what would you tell him are the most important things to pay attention to?

JA: Make sure you have a comfy place to watch TV.

RT: What's next for Jonathan Adler? Lifestyle world domination?

JA: More, more, and more!

Let Frank Tell You!

noreply@blogger.com (Rafe Totengco) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:53:00 +0000

Can I tell you…about Frank Tell. Over the summer we met through friends at Ippudo, my favorite Ramen spot in the city. We immediately hit it off. We both shared a lot in common; coming to New York with a dream, working in the fashion industry and having the time of our lives doing it. Designers have a natural curiousity for other designers work. So when I received the invite for his show I couldn’t wait to see how he would manifest his visions unto the runway.

Like most designers, Frank had been working non-stop over this collection right up to the very end. He was at Milk Studios at the crack of dawn, going over everything and making sure no detail was overlooked. He was so focused he almost forgot to get ready himself. Fortunately, as soon as the models started getting their hair and make-up done Frank realized that he needed to get all cleaned up so he dashed back to his apartment just in the nick of time. That's one of the pluses of living in New York, everything is a quick cab ride away.

Frank cited the Padaung ‘giraffe women’ from Burma, Penelope Tree’s mod 60’s style and the original Star Trek series as his inspirations for his Fall 2010 collection. Disparate much? Believe me, I scratched my head too when I read his programme notes about his Barbarian Barbarella.

Sometimes diverse references like these turn out very bizarre costumey looks when styled for the runway. My fears were quickly dissipated as soon as the first look came out. Frank managed to blend, twist, drape and shred all these elements together harmoniously in a clear concise 22 look collection.

He smartly focused on a few colors; ash grey, nude, camel, baby blue, black and white as well as his choice of materials. Alligator stamped leather, wool crepe, hand knits, cashmere and suede were all worked into Marocain harem pants, front pleated mini skirts, trim fitted jackets and draped cocktail dresses.

The hand knits were stellar. Thick yarns looping haphazerdly into random patterns evoking 70’s wall hangings with bits of lurex woven in. In a word, fierce! Okay, so maybe not every woman fantasizes to be a warrior bombshell but with these clothes, not only will you turn heads but no one will want to mess with you.

Peter Som's Master Mix

noreply@blogger.com (Rafe Totengco) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:01:00 +0000

Can I tell you…about Peter Som’s Fall 2010 Runway Show. For as long as I’ve known Peter he’s always loved the process of putting together a collection and styling it for the runway because it involves completing his vision, from the music, casting the models, hair and make-up and even choosing the accessories. So after doing a presentation last season, he decided to return to the runway this time around. Presentations are fine but nothing beats the adrenaline and excitement of the catwalk.

Backstage was a flurry of activity with Tom Pecheux working his magic with make up and Laurent Philippon ironing the girls’ tresses. There were photographers and film crews everywhere. Teen Vogue’s Andrew Bevan and Vogue’s Entertainment editor Jillian Demling brought in Australian actress Teresa Palmer backstage to wish Peter good luck. She was wearing one of Peter’s spring dresses…obvi!

For this collection he was inspired by Ang Lee’s “Taking Woodstock” and the sense of optimism the film conveyed. “It’s time to have fun again and make happy clothes”, he said when he began designing Fall 2010 months ago. He was dead serious about it! You could tell he was having fun designing this season.

Peter, who never wears prints or colors is a genius at it. This was Peter's Master Mix! Everything was printed, textured, layered and eclectic. Unexpected elements like tie-dye mink, fatigue tulle, Mongolian lamb in candy colors, micro-paillettes on T shirts, Swarovski crystals, marled knits and a Shinique Smith print on chiffon were all thrown into the mix. Finishing touches included Peter’s own collection of costume jewelry, oversized felt cloche hats by milliner Albertus Swanepoel and color blocked platform granny boots by English label Charlotte Olympia.

