Can I tell you...about Vianca Soleil.

On one cold day this past winter I was scrolling through Instagram and virtually escaping the reality of winter in East Coast when I happened to see a photo that immediately transported me to where I wanted to be. Vianca Soleil’s feed is full of dreamy images of her life on the beach. We started following each other and immediately formed a connection with our love for nature, the sea and seashells.

She has been working on finishing Unna, a eco-resort her family owns whilst designing furniture and doing some photography work. Construction work on the property has been very slow due to pandemic restrictions. They hope to be open as soon as it’s safer but that may not be until 2022. In the meantime, I will keep wanderlusting after her images.

Whilst designing my Spring Summer 2021 collection, I kept referencing images from Vianca’s Instagram. I was so inspired by her vision and her life. She fueled my desire to escape. The Vianca bucket tote is constructed from hand-woven abaca embellished with real fan shells, straw embroidery and trimmed with leather handles and a detachable long strap.

I asked Vianca a few questions about what’s on her mind these days and what inspires her.

1.    What is your idea of happiness? Living by the sea.

2.    What is your greatest extravagance? Travel is probably my greatest extravagance. I crave to keep exploring places and don’t mind spending a little extra on unusual experiences.

3.    What is your current state of mind? Finding balance.

4.    Whose style do you most admire? Christophe Lemaire and Sarah Linh Tran are creating the most inspiring collections at Lemaire. 

5.    What do you consider your greatest achievement? Designing and building Unna. I consider it to be my life’s work. I see it as my greatest achievement because my father would’ve wanted me to achieve my wildest dream and I’d like to think I’m beginning to reach it.

6.    What is your most treasured possession? My mom’s mother of pearl clutch from the 80s.

7.    Who is your favorite writer? Ryūnosuke Akutagawa

8.    Which living person do you most admire? I’m fascinated by Buddhist culture and have always admired the Dalai Lama.

9.    Where is your dream destination? Dreaming of a trip to Egypt, Israel and Jordan!

10. What is your motto? My dad would always say, the best is yet to come.

If you like the #ViancaBucketTote or another bag from the new collection, use the code RAFELOVES at checkout and receive a 20% reduction.

Offer only valid for US residents and good until April 18, 2021.

www.rafe.com

Can I tell you...about Nikki Huang.

Nikki Huang at home in Manila with her Nikki Vanity Case.

I met Nikki Huang a few years ago in Manila whilst having dinner with her parents, Anton and Nina, who are friends. At the time, she was taking a gap year before starting college and had joined her family’s retail empire to learn the ropes and get some real life work experience. I was impressed at how vibrant, curious and present she was all through-out our dinner. We subsequently followed each other on social media, as one does these days, and virtually stayed in touch. During that time she also started writing a column for Manila Bulletin, a national newspaper. Her topics ranged from life lessons, make up and fashion, women’s issues to profiling female role models. She eventually went to Boston University and is currently doing a double major in sociology and international relations / political science. When the Covid-19 pandemic struck worldwide Nikki flew back to the Philippines to be with her family.

The Nikki Vanity Case is inspired by her strength of character, individuality and innate style. The structured Hexagon silhouette takes its cues from the vanity cases women used to wear in in the 1950s. It has a built in mirror for those quick make up checks and is capacious enough to fit a modern woman’s essentials for a night on the town.

I asked Nikki a few questions that might reveal a little more about her than meets the eye.

What is your idea of happiness? 

It means understanding my purpose, my passions, and the intersection between those two things. It means having people, places, and ideas to live for, and values to live by. 

What is your greatest extravagance?

Perhaps expectedly, I spend the most on fashion. I also love jewelry, and my appreciation for jewelry both as fashion and investment pieces grows by the day. I’d say self care is right up there in terms of my extravagances too, as is travel. I love fine food, as well...just anything or any experience created with intent and attention to detail I am so fortunate that my parents are able and willing to support my journey with the best possible resources, and one of my biggest personal goals is to be able to one day be able to financially support the lifestyle I want to live. 

Nikki with her Nikki Vanity Case in New York. photo by Selwyn Tungol

Whose style do you most admire?

