Can I Tell You...about my feature on Asian American Life / CUNY TV

Me and my creations.

There’s a saying that behind every successful woman is a fabulous handbag. Well, if that were true…I would hope that it’s a Rafe bag! And if it isn’t, perhaps after watching this segment from Asian American Life on CUNYT TV you’d be enticed to add one of my handbags to your wardrobe .

Rafe bags on display.

I was delighted to share my story about growing up in a small town in the Philippines and how fashion became a major influence in my childhood.

Explaining the intricate beading on the Tasha small tote to TV host Ernabel Demillo.

Almost every Rafe bag showcases my love for color, craft and detail whether it’s on a sequined clutch, a shell-inlay minaudiere or an embroidered straw clutch.

Ernabel with the Rosie clutch.

Thank you Ernabel Demillo for interviewing me on your show, Chiqui Cartagena for making it happen, Laura Fuchs for taking all the behind the scenes photos and Duane Ferguson for capturing this on film.

Can I Tell You ... about my collaboration with Mestiza New York.

We all know that feeling you have when you meet someone and you just know you’re going to get along. That’s exactly how I felt when I met Alessandra years ago. We have a shared heritage and it’s something we are very proud of. We just get each other.

"I am so thrilled for the opportunity to collaborate with Rafe Totenco, whom I’ve long admired since my early days in New York, when I dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. I first got to meet him back in 2016 at a Christmas party thrown by a mutual friend, and he doesn’t know this but I felt like I was meeting a huge celebrity! Ever since starting Mestiza I always knew I wanted to partner with him in some way, especially since we are both so closely tied to our Filipino heritage and always reference it in our collections. This collaboration has truly been a full circle moment for me, because getting the opportunity to partner with a fellow Filipino designer who paved the way is such an honor." - Alessandra Perez-Rubio

I admire how their clothing continuously reference Alessandra’s Filipino heritage akin to what I do when I design my handbags. Alessandra had approached me last year about doing a collaboration and it was an immediate yes for me. From start to finish, collaborating with them was so harmonious and stress-free. I’m thrilled that the clutches compliment their clothes perfectly.

“This was a match made in heaven, a tropical heaven.” - Rafe Totengco

Can I Tell You...about my Spring / Summer 2024 Collection featured in Vogue Philippines.

ARIEL Shell minaudière.

Rafé Totengco’s Latest Collection Has The Sentiments Of A Sweet Escape

written by Chelsea Sarabia for Vogue Philippines

For his Spring/Summer 2024 collection, bag designer Rafé Totengco presents glistening miniaudières swept over North Fork shores, celebrating femininity, vibrance, sunlight, and the season.

AYA Frame Clutch in apricot raffia crochet.

For a summer away from New York City, it might seem like there’s no better destination than the Hamptons. If it were up to Rafé Totengco, however, he’d tell you that being there would feel as if you hadn’t even left Manhattan. “I mean, it really is a fabulous location,” he says, but “I’m just not there.” On the weekends, the Rafé New York designer would rather be on the peninsula opposite the Hamptons, up in the North Fork. “I swear to you, your trip will feel so different if you just go away for two days. Just come out,” he urges, reenacting the convincing he had to do to get a few of his friends to come and visit. “Just come and see it for what it is, and you’ll see. You’ll come back.”

AYESHA Small Tote Crossbody in beige raffia crochet.

With the locale’s sprawling vineyards, lush gardens, and secluded beaches at every turn, it seems that taking the road less traveled would have you reap the most rewards. “You could kind of call it a bucolic scene or state of mind. I mean, every time I go there for the weekend, as soon as I cross this threshold, immediately, [my] stress level goes like whoosh.”

AYESHA Small Tote Crossbody in multi-color raffia crochet.

Totengco spends every weekend in the North Fork; it’s become something of a necessity for the designer. “Having lived in the city for so long, you need that escape. For me, it’s like, I need that balance,” he tells Vogue Philippines.“I mean, I used to love being in the city every weekend. But now that I’m able to go away, I look for it. I need it.” 

ROSIE Draped Clutch in ivory fine abaca.

He knew it would inspire his next collection as the vases in his home seemed to overflow with the fan shells he would collect on each of his visits. In such an idyllic setting, it was hard not to find beauty everywhere you went, says the designer. “I take my mom and my husband from Thursday night on. It really is our happy place. I kind of wanted to be able to share that happiness—of the location, of the moment, of the feeling.”

ELIZA Shoulder bag in silver with crystal rhinestones.

Totengco is the kind of designer who never stops designing, finding inspiration in just about anything. The collection is largely informed by the details you might ignore in passing: the North Fork’s pebbly beaches, fresh flowers from the local farmer’s market, the frequent bachelorette parties hosted in the vineyards. “You see these girls all dressed up, but [because] it’s so windy and it’s so natural,” he shares. “They’re all dressed, but it’s not, like, super fancy. There’s a casualness to it all.” 

BERNA Half Moon Clutch in fuchsia with an embroidered Bird of Paradise flower.