Judging from the smiles of usually jaded journalists and buyers on the front row, Peter achieved his mission. Everybody rushed backstage to tell him how much they loved the collection. Beth Blake from Kirna Zabete was gushing, Ana Maria Pimentel from Harpers Bazaar put the jewelry on hold for an upcoming shoot, stylist and TV host Mary Alice Stephenson couldn’t wait to wear the dresses and Roopal Patel from Neiman Marcus couldn’t stop raving. It was great to see people walking out with big smiles on their faces. That made Peter very happy.

For Art's Sake

noreply@blogger.com (Rafe Totengco) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:53:00 +0000

Can I tell you…about Miami Art Basel. Ever since it’s launch in 2002, this four day convergence has gained quite a reputation for being the most important art fair in the country and one that throws the best parties! This past December, I took the plunge and joined hundreds of New Yorkers on their pilgrimage to South Beach. This year MAB’s organizers pulled out all the stops with art on the beach, over the top parties, lavish dinners and live performances by emerging artists. There was so much to see and do that it was overwhelming, but that’s part of the fun. At the airport taxi line, I bumped into my girlfriend Teresa Herrera who, like me, also came to take it all in for the first time. We were Basel Virgins!

I stayed with my BFF Peter Som who was conveniently booked at the Shoreclub, a hop and skip away from the Convention Center. Location is everything especially for a huge fair like this.

Walking through the Convention Center was daunting with over 250 prestigious galleries from 33 countries and over 2,000 artists showing everything from paintings, fine art photography, sculpture, drawings, installations and videos. Even Sylvester Stallone exhibited his work. Who knew he was an ‘artist’?!

I enjoyed the other satellite fairs like Pulse, Art Asia and Scope over at the Wynwood district, where you could find new artists and perhaps some affordable pieces.

We did our share of shin-digging too. There was the Francois Nars’ party at the Standard where we bumped into Lorenzo Martone showing off his tattoos to his friends. As we were leaving, Francois and Naomi Campbell were just arriving fashionably very late for their own event. We rushed over to Nadia Swarovski’s rooftop cocktail at the W then downstairs for another party by the pool where I bumped into Teresa Herrera with Filipino Art Collector Marcel Krespo and the boys from Cool Hunting Josh Rubin and Evan Orenstein. We caught a live performance by Santigold at the Raleigh right after David Zwirner Gallery’s intimate dinner.

We tagged along with LACMA curator and our girlfriend Christine Y. Kim and her associates to see some of the leading private collections in Miami - among them the Margulies Collection, the Rubell Family Collection, the de la Cruz Collection, the Mora Collection, the Scholl Collection, and the Dacra Collection. During the fair, they open their homes and warehouses to guests of the show. I especially love seeing art in homes, especially art of this caliber. There’s an aspirational aspect to it that I’m sure you can relate to.

After four days we had art coming out of our ears and had had enough of the big extravaganzas. We were aching for something low key. Fortunately, our dear friend and super talented Interior Designer D.B. Kim was celebrating his birthday party in South Beach.

The party was held in stylist Ron Laxamana's quaint apartment compound that faintly evokes the set of 90's TV hit Melrose Place. It was a fun intimate affair and a perfect way to end a rather hectic and art-filled week. I'll be back...same time next year!

Naughty and Nice

noreply@blogger.com (Rafe Totengco) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:02:00 +0000

Can I tell you …about my favorite Christmas party? Every year I get inundated with invites to celebrate the holidays. Which one to go to and can I go to all of them? Such a dilemma! It had been such a dour year (recession hello!) that I was looking forward to lifting my spirits and ending the year with some yuletide cheer. Unfortunately, I can’t make it to every party but there are a few on the top of my list. One of them is Chandelier Creative’s Holiday Bash. Their first party last year was so much fun. I met a lot of new people, almost bid on some art and had copious amounts of champagne. So when I got their grandiose invite this year I put it in my outlook calendar marked urgent.

Richard Christiansen, Chandelier’s creative director and Anthony Keegan, Commonwealth Utilities’ designer (dressed as Rudolph) certainly know how to throw an extravaganza with flowing drinks (served up by studly Santa’s helpers), a full gospel choir (singing disco and R&B classics) and a silent art auction to benefit the New Museum on the Bowery. They were determined to up the ante for their second annual event and that’s exactly what they did.