When I was beginning in fashion, I admired a lot of the bloggers I saw online. Now, as I discover more about who I am and who I want to be in the fashion world and beyond it, I admire Kate Middleton, Amal Clooney, Princess Diana, Grace Kelly. I value their timeless elegance. The same goes for my fashion idols from the East - both Gemma Chan in real life and her onscreen character, Astrid, are major fashion - and life- inspiration. I admire what these women embody, not just how they dress. My search for fashion inspiration has definitely grown over time. Instead of looking for people whose outfits I admire, I look for those whose life, values, and attitude I believe in. 

What do you consider your greatest achievement? 

I feel like I’ve been fortunate enough to have experiences that have resulted in a pretty colourful resume-and life story- for someone my age. Of and for that, I’m proud and grateful. At the same time, I don’t think any of the things I’ve done that look good on paper are what I’d consider my greatest achievement. I think, to date, my greatest achievement is how I balanced receiving top marks in a sociology seminar at Boston University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences with attending NYFW on the weekends. I remember it was a time where I ran on very little sleep! I would do my readings in the car between Boston and New York, and in between shoots and shows. I managed to score highly in class and have a pretty successful first NYFW...of this, I am very proud because it was a time where I was able to juggle all my responsibilities even when it seemed impossible. From that experience, I learned just how important it is to me to be able to do it all-or try! Something else that comes to mind is that I am extremely proud of how I have been able to develop and connect with my inner truth over time. Because I continually make it a priority to listen to myself, follow to my gut, but also consider and prioritize the opinions of my loved ones, I am happy to say that I am on a life path that feels exactly right. I feel like I live with so much purpose and direction; it is something I am equal parts proud of and grateful for every day.

What is your favorite writer?

I’d like to cite James Joyce, Michel Foucault, and Kevin Kwan as the first ones that come to mind, all for various reasons.  

Which living person do you most admire?

I don’t idolize anyone. I never have, and I don’t think I ever will. I think I am too focused on who I am and who I want to be to idolize someone else’s life, and it’s something that has served me well. I always remind my sister, too, that she can look up to people but that she should never strive to “be” like anyone. Instead, I think it is more productive and more fulfilling to focus on being the best version of yourself, such that you are growing every day. 

Where is your dream destination?

I definitely want to go back to Italy or Greece. I love the undeniable chicness and style in Milan, the hospitality of Greece, the appreciation for art, food, and life well lived in both places. 

What is your motto? 

“I don’t feel that it is necessary to know exactly who I am. The main interest in life and work is to become someone else that you were not in the beginning” - Michel Foucault. 

Nikki Huang in New York. photo by Selwyn Tungol

Can I tell you...about my Fall / Winter 2019 shoot in Paris.

Me and my friend Tais Fortes posing for our BTS moment.

It is no secret that I love Paris. After Manhattan, it is my second favorite city in the world. Every time I visit I want to make the most out of my trip. In 2017, I shot my Fall / Winter campaign here and I still love those images. I’ve always wanted to do another shoot in the City of Light. I mentioned the idea to my dear friend Bianca Monzon-Cueva who lives in Paris. Without hesitation, she offered to help me organize the talent and logistics. How could I say no to that?

Tais Fortes with the SARAH beaded crochet pouch on Pont Alexandre III.

Paris is one big film set full of iconic landmarks and and architectural vignettes everywhere you look. Shooting a campaign here can be both challenging and easy. If you’re not careful the city can take over and become the center of attention instead of your product.

The VANIA Wrist Clutch at Pont Alexandre III.

The SARAH beaded crochet pouch in coral.

As easy as this all looks, it does take a village. I relied on Bianca to organize the logistics and the talent. She introduced me to an up and coming fashion photographer Paul Clichy , who then brought in Pauline du Manoir , a hair and make-up artist. Coincidentally, my gorgeous friend and fashion model Tais Fortes, recently moved to Paris was more than happy to be the muse of the campaign. Voila, I had a crew.

BTS with Paul, Bianca and Tais.

The VANIA Wrist Clutch in cognac crocodile embossed leather.

The KIM Wrist purse in leopard print calf hair shot inside the Jardin du Palais Royal.

Pauline applying her magic on Tais.

The KIM Wrist Purse in black suede with multi color studs.

Bianca and I limited the shoot to a few locations to make the most of the limited light during the day. We started out at Jardin du Palais Royal, then moved to Pont Alexandre III, Les Parisiennes, eventually ending back at Hotel Saint-Marc where I was staying.

