The ‘Gracious Lady’ trunk show: Treasures with a priceless cause
Tonette Martel, who has written articles on the arts, travel and social issues in The STAR for over two decades, and was a speechwriter during the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, is a “treasure hunter.” And her “treasures” are wearable.
“These are items I have collected over the years,” says Tonette. “It was always based on my preferences, which tend to be classic and timeless. But within those style choices, I would select lots of fun pieces, too. I think the clothes we wear should be an expression of the different aspects of our personality,” says Tonette.
Tonette, who has so far written two books, Between East and West, published by Anvil Publishing in 2007, and the The Sacred and the Ordinary: Journeys Around Asia, published in 2021 and available on Amazon and Apple Books, says the “thrill” of finding treasures is “always in the hunt.”
“It’s fun to explore the shops of different designers and to see how their creations have evolved through the years. The thrill is always in the hunt,” she says.
Issey Miyake is one of her favorites. “I remember buying a black pleated shirt that I had worn over the years, even through periods when I gained a lot of weight. That shirt always looked good on me somehow. That’s when I knew Miyake would always be a staple and a firm favorite.”
“The idea of choosing classic and fun pieces to wear is something that I hope to pass on to those who will visit our upcoming trunk show. A shopping experience should — and can — be a lot of fun,” says Tonette of the trunk show this weekend, where she is selling part of her vintage collection.
Is it painful to let go of treasures of her heart and hearth?
“Letting go of the things we like or love is part of the cycle of life. It was hard to choose which of the items I would keep or sell. But there will always be room for new finds. That’s why letting go is important so that you can make way for the new. In addition, part of the proceeds of the sale will benefit the Helping Women and Others Foundation, in support of breast cancer awareness, early detection and improved access to treatment,” shares Tonette.
“The Gracious Lady” is Tonette’s own brand.
Jonathan Matti of Vetted 126, a purveyor of exquisite style and taste himself, says, “Tonette has this trunk show once a year. Instead of her things being relegated to the back of the closet, she puts them up for sale, for others to enjoy. Some of the items were only used once or twice and others are still brand new. It’s the first time ‘The Gracious Lady’ is showing at Vetted. We are very excited to showcase her goods, which are creatively curated and thought of. This is the essence of Vetted, it is a venue for one to show one’s creativity not only in the visual arts, dance, music, poetry but also in showcasing one’s ability to put things together in a creative manner. The best part of it, is that there is a charitable angle to the trunk show sale.”
The curated selection of vintage clothing and accessories — from classic to avante-garde — include pieces by iconic designers like Issey Miyake, Missoni, Jil Sander, Aspesi, Rick Owens, Yohji Yamamoto, Jean Paul Gaultier, Max Mara, and Shamask at Bergdorf Goodman. There is also an array of luxurious scarves, from cashmere to silk, by designers such as Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Dries Van Noten, Etro, Amanda Wakeley. You’ll also find exquisite hand-embroidered shawls from India.
There are statement necklaces from Chanel, Marni, Donna Karan, Stephen Dweck for Bergdorf Goodman and handcrafted items from artisans in Thailand and the Himalayas.
Other “treasures” include bags from Chanel, Prada, Lanvin, Celine, Stella McCartney, Selleria by Fendi, Lanvin, Nina Ricci, Renaud Pellegrino and Judith Lieber. Discover unique designs by Lotus of Thailand, Devi Kroell and Simone Camille.
“Pre-loved” nowadays has the added value of sustainability, and using pre-loved, even rented items — as Catherine, the Princess of Wales did to the Earthshot Prize awards in Boston in 2022, when she wore an emerald green gown rented from British brand Solace London — is increasingly in fashion.
Especially if they were pre-loved or selected by a gracious lady who has vetted them for you. *
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