The Noho loft where their offices are was filled with balloons, a towering Christmas tree, a hot dog and popcorn stand as well as the requisite open bar. The crowd was equally fabulous as one might expect from this boutique design firm. Designers Francisco Costa and Peter Som, Gossip Girl’s Amanda Setton, fashion editors Stefano Tonchi and Marcus Teo, models Jessica White and Julie Henderson sipped champagne, nibbled on hot dogs and got their photos taken with a hunky Santa (a trainer in Richard’s gym).

Last year I missed out on the art and there were some amazing pieces. So this year I was hoping to get something from the auction. Limited edition prints and original artwork from contemporary artists, fashion and art photographers like Stewart Shining, Ian Wright, Lorenzo Martone, Douglas Friedman and Shun Kawakami filled the wall. As soon as we perused the silent auction, Peter and I made our choices. Peter eyed an Arthur Elgort portrait of 70’s model Lisa Taylor while a couple of pieces caught my attention; a print by Lorenzo Martone and another by Ian Wright.

We hovered by the wall monitoring our bids while mingling with friends. Hunky Santa provided a welcome distraction and a great photo op. Fashion photographer Chiun-Kai Shih (we call him Chunky) was so besotted that he kept snapping away at Santa. And who could blame him? Santa claimed someone stole most of his costume…yeah, right! Fortunately, Chunky takes his camera with him wherever he goes and was happy to share these delicious photos with me.

As the hour drew near the bidding got a little heated as people kept upping their bids on their favorite pieces. I was determined to win this time but Lorenzo’s print was getting dangerously close to slipping out of my hands. At the very last minute, as my competitor walked away I penciled my last offer and won! Phew, that was a close call. Peter got his Elgort print as well. In life, timing is everything! The auction raised almost $15K for the museum.

Lorenzo was thrilled I won his piece and told me that he only made one print of this image so I have a one of one! I also won the Ian Wright print. That’s what I call a win-win situation and a great way to end 2009. I just love a happy ending!

Fast and Furious

noreply@blogger.com (Rafe Totengco) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:04:00 +0000

Can I tell you…about Hong Kong. It’s Fast and Furious. It even makes New York look sleepy. I’ve been coming here for so many years it’s like my second home. As soon as I land, I hit the ground running. There’s no time to get over my jet lag.

There are places to go, people to see. I run over to Causeway Bay to check out all the small boutiques that carry local designers and do some shopping. They’re on trend and cost a fraction of the price compared to the major labels. Who doesn’t like guilt free shopping!

Like New York, there’s always something happening and new spots to check out. Fortunately, my best friends Shirley Hiranand and Reyna Harilela who run their own PR firm Bonvivant & Bellavita, invite me to all their events. I attended a private tour and preview dinner at Hullet House, David Yeo’s ten-bedroomed, all suite boutique hotel in the old historic Police building in Kowloon before they opened it to the public. Each room is lavishly decorated with a different theme.

Hong Kong It Girl and Tatler Favorite Audrey Chiu hosted an intimate dinner for me at the members only China Club. The ambience is so 1930’s Shanghai complete with a lounge singer dressed in a fitted silk Qi Pao. The walls are filled with Contemporary Chinese Art that David Tang amassed over the years. After dinner, we head over to another members only watering hole, The Kee Club in Lan Kwai Fong, for a night cap. Marina Bullivant is the hostess with the mostest and always has a bottle of champagne waiting for us whenever we come.

This trip was extra frenetic because aside from my usual work, I’m also here to do a trunk show for Harvey Nichols. They’ve built a following for me over the years so we thought we would up the ante this season with a Rafe shopathon. All of Hong Kong’s best dressed girls showed up and shopped!