Tais taking a coffee break with my CHRISELLE minaudière at Les Parisiennes.

The AZURA Asymmetrical Minaudière, still iconic after all these years!

The AUDREY beaded pouch in navy velvet.

The STELLA Minaudière shot inside Hotel Saint-Marc.

I love Paris in the Spring time and I love Paris in the Fall. There is something about the light at this time of the year. Even on a sunny day, the light casts a cool tone on everything. As you can see from these photos I have every reason to be estatic. The images are exactly what I had envisioned. Merci beacoup to the team and to Paris!

Tais with the AZURA minaudière in violet oyster inlay inside Hotel Saint-Marc.

Can I tell you...about New Orleans.

Pardon my French. I could have meandered in the French Quarter all day. 

America only has three cities: New York, San Francisco and New Orleans. Everywhere else is Cleveland. - Tennessee Williams.  

I live in New York, I've been to San Franciso and Cleveland isn't on my bucket list so when I got invited to a friend's wedding in New Orleans, I jumped at the chance to check it out.  

The Henry Howard Hotel in the Garden District.  

I booked a room at the charming Henry Howard Hotel in the Garden District. Built in 1867 this converted boutique hotel was once a pair of townhouses, and was designed by famed Louisiana architect Henry Howard. He designed so many homes in the neighborhood it could have been named after him. The location was ideal; just a short Uber ride away from the The French Quarter and relatively quiet in the evenings. 

Southern living at the Henry Howard.  

New Orleans or Nola is famous for vibrant live music, distinctive Creole and Cajun cuisine and for being a melting pot of French, African and American cultures. I was only here for a weekend so I needed to maximize my time in between wedding events.

Come to Cafè Beignet instead and avoid the insane line at Cafè du Monde. 

On the top of my to do list was hitting some of the antique stores in the French Quarter. Antiquing in New Orleans is serious business and can easily take up a whole day. There are more shops on Magazine Street in the Garden District but I only had a few hours to spare so I hit a few reputable establishments to see the best of the best. My first stop was Keil's Antiques on Royal street. They have been a family run business since 1899  and were one of the only stores in the area when they opened. They have 3 sprawling floors filled with objets d'art, furniture, jewelry and chandeliers enough to fill a plantation mansion. 

Keil's Antiques

I have a weakness for anything blue and white so I was immediately drawn to the beautifully carved French cabinet displaying a selection of Chinese and Delft 18th and 19th century porcelain. I was tempted but I managed to resist the urge to splurge.  

When I'm feeling blue.  Antique porcelain plates and chargers. 

Further up the street I peered into M.S. Rau Antiques' window and a gorgeous set of Tiffany tableware caught my eye. Don't be fooled by the unassuming shopfront because inside is a treasure trove of fine art and antiques.  Browse beyond the front of the shop and you'll be guided through a maze of rooms with exceptional pieces and curious objects that require deep pockets  should you wish to indulge.   

They have a private art gallery behind closed doors that houses museum worthy pieces showcased in a maze of several ante rooms and on different floors. 

Portrait of a Lady. Rita de Acosta Lydig by Giovanni Boldini.  

Behind closed doors.  

In a separate section of the store they had an exhibit about Napoleon comprised of paintings, furniture, sculpture and precious objects. It was a well curated show filled with rarely seen pieces. 

Napoleon crossing the Alps. 

Time will tell. Egyptian theme clock and decorative obelisks.  

Window shopping without any sustenance is no fun and fortunately for me, there is no shortage of good food in Nola. I had read rave reviews of Chef Nina Compton's Compere Lapin in the Warehouse District and I was desperate for a tasty meal. Set inside the Old 77 Hotel the restaurant is airy with lots of windows facing the street. For a brief moment while I sat in anticipation I felt like I was transported back in time when New Orleans was occupied by the French. Seated near me were a table of French speaking ladies having lunch; laughing and enjoying their lunch. It was tres charmant. 

Smoked tuna tartare  avocado and crispy bananas. 

Nina is known for cooking her take on Creole classics while skillfully infusing flavors from her Caribbean heritage. 

Lime cheesecake mango granita cashew krokant

The Lower 9th Ward has become infamous due to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

These cement stoops are all that remains of some of the homes that were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.  

Walking around the partially rebuilt streets of the Lower 9th Ward it's hard to picture what the scene was like in the aftermath of the storm.

