Kate Torralba: Life after fashion

MANILA, Philippines - Usually in life, you know you’re about to do something right when your parents try to discourage you. For instance, when Kate Torralba, who reached her 11th year in the fashion industry this year, told her parents recently that she wanted to pursue a full-time music career, they said, “Oh, but you’re too old to be pursuing this.” Actually, her mom’s specific words were: “You’re no longer an ingénue. Are you sure you want to do this?” However, Kate clarifies, “She’s just being a mom.” After all, it’s difficult to imagine yourself, in her mom’s shoes, and not say the same thing. “But I’m like, when else am I going to do this? This is really what I love doing. It’s like, when I start playing, everything makes sense,” she stresses.

If you’ve been wondering why you haven’t seen much of Kate’s designs lately, it’s because she took a sabbatical from fashion in the last two years to focus on her upcoming EP, “Long Overdue,” which is set for release on Sept. 28 under MCA Music, Inc. The grueling recording process began in September 2008. She started out recording and producing the songs in Manila, working with hometown rock stars like Jazz Nicolas of the Itchyworms, Diego Mapa of Pedicab and Mikey Amistoso of Ciudad. The legendary DJ Brian Cua helped her mix some of her songs and Malek Lopez of Drip, who is now based in Singapore, worked as her main producer. However, her constant touring and traveling over the last three years afforded opportunities to collaborate with other artists. In LA, she met Todd Hunter, who plays keyboards for Dionne Warwick, and also ended up becoming her producer. “I have perfomed a few times with the Dionne Warwick band and Miss Dionne herself has enjoyed one of my gigs and is very supportive,” Kate shares.

Then she met Ken Stringfellow of The Posies, who was also a sessionist for R.E.M. for seven years, who offered to mix some of her songs. Some of the songs were also mixed in Paris, and then finally, in 2012, the album was mastered in LA by the Grammy award-winning sound engineer, Husky Höskulds, who has worked with the likes of Nora Jones, Sheryl Crow and Solomon Burke. Just last year, she finished the Long Overdue Little European Tour, where she promoted the album in Paris, Berlin and in the U.K., in addition to playing gigs in West Hollywood and in Singapore.

“I’ve been accomplishing a lot more musically abroad than I have here,” she admits. “Out there, I’m more of a musician.” Still, despite the positive response her music has received overseas, there’s nothing like being appreciated in her home country, which is why Kate decided to launch the album here instead of in Paris, where she has cultivated a small audience. “I guess the public consciousness about what I do is really still rooted in fashion, so that’s the challenge,” she says. “I guess I’ll always be a designer, but I would like to be taken seriously as a singer/songwriter.”

A few of Kate’s favorite things

YSTYLE: What are your top five favorite records?

KATE TORRALBA: Joni Mitchell's “Blue” album, Sigur Ros' “Takk,” Fleetwood Mac's “Rumours” album, the Magnolia movie soundtrack and Thomas Dybdahl's “Songs.”

Most memorable gig?

I would say it's hard to beat playing the Troubadour in L.A., but my recent Long Overdue Little European Tour was pretty special. It was a real adventure for this little trooper: I played two shows in Paris, two shows in Berlin and one in the U.K.

The main inspiration/s behind your album?

My ridiculous dating life, mostly! (Laughs) Everyday observations, other people's experiences, but all based on reality. The songs are just random snapshots of the four years it took to finish the record.

Who taught you how to dress?

The ladies in the family, definitely. I'm a fourth-generation fashion lover: my great-grandmother was a seamstress, my grandma designed clothes in the ‘00s and ‘70s, and my mom is a fashion-crazed attorney.

Where do you shop?

In the kids department still! I'm a fan of Tarte Tatin and Zara kids. And I try to visit vintage shops and flea markets whenever I'm traveling for work or gigs.

What’s the last thing you purchased?

This full-length mirror that's actually a beautifully organized jewelry cabinet from one of my followers on Instagram, @fingerfabulous! Every accessory collector should get one!

Favorite wardrobe piece you keep turning to?

Teeny-tiny shorts. I have them in every color. When you're this small you need to lengthen your silhouette as much as you can!

Favorite city?

Besides Manic Manila, where I live? I will always love Paris but London admittedly is the new object of my affection.

Favorite drink?

I hardly drink but those sneaky Brits got me into Pimm's O'Clock!

Favorite labels?

Obviously the labels that influence my work: Prada, Miu Miu, Missoni, Pucci, Moschino, and of late, my heart has been stopping over Ostwald Helgason and Spanish brand Delpozo.

Favorite gallery?

Pinto Gallery, Finale Art File, Saatchi Gallery, Gagosian Gallery. And I miss the former Dept. of Avant-Garde Cliches!

Favorite Sunday afternoon haunt?

My apartment! Moving around so much turns you into a real homebody, believe it or not!

Favorite vacation destination?

Ugh, hate playing favorites! I love going to places that have thriving art, music and design scenes, like Berlin, Tokyo, Paris, NYC and London. Locally, I enjoy the four B's: Baguio, Batanes, Bohol and Boracay (still! Sorry!), but I do love going home to Cebu the most.