By the end of the evening even the display mannequins were bare! To celebrate the evening’s success, we went straight to Dragon I, one of Hong Kong’s coolest nightclubs. This place attracts a very attractive model-y crowd which is always a plus in my book and they also serve really good Chinese food. Tao Miu ( pea shoots) are in season and I can’t eat enough of them. Next stop was the Roxie, a new members only club. DJ Joel Madden was in town from LA and spinning to a very enthusiastic crowd of clubbers. As I was making my exit, I heard a Black Eyed Peas song come on. “I got a feeling, that tonight’s gonna be a good night…”. Indeed it was and I’m ready to do it all over again, on my next trip!

Fall in Love

noreply@blogger.com (Rafe Totengco) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:14:00 +0000

Can I tell you... how much I'm loving my Fall 2009 collection. This season I channeled the glory days of New York City’s nightlife in the late 80s. All those nights spent at Susanne Barstch's Copa parties and Jackie 60 on 14th street translated into pieces that let Uptown girls flaunt their Downtown Edge.
My modern day muses are venturing into Williamsburg with their iPods loaded with The Ting Tings and Karen O. They have a flair for mixing and layering making it all look so effortless. The heels are higher than ever and the bags are gently distressed and occasionally perforated with carefully placed zippers, studs and chains. All these elements add up to that tough yet sophisticated vibe so prevalent this season.

Let's start with some of my loves. I am obsessed with function. I believe in accessories that truly help make your life easier. When you marry function with design, the results can be spectacular. Take the Bethany glazed leather hobo inspired by details from the classic Perfecto motorcycle jacket. There are 3 outside pockets and 2 inside organizational compartments; details that you have come to expect with every Rafe bag. It's stunning in black but in bordeaux, it's a traffic stopper!

Next up, the Shenae motorcycle bootie. This is so kick-ass sexy it's on everybody's wish list. It's got a cool rock'n'roll vibe to it. Pair it with skinny jeans for day or your LBD (little black dress) and it changes your whole look. I like mixing tough and feminine elements, it makes the look less predictable. For slumming around the city, I highly recommned the small Shenae cross body in perforated lambskin with a gold underlayer so there's a slight hint of metallic. It's the perfect size, trust me! I love it in black but I love it even more in taupe.

I'm having a major plum moment. It's a rich deep color that goes with almost everything. This Jordana ruffled convertible hobo in buttery soft washed lambskin is a key piece. You can lengthen the straps so you can wear it across your body leaving your hands free or snap the strap back unto itself to wear it on your shoulder. Two looks for the price of one, what's not to love?!

New Yorkers love to walk and these Rebecca suede boots were certainly made for walking. The mid cone heel gives you just enough height but won't have you in pain after a few hours. You can tuck your jeans into them or wear them with wool tights and shorts,(yes, shorts!) if you have the gams and the guts for it. In this photo, she's wearing it with the Elizabeth ruffle large tote in brown washed lambskin. It's the lightest and easiest tote out there. You're in and out in a snap, literally! The leather gets a nice patina the more you wear it and bang it around.

I love the nightlife, I love to boogie...you know the rest! New York has the most amazing nightlife and the best parties. Head over to the BoomBoom Room with the Pixie clutch and you'll be sure to bypass the velvet rope. It makes a bold statement and holds all your evening's necessities and then some! And don't worry about the sequins coming off, they're printed on leather! Isn't that genius?! I know some girls who have bought both silver and gold versions. For evening, gold and silver are basics in my opinion.

Contradiction and unexpected combinations makes for distinctive and memorable design. I thought it would be cool to mix different metal finishes with different sizes of chain then hand stitching them unto the flap of a bag. This way you never have to worry about matching your jewelry, not that anybody really does anymore. Can I tell you... it's beyond fabulous! Everybody, and I mean everybody who sees the Erin flap clutch falls in love with it. I imagine Rachel Zoe seeing this clutch and uttering her famous phrase, "I die!"

Check out the rest of the Rafe collection online. I'm hoping that you'll fall in love with a piece or two or three! Drop me a line, post a comment!