Sustainable housing designed by Hitoshi Abe. 

Two years after Katrina, Brad Pitt visited the 9th Ward and was saddened to see that no rebuilding was being done. He decided to spearhead a non profit foundation called Make It Right that would build sustainable and affordable housing for the people living there. He enlisted 21 world class architects like Hitoshi Abe, Frank Gehry, Shigeru Ban and Thomas Mayne to design homes that were Leed Certified, Cradle to Cradle inspired and could withstand the next hurricane. Today there are over 100 homes that have been completed and have earned LEED Platinum, the highest level of certification offered by the U.S. Green Building Council. 

Duplex by Bild Architects  

The St. Roch Market is right across from the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood and  within walking distance from the French Quarter. There are over  food vendors to  choose from so that meant we would have to come back if we wanted to try more in which case we did the very next day.

St. Roch food hall.  

Charbroiled oysters

St. Roch had one unusual vendor who wasn't selling anything you could digest but rather something that you would want to keep forever, a poem. Cubs the Poet  will write a poem just for you armed based on a memory you'd like to share. Almost instantaneously he was in a zone typing away a poem just for me. I was so overwhelmed with joy that I'm having that poem framed.

Cubs the Poet wrote me my own poem.  

You can't go to Nola and not sample one of the live jazz clubs that line Frenchmen Street. The Spotted Cat was packed when I walked in and the New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings had just started their first set. They played classics from Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington and Cole Porter. They were so good we stayed on for a second set.

New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings crooning Cole Porter's " Night and Day".

I can't wait to come back next year for another wedding. And what about the wedding I attended? Well, that's another story. 

Can I tell you about ... Provincetown

Quintessential Cape Cod. 

Provincetown is where light, water and art meet. This sea side destination has been a source of inspiration for so many artists who for decades have come to paint the pastoral and seaside scenes.

My room with a view. 

I remember when I first visited over 15 years ago I was struck at how magical the light was at the break of dawn and at dusk. Those images are forever ingrained in my memory. I've always wanted to come back to see the light again.

Cotton candy sunrise.  

But how many times have you fallen in love with a place, swear you'll come back and then years go by.  A few months ago when my best friend, fashion designer Peter Som suggested we join them for the 4th of July weekend I couldn't pass it up. It is the busiest time of the year to go but we lucked out thanks to AirBnB. We found a beach front apartment on the East end of town. The location was perfect because it was a stones throw away from a scrumptious breakfast spot called Yolk and strong coffee at Wired Puppy. 

So quaint. So picturesque.  

Provincetown is famously eccentric and gay friendly. All year long you see gay and lesbian couples holding hands in the streets, bars, restaurants and beaches. Rainbow flags are proudly hung near the American flags at numerous homes, establishments and boats. 

Somewhere over the rainbow.  

Proud sailor. 

Where there are artists there are dealers. There are so many art galleries dotted along Commercial street you can easily spend an afternoon gallery hopping. We heard of a highly recommended group show inspired by Edward Hopper aptly titled , "After Hopper" at the Addison Art Gallery. We braved the weekend traffic and drove out to the town of Orleans to check it out. 

Gorgeous seascape.  

It was well worth the drive to see different artists paint their impressions of Cape Cod.  We stopped by the quaint town of Wellfleet for a juicy lobster roll at Mac's Shack.

Mac's Shack serves the best lobster roll in Wellfleet.  

Should I stay or should I go? Uncle Tim's Bridge in Wellfleet.  

The 4th of July parade was short and sweet. Drag queens, firefighters and a preppy school boys choir all joined in for the fun. The best part was that it was over just in time for brunch.

Ladies, start your engines. 

They should have auditioned for Glee.  

No parade is complete without a few drag queens.  

On the eve of the 4th my friends threw a casual dinner at Captain Jack's Wharf where they were staying. It is in my opinion the best spot to stay in Ptown. These former seamen's cottages are all decorated individually with a shabby chic aesthetic. 

Sunset by the wharf.  

Peter and I have this thing for stripes.  

Sunset cocktails at Captain Jack's Wharf

On our last day I woke up to the most incredible sunrise. Cotton candy pink morphing into violet like a Rothko painting. I just sat there in awe and snapped away trying my best to capture the moment and the light. 

Save the best for last.