MY LAST trip to New York City was probably the most memorable, what with watching the US Open twice and seeing my hero, Roger Federer, play. So I have crossed that off my bucket list.
Other notches in my memory bank include Tony and Gail Alvarez’s 50th wedding anniversary; Asia Society’s Gold Collection Gala; Josie Natori’s S/S 2016 collection; staying at the Baccarat Hotel, one of the most beautiful hotels ever; catching the second to the last day of “China: Through the Looking Glass” exhibit at the Met; dining at Ralph Lauren’s hip and very waspy Polo Bar and seeing another hero up close, photographer Bruce Weber; catching up with friends and just walking. (More of that in the next article.)
I was also able to attend the Jay Yao/Celestina exhibit entitled “Memory Stains,” held at a gallery in Tribeca. Jay, who started pursuing photography in 1997 and is an alumnus of the Hampshire College, Parsons and Columbia, collaborated with international luxury goods label Celestina to produce works of art as well as a limited-edition Celestina leather bags.
In attendance were Butch and Ollie Campos, Doris Ho, Camille Samson, Malou Fores, Jaime and Lizzie Zobel, financial guru Suze Orman with partner Kathy Travis, and New York-based stellar Filipino women Loida Nicolas Lewis, Josie Natori, Gail Alvarez and Lily O’ Boyle.