The Tough Go Shopping

noreply@blogger.com (Rafe Totengco) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:15:00 +0000

Can I tell you…about Fashion’s Night Out? We've all heard the line, “when the going gets tough, the tough go shopping” and up until recently lived by that motto. But as the economy crashed, the 'tough' stopped shopping resulting in a devastating domino effect that forced businesses to close leaving legions of people unemployed. As sales plummeted, retailers went into a panic, slashing prices left and right training consumers to only shop on sale. For anybody in the fashion industry, this was HELL on Earth! The situation needed fixing!

Anna Wintour to the rescue! Vogue, along with the City of New York and Council of Fashion Designers of America masterminded Fashion’s Night Out, “ a global initiative to promote retail, restore consumer confidence, and celebrate fashion”. Last September 10, after much anticipation and hoopla, hundreds of stores across the five boroughs ( and overseas) stayed open late for one big shoppathon hoping to lure back customers to shop.

Designers were asked to do personal appearances, come up with special items and even show off their hidden talents just for the evening. Everything from designer aprons ( Peter Som), printed canvas totes ( Proenza Schouler) ,singing ( Isaac Mizrahi and Oscar de la Renta), manning the cash register (Pharrell Williams), bartending ( Olsen twins) to catwalk lessons ( Alexander Wang).

Besides all the VIP appearances and activities, there was a limited-edition FNO T-shirt with 40% of the sales’ proceeds donated to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center.

First stop was Bergdorf Goodman. Padma Lakshmi the host of Top Chef was hosting a cookoff and had designers Peter Som, Cynthia Rowley, Naeem Khan, Gilles Mendel and Lela Rose submit their favorite recipes and had the restaurant pass them out to partygoers to try. My favorite, and not because he’s my BFF was Peter Som’s panko fried oysters with blood orange gastrique and tartar sauce. The restaurant was packed like sardines, I could barely breathe!

Everywhere else in the store was just as jampacked. Bumped into 70’s supermodel Pat Cleveland and her gorgeous daughter Ana van Ravenstein while I was on my way out.

Next up was Henri Bendels. The store was a zoo with shoppers everywhere. It was cool to see some cute girls wearing Rafe bags! After hobnobbing with my buyers and some customers we made our way downtown to the Meatpacking district to Stella McCartney. Vogue editor Tonne Goodman and actress Kate Hudson were hosting the party.

Right outside the store they were making fresh pizzas and let me tell you…the mob descended on those pies like piranhas each time they entered the store so much so that the pies never made it past a few steps from the door.

The scene was hilarious. “Nothing comes between me and my pizza”, remarked one very hungry fashionista. On a marathon evening like tonight, we all need our sustenance! But Kate was either running very late or we were just restless.

On our way further downtown we passed by Bleecker Street to see what Marc Jacobs and Ralph Lauren were up to. Between the two of them, they have practically turned this once quiet street into an outdoor mall.

You can always count on Marc to do something fun. They were inviting customers to line up and get their photos taken in a special Marc Jacobs set simulating a fashion shoot. Passed by Ralph to get a glimpse of Nacho Figueras but he had already left.

Eventually we ended up on Crosby Street to go to Opening Ceremony but that was a madhouse. So we decided to turn back and head towards the Bowery to Patricia Fields. Ugh, same situation.

At this point, we were just hungry and exhausted. Thank God Five Points (one of my favorite restaurants) is in the neighborhood.

So did the 'tough' go shopping? For everybody's sake, I certainly hope so but it’s tough to say. I do know a lot of T shirts were sold!

Robert Geller: Modern Romantic

noreply@blogger.com (Rafe Totengco) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:10:00 +0000

Can I tell you about…Robert Geller. I met Robert last year through a common friend over lunch and I was instantly smitten. He’s laid back, thoughtful and genuine. He’s also a rising star in the menswear industry. Hailing from Hamburg, Germany, he moved to the USA to study at the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design. Upon graduating, he worked at Marc Jacobs, then became a partner and co-designer for the label Cloak and eventually launched his eponymous menswear label in 2007. He was recently named the winner of GQ magazine “Best New Menswear Designer in America” competition and was nominated for the CFDA Perry Ellis Menswear Designer of the year. Levis also collaborated with him on a capsule collection that just launched this September in Bloomingdales. Over al fresco lunch near his downtown Tribeca studio; we caught up and talked about everything under the sun…style related of course.

