We ask New York-based Filipino fashion designer Rafe Totengco, known for his vibrant accessories, our 21 questions.
- When I get dressed in the morning I think…of which printed shirt I’m in the mood for.
- The item of clothing I'm currently wearing most is…a printed piped pajama shirt from Michael Bastian.
- The last thing I Googled was…the myth surrounding Machu Picchu; I love reading about ancient cultures and mythologies.
- If my days had one extra hour I'd…end up working longer.
- I knew I was meant to work in fashion because…when I was in 5th grade I started tweaking the fit and details of my school uniform, much to the chagrin of the school principal.
- The reason I'm so passionate about accessories…is because they have the ability express a woman’s personality and lifestyle all in one.
- When I'm looking to get inspired I…walk out of my apartment. Inspiration is everywhere especially in New York City.
- When I'm stressed I…go for a yoga class.
- My beauty essentials include…sleep and a good moisturizer from Aesop or Tata Harper.
- I'd never travel without…my Muji sketchbook and my Leica camera.
- The best advice I ever got…was if you can make someone happy because of your design then you’re doing something right, and you need to keep doing it!
- When hiring someone the qualities I look for…are poise, eloquence, innate style and talent.
- My fashion pet peeve is…clothes that are too tight, too short and nothing is left to the imagination. I want to be seduced, not assaulted.
- On a typical Saturday night I…chill at home with my partner, enjoy a good dinner and watch an old movie on Netflix.
- The one electronic I couldn't go a day without is…my iPhone.
- If I could have dinner with anyone it would be…Tzu-Hsi, the Empress Dowager of China. She was a very powerful and largely misunderstood woman in history and I loved her ceremonial costumes.
- I'm dying to splurge on…a Safari trip at the Okavango Delta.
- The last book I read was…Answered Prayers: The Unfinished Novel by Truman Capote.
- The song I'm currently listening to most…Get Lucky by Daft Punk.
- I'm happiest when…traveling to somewhere new.
- My guilty pleasure is…Instagram! I’m obsessed!
