Woman of Style: Kaye Tinga, the bargain hunter

MANILA, Philippines - Kaye Tinga’s claim to fame is providing former President Cory Aquino with some advice — of a fashionable nature. “We were in China,” Kaye says, “and Cory asked me, ‘Is it OK if I wear my walking shoes?’” At the time, the group was en route to meet a government official. “I told her to wear her pumps first, since we had a photo op, and then just switch to more comfortable shoes after.” Kaye laughs. “The former President asked for my fashion advice. Not many people get to say that.”

Kaye, who is married to Taguig Mayor Freddie Tinga, is not new to the civil service arena, having chaired numerous social projects under the aegis of her husband’s political reign. The former banker (she was a Citibank employee while she and her spouse lived in Hong Kong as expats), who has an economics degree from UP and an MBA from Fordham under her belt, is currently forming a cooperative for one of her biggest undertakings: the Water Hyacinth Project. Kaye began encouraging local fishermen to harvest the water lilies clogging the Taguig River last year when Cynthia Villar, who spearheaded a similar project in Las Piñas, suggested the idea. Today, local craftsmen from manufacturing companies with a lower export quota (thanks to the recession, no doubt) have taken up the program, creating home furnishing products made from the congestion-causing greenery of the river. “Now that there’s a fiscal incentive, more people are participating in the project,” Kaye explains.

Her home is littered with the products, which resemble a light, leaf version of wicker. Currently being sold at bazaars and trade expos, Kaye makes sure that the Taguig-made products are up to par with other export merch.

Thanks to her background in shopping (she considers it an Olympic sport), this down-to-earth mom of four has amassed a covetable number of investment pieces, including lots of Lanvin (from last season’s blousy pieces to a bejeweled cuff), designer footwear and gemstone-studded minaudieres.

But that doesn’t mean she spends most of her event-packed days waving to the crowds in her designer duds. “ If I could wear jeans all the time, I would,” says the self-confessed shopaholic. Though she shops at Market! Market! for accessories, and Zara for clothes for the whole family, those jeans she mentioned, as is often the case, are of the immaculately tailored, designer variety in a discreetly dark wash. Her closet is filled with Celestina clutches, Pepito Albert pieces and pretty purses covered in all the right logos.

No neophyte when it comes to shopping, she once held three jobs to pay off her credit card during shopping jaunts in between classes at Fordham.

“Things were so much cheaper then,” she says wistfully of the late ’80s and early ’90s. “You know, a Fendi tote used to cost $200.” A quick check on Netaporter.com reveals that a large Fendi tote now costs approximately $1,692 (give or take a few dollars based on the exchange rate).

“Louboutins were $300; now they go for $700-800,” she says with a shake of her head. “Now (retailers) have to put it on sale because of the recession. Na-karma na rin sila.”

Despite her acknowledgement of the absurdity of designer prices, she can’t resist the siren call of her beloved labels. “Shoes are my poison,” she says. “I can’t help it. They look so good.” One look at her stash of YSL and Louboutin and you can’t help but agree. 

I know you have plenty of philanthropic projects under your belt. Exactly what kind of social work are you involved in?

Mostly programs that benefit children and women. Namely early education programs, particularly daycare centers, nutrition programs like supplemental feeding and classes for mothers, and livelihood training and microfinancing for the women of Taguig.

You spearheaded the Water Hyacinth Project. What advice do you give women who wish to be involved in similar endeavors?

It is important to find a project that you are passionate about. In this case, I am a strong believer in the importance of protecting our environment for future generations and protecting the rights of women through financial independence.  

With four children to raise, how do you involve them in philanthropy?

Raising four children is truly a challenge, especially in these times. I am quite busy with my projects and I involve them as much as I can. They participate in a lot of our activities, especially the older ones. Kyle, our 14-year-old, is active in our anti-drug campaign for the youth through music, while our 11-year-old, Kerry, organized the Tree Huggers Club, which encourages students not just to plant trees but also to “adopt” them.

With your husband already putting in eight years as mayor of Taguig, do you have any plans of entering politics? What does the future hold for you?

After my mother-in-law, Marichu Tinga, who was a tireless advocate of education and livelihood programs, passed away, I continued many of her projects. When my husband became mayor of the city, I became even more active in these pursuits. In the course of the last 15 years, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to reach out to so many people in Taguig in so many different ways. It has been truly challenging. I intend to continue doing so whether my husband is in office or not. For me, it’s about service to the community; whether I enter politics or not is secondary.

Your closet is filled with a great selection of pieces, Lanvin, in particular. What drew you to the label?

I like to keep things simple, especially in my choice of clothing. What’s important to me is that they’re well cut and flattering. I am particularly drawn to designers like Alber Elbaz and, locally, Dennis Lustico and Cary Santiago, who make beautiful clothing that draws attention to the wearer, not the clothes, the way good clothing should.

Some people consider shopping to be a sport. Are you a good negotiator? What was the best bargain you ever got?

Shopping should be an Olympic event. Finding the best bargains is one of my favorite activities. Especially with online shopping, it is so easy to compare prices from all over the world. I love shoes and there are so many sites that sell designer shoes for as much as 40-70 percent off retail prices, particularly now — it’s a buyer’s market. I also have friends who work in stores in the US who give me advance information about sales, and let me use their employee discount for my purchases. I get really good bargains this way.

What was your first major purchase?

When I studied in the US, it was my first time to live on my own, so I shopped on my parents’ account. They quickly put an end to this. To finance my shopping habit, I worked three jobs at one point. I just had to have this Fendi tote bag that I fell in love with. I had a full class schedule, plus housework, laundry and my three jobs. I had no spare time, but it was well worth it when I stepped into the Fendi store on Fifth Avenue and brought home my tote. It’s a symbol of how you can get anything you want if you really put your heart into it.

Do you dress differently as a politician’s spouse compared to your previous title as banker?

My style has evolved over the years more as a function of age than anything else. I dress more conservatively, and it is really important to be age-appropriate. 

Is there someone in politics whose style you admire?

Definitely Michelle Obama. Finally, a first lady who is not afraid to be fashionable. At the same time it’s more than just about fashion. She is a strong, intelligent woman and her style reflects this. She works on a lot of important programs and community projects, and she looks great doing these things.

Whose closet would you most like to raid?

Among Hollywood actresses, it would be Demi Moore. She’s close to my age so that’s a plus. And more importantly she always looks stunning. She mixes high-low stuff, and dresses her age, and it doesn’t hurt to have Ashton Kutcher as an accessory either.

What’s your most treasured accessory?

A pair of diamond earrings that my parents gifted me when I got married. I wore them to my wedding and I hope my daughters will wear them to theirs.

Best sartorial advice from your parents?

My mom is my fashion icon and the one thing she always says is “Don’t follow trends, wear what looks good on you.” And, of course, “High heels make all women look good.”

One thing you wear every day?

My wedding ring, I’m never alone when I wear it.

What would you never be caught dead in?

Crocs, ’nuff said.

What item in your closet do you cherish the most?

A terno by Dennis Lustico. I first wore it to a fashion show many years ago. He altered it a bit for me recently to wear for a photo shoot. It was my very first terno, and every time I wear it, I am reminded that we Filipinas are indeed in a class of our own.

Which item from your closet would you like your kids to inherit?

My clutches. I’ve been collecting them for many years. They’re not really worth a lot, finance-wise, but they’re like a mini history book of the places I’ve lived in and visited in my life.