Rafe: The first time I saw your collection I was completely blown away. They were clothes I hadn’t seen before. Your designs are original, thoughtful, and provocative with unique details that a modern dandy can appreciate. What made you launch your own label?
Robert: Thank you! I started my own label because I felt that the clothes that I wanted to make had a client. I like to have a mix of toughness and sophistication that I don't think exists in the market. I think that this is essential when you launch a label. There is so much competition, it is easy to get lost in the crowd.

Rafe: What are 5 items you can’t live without and why?
Robert: My I Phone because it is my organizer and reminds me of my schedule. My old bicycle because it gets me around New York City and makes me feel like I live in a small town. A Margiela trench that I bought in Paris in 2000. It is just the right weight to take me from spring into summer. My wedding ring because it reminds me everyday how lucky I am to have found the partner of my dreams. My sketchbook that I have with me at all times, because it allows me to record my ideas whenever they may come.

Rafe: I think men are starting to dress up again and there’s a resurgence of haberdashery (neckties, bowties, hats) and tailoring in the market, even if it’s worn with high tops. What’s your take on this?
Robert: I think, especially in America, there has been this tradition of casual dressing that men are finally sick of. There is a real interest in men's clothing and some of the greatest accessories are ties and scarves and hats. Mixing this with a comfortable stylish look is not easy, but when it is done right, it can look really good.

Rafe: What does American style mean to you and how does your brand reflect it?
Robert: I think that American style embodies this sort of casual attitude that we are talking about. When done right it is a very sophisticated, comfortable style, but when it is bad, it can look sloppy. I like the aspect of comfort in clothing, while still looking fresh and pulled together.

Rafe: What do you think of the current trend of ‘pleated pants’ and slouchy proportions? Do you think they have any mileage or do you see it moving on and to what?
Robert: I think this slouchy oversized look is kind of cool and is a reaction to the super shrunken silhouette that has been popular in the past years. I think the future will be a mix. I don't think everyone will be wearing MC Hammer pants in the next five years, but playing with proportions is going to be very important.

Rafe: Music is often a key ingredient when designing a collection, what were you listening to when you designed your Fall Winter 09 collection, how did that influence you and by contrast, are you listening to something new now?
Robert: I always get more moody for the fall collection, I think that it is natural. I always listen to a lot of the Cure and Mazzy Star and I was listening to a bit of Gustav Mahler. Very poetic beautiful music. When Spring comes around I want energy. I fell in love with the Kooks last spring and still really like their Inside in/Inside out album. I also recommend the New Order playlist on Pandora.com. Lots of New Order, the Cure, the Smiths and Depeche Mode.
Rafe: As an accessory designer, I have to ask, what kind of bag do you carry every day?
Robert: When I carry one, which is not every day, I take the tote bag I made for my last spring show. We attached a hand-sewn leather flower to it. It is simple but it looks good.

Rafe: Every season, designers are pressured to come up with something new. How do you manage to stay true to your vision, evolve and still manage to surprise your audience?
Robert: It comes from my moods. I really just follow my instinct. There is no formula. I design what excites me and I think that my customer is similar to me and will also get excited by it.
Rafe: Being New Yorker, I always get asked for my inside scoop and favorite haunts. So I'm going to ask yours.
Weekend Brunch? Gigino at Wagner Park. Sit outside with the most beautiful view of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis island. It feels like you’re on a vacation.
Work Lunch? Le Pain Quotidien on West Broadway and Warren. This one is special and like my meeting room. The food is great and the atmosphere bright and very relaxed.
Dinner? Still Bacaro. This place opened a little more than a year ago and is hidden on Division street in the heart of Chinatown. I still have trouble finding it and I have been there over 40 times. Great atmosphere and great people on a weeknight.
Bar? I love the bar at Friedmanns, it is very beautiful and the atmosphere is great.
Weekend get-away? See Above...I don't get out much : -)
Art Gallery? Klaus von Nichtssagend. Super unpretentious whole in wall gallery in Brooklyn, but great taste and great art.
Museum? The Museum of Natural History. It is really magnificent.
Store? Odin. It has managed to really put together a great roster of designers. Every man that comes to New York should take a look.
Rafe: What are you absolute style faux pas? Please name 3 and why
Robert: I don't really have any. Things that look ridiculous on most people look great on some, it all depends on who can pull it off and who can't.

