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A taste of Tory Burch

For the next few weeks, fashionistas in Manila can indulge in a double treat of food and fashion as American designer label Tory Burch unveils the latest iteration of the Romy Café at Flour Pot Bistro and Bakery in BGC.

For the first time in the Philippines, guests can admire the Tory Burch line of handbags while enjoying Romy-inspired cupcakes and coffee in Flour Pot's sunny and serene surroundings. The experience takes both food and fashion to another level because the collaboration between designer Tory Burch and chef-baker par excellence Rhea Sycip is a match made in cupcake heaven.

Both Tory Burch and Rhea Sycip are driven by a passion for learning in their respective fields, which now culminates in this delightful juxtaposition of food and fashion. These women have more in common than one might think, as their work reflects both artistry and practicality.

Coleen Garcia-Crawford with her Tory Burch Romy bag

Tory Burch worked for a number of designers, including Zoran, Vera Wang, Polo Ralph Lauren, Loewe, and Harper's Bazaar, before launching her own eponymous brand. It is not difficult to understand how Tory Burch has become a global powerhouse with a following that rivals those of Chanel, Gucci, and Dior. Though the designer comes from an affluent background, practicality carries as much weight as style in American fashion.

The popular Romy bag, for instance, has a roominess that belies its size, along with thoughtful details such as a deep zippered pocket, comfortable wide shoulder straps, and a silhouette that can be cinched to create a smaller opening without sacrificing style. Women can carry the Romy bag from work to the gym and then to an evening event with ease. It is equally suited for trips to the grocery or even as a carry-on for air travel.

Angelina Cruz looks so sweet beside a Romy cupcake station.

Meanwhile, chef Rhea Sycip worked hard to earn good grades in school so she could be rewarded with cooking classes under Heny Sison. She visits her BGC outlet daily while also living in Tagaytay and running restaurants there with her husband, chef Jayjay Sycip. Not surprisingly, she had been a Tory Burch fan long before this collaboration was conceived.

"I have created a limited-time recipe for this limited collaboration," says chef Rhea. "I chose to stay true to Flour Pot's ethos by using local fruits, so I am featuring sampinit, or local wild raspberries, for this Flour Pot x Tory Burch collaboration.”

Denisse Sy poses with her Romy bag against the installation.

She adds: "I am a Tory girl! The Romy bag, with its muted colors, exudes quiet luxury and is the perfect companion to my busy lifestyle. I am more than thrilled to work with the amazing ladies from SSI and Tory Burch. With Flour Pot being the newest bistro and bakery in town, I couldn't be happier to collaborate with a brand that I support and use.

"Flour Pot is an expression of my craft and personality. From the colors to the artwork and the food, it sums up who I am as a brand. I have loved Tory Burch since I was in college because of the way its colors and patterns bring energy and expression to its shoes, scarves, and flowy dresses. I think this is something we have in common. The excellence that goes into each product, their thoughtful design process, and our meticulous dessert execution all reflect the quality and care that go into every item on our shelves."

Tory Burch packaging for the Romy bag inspired cupcakes 

"Our limited collaboration runs for a month," she concludes.

Customers can order the Romy cupcakes at Flour Pot until Sept. 25, and have them packed in charming Tory Burch bag-inspired takeaway packaging. The delicious cappuccino is topped with Tory Burch logo art, and while you're there, don't forget to browse the handbags as well as the other delectable cakes and pastries on display.