Lance Rae is a public relations executive based in Honolulu, but according to his New York friends and colleagues, he’s a New Yorker.
“I spend a good amount of time in New York City. There are people in New York who don’t believe I actually live in Hawaii because they see me there so often,” said Rae, who cuts a natty figure in a porkpie hat, vest, thick-rimmed spectacles and bow tie.
Rae created the nation’s first Pedestrian Safety Month for the state Department of Transportation’s Walk Wise Hawaii program, and when he’s not working on campaigns for clients, traveling to New York or emceeing events around town, he’s a TV buff. His tastes run the gamut and include the youth-oriented fare on The CW (but he asked that we not tell anyone).
With his characteristic wit, Rae describes his style as “Buster Keaton meets Diane Keaton meets Armani. It’s that vintage look without that vintage smell.”
HATS OFF
“My favorite daily hat is a casual, short-brimmed, faded gray cotton porkpie with a tall crown that I purchased from the Roberta Oaks shop on Pauahi Street. It has traveled on my head around the world. I bought two of them, so I have a spare in case the wind decides to send one to its doom on King Street during rush hour.”
ALL EYES ON YOU
“I have really bad astigmatism, so I’ve been wearing dark big-framed glasses since I was 7 years old. I have no choice, my lenses are just too thick, so frequently I get sunglass frames and pop out the dark lenses for my crazy prescription. I have no shame: When they break, I’ll superglue them together or use duct tape. No fashion statement here. However, I do make the most with them when I’m checking people out.”
WARDROBE VIP
“My go-to item most days is a pair of H&M pants in gray, black, brown or white. I buy them like one would buy paper towels. I usually match them with a tailored vest, rolled-up, long-sleeve shirt and, of course, a hat.”
TIE ONE ON
“The most versatile thing in my closet is my tie rack. It holds over 120 ties, bow ties and occasionally the odd putter or tennis racket.”
MOST OUTRAGEOUS PURCHASE
“I have a collection of Armani suits that could easily equal a down payment on a condo, but I don’t consider them outrageous. They are the foundation of my wardrobe. The most outrageous thing I’ve purchased was a red satin suit from Do’s Formal on the corner of King and Smith. I bought it three years ago for a Valentine’s Day event and still haven’t worn it.”
“Island Lookbook” is a weekly feature of the Star-Advertiser Sunday Magazine that spotlights local trendsetters. Email features@staradvertiser.com.