After Glow

Rocio Tambunting has a different take on the idea of risk. It's one that celebrates creativity and individuality, and sees new things as a welcome challenge

- MARIAN SAN PEDRO

Fresh out of Barnard College and into the seemingly daunting “adult world,” Rocio Tambunting describes her current life to be in a flux. Despite what lies ahead, she makes it a conscious choice to be kind to herself by allotting time for creative pursuits, reflection, and self-care. “Embracing change has been an overarching theme during this transitional period,” Tambunting says.

The biggest risk the young creative took was managing her own jewelry brand, Rare by Rocio. With every design, she asks herself: Will people like it? Does it feel authentic to the brand? Considering trends while developing a distinctive and innovative aesthetic has always been a welcome challenge for her.

“I’ve learned through Rare that attaching your name to a brand adds unique pressures, but consistently reminds you that your vision is at the heart of it all,” Tambunting shares. “Trusting your taste and trying your best is what matters most.”

CAN YOU TELL US THE EXACT MOMENT YOU FIRST FELL IN LOVE WITH FASHION? WHO ARE YOUR STYLE INSPIRATIONS, AND HOW DID THEY INFLUENCE YOU?

I fell in love with fashion through the big screen—the two art forms are gloriously intertwined. I remember watching Uptown Girls (2003) and seeing Brittany Murphy in a stunning sequined Blumarine gown and dreaming of being that eccentric, 20-something girl thriving in New York. From then on, other kitschy-maximalist icons have molded my sense of style: looks from celebrities like Cher, children’s book greats like Fancy Nancy, and Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire have all been pinned on my mood boards.

DID YOUR STYLE CHANGE DRASTICALLY OVER THE YEARS? HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR OWN STYLE NOW?