Rafe: Who is or who are your style icons?
Robert: The coolest guy in my opinion that has ever lived is Jean-Paul Belmondo.

Rafe: Since the title of my column is “Can I tell you”, what can you tell me that I should invest in this season?
Robert: I would say a nice pair of running shoes. If you are skinny, then everything looks good on... and off.

Robert’s collection is being sold at over 50 of the world’s most influential boutiques, including Isetan in Japan, Lane Crawford in Hong, Odin in New York and Fred Segal in Los Angeles.
To read more about Robert, check out his website: www.robertgeller-ny.com

Mid Summer Night

noreply@blogger.com (Rafe Totengco) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 18:39:00 +0000

Can I tell you…about David Straube and Jim Kloiber’s rooftop party. Every year since I’ve known David and Jim they throw a fabulous sunset cocktail party to celebrate the summer. It’s a much anticipated event and one I don’t like to miss.I went with my PIC(partner in crime), fashion designer Peter Som and we met up with Jim Larkin and Aidan Kemp.
Who can resist a rooftop party with spectucular views of the city from every vantage point. Their rooftop is perfect because it spans the entire length of the apartment building so it can fit a large crowd quite comfortably and they've renovated it so it feels like you're on the chic Above 60 Thompson rooftop bar lounge.They always manage to draw in a great mix of friends; editors, stylists, publicists, art directors, writers, designers,event planners and random cuties. You can be sure to run into several people you know which always makes for a good time.There wasn’t a required dress code but since the guest list are comprised of people who are sartorially inclined, within the first hour the “theme” was pretty obvious. We were mad for plaid! And by that I mean madras plaids or ginghams. From shorts to shirts, this pattern kept turning up as guest upon guest ascended up on the roof.At one point, Sam Spector asked Prabal Gurung, “Did I miss the memo?” Shai Tertner on the other hand loved the pattern mix. “I feel like I’m part of the ‘in’ crowd”, he teased.The second theme was the solid navy polo shirt…Ralph, Lacoste or Abercrombie. I mean, really are they any others worth wearing?
As the sun set and the drinks flowed, things got a little out of hand…quelle surprise! Chris Constable got hold of one guest’s ginormous black and white hat and before you knew it, people were trying it on and striking campy poses.Eventually Chris grabbed Tenten Wu’s stilleto and started vogueing.Then he got up on one of the deck chairs in effort to mimic Jennifer Beals…much to everybody’s amusement. And when David tried to offer him a hand to get down, Chris mistook it as an invitation to dance. At this point, everybody was in tears laughing so hard. I love Chris’ joie de vivre!As the evening wore on, some of us were getting a little peckish, so when Bruce Pask mentioned that he felt like getting a burger, we all got excited. It was all so spur of the moment but we dashed out and headed to the East Village. Bruce took us to Black Iron Burger; a tiny pub known for its selection of micro brews and its signature Black Iron Burger. The menu is straight to point: burgers, a couple of salads, sandwiches and fried green pickled tomatoes. Several beers later, burgers and fries consumed and appetites sated, we rolled out unto the street and called it a night.I love summer nights like this. A great party with friends, a last minute dinner, and lots of laughter. What’s not to love?! Soon enough, the season will be over and it will all seem like a mid summer night’s dream.