He approaches his clutches the same way; each piece in the collection is meticulous in its beadwork and craftsmanship, but still conveys something of a sense of ease through its design. “There’s a sequined clutch that I did—[there’s] no way that can be done by machine. When you see it, you see that each sequin is individually stitched into place,” he explains. “And yet, when you look at it [from afar], it’s not a very complicated bag. It’s a frame clutch, done. But it exudes so much femininity and color and vibrance… It catches the light. It reflects sunlight. [This bag] is a way to celebrate light and the season.” 

MEAGAN Minaudière in mint shell inlay.

That same effortlessness is evident in Totengco’s campaign images, starring model Hannah Locsin and photographed by Martin Romero. That shoot day, it would be the three of them in the designer’s car, driving around until they stumbled upon a scenic patch of land fitting for the collection—something not at all difficult to find in the area. “The whole day was just so relaxed,” Totengco recalls. “We shot a lot in one day, but it didn’t seem like it. It felt like we weren’t even rushing. Somehow, there was just this ease into the company.” 

BERNA Half Moon Clutch with a blue and white Chinoiserie embroidered motif.

More than the actual work, Totengco remembers going with Locsin and Romero to buy greens from the farmer’s market and sharing a salad under a comfortable midday sun. The day lacked the frenetic pace that creatives in fashion are so used to, but it didn’t make a difference in the designer’s desired results. “I was so happy when I saw the pictures because they’re exactly what I wanted,” he says. “Her hair’s blown in the wind, and she’s just there in the sun… I don’t know, [they’re] exactly how that day felt.”

BERNA Half Moon Clutch in lime green embroidered with lemons.

In thinking of this collection, Totengco had meditated on his moments of peace spent in nature, wishing the same for the Rafé New York woman “whether it’s just for the weekend, for the evening, [or] even if you’re stuck at home.” Everyone needs solace between all the noise. “I think, more than ever, everyone’s looking for an escape,” he says. “We’re all dreaming of getting away. So even if you can’t go somewhere like the North Fork, I think, just visually, we want to be transported.”

Can I Tell You...about Aya Abesamis.

Aya with her Aya frame clutch at Rockefeller Center.

Can I Tell You…about Aya Abesamis. We started following each other on Instagram last year but we recently finally met in person. I knew of Aya because her parents were fashion models and contemporaries of my sisters back in the Philippines in the 1980s. Her mother Desiree Verdadero was the 3rd runner up for Miss Universe back in 1984. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Aya joined the pageant scene and in 2019 was crowned the title of Binibing Pilipinas Grand International.

She’s been living in New York for almost two years and is represented by the legendary agency Ford Models. Aside from modeling, she also runs her own clothing brand AAYA, freelances for shoe designer Warren Edwards and paints in her free time.

The Aya Frame Clutch was inspired by Aya’s femininity, effervescence and self confidence. It features a covered frame closure with the clasps on the inside so the hardware is hidden from plain site and comes in an array of handworked sequins that will dazzle in the night.

Read our Q & A :

1. What is your idea of happiness?
Happiness is a feeling of enjoyment , positivity and a balance of well being.

2. What is your greatest extravagance?
My greatest extravagance would be fashion and the arts. I just love the creativity and inspiration that fashion and art can give you.

3. What is your current state of mind?
To always believe in myself, and have faith in my abilities. “You can achieve anything you put your mind and hard work to.”

4. Whose style do you most admire?
It’s a mix of role models; the Olsen Twins, Zendaya and Kendall Jenner.

Aya Abesamis wearing the Aya frame clutch during New York Fashion Week.

5. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I feel like I have a lot more to achieve in my life. But so far, I feel like I’m living my dream; to be doing the things I love like modeling, fashion, arts, and a lot more in the city of dreams a.k.a New York City.

6. What is your most treasured possession?
Probably the most treasured possession is a special analog watch that my mother handed down to me which was a gift from my dad. It’s definitely a special keepsake.

7. Who is your favorite writer? Ryan Holiday, Yung Pueblo and Rupi Kaur

8. Which living person do you most admire? My parents.

9. Where is your dream destination?
My dream destinations would be Iceland, Morocco, Switzerland and the anywhere in the Mediterranean.

10. What is your motto?
“Love the humble art”. - Marcus Aurelius. It’s appreciating the little things. The goal in life is to love what you do and to love your craft.

Aya wearing the Aya frame clutch.

Can I Tell You...about my Fall / Winter 2023 Collection.

Madeleine gold diamante’ clutch.

Rafé New York Takes Us To A Dazzling Reimagining Of Studio 54

By Chelsea Sarabia for Vogue Philippines

Rafe Totengco on his Fall / Winter 2023 Campaign and the sweet homecoming of Filipino creatives that went on behind the scenes.

In setting out to design any collection, Rafe Totengco prefers to work off a feeling.

With his brand Rafé New York, the designer has carved out a niche in the clutches and evening bags sect of fashion. He attributes its global acclaim to one sentiment: anyone can carry a Rafé bag. Over an illustrious two-decade-long career, he notes a sizeable shift in the landscape that mirrors this attitude, with trends that transcend any one type of person—so long as it fits their tastes.

Lila Top Handle in ruby satin embellished with rhinestones.

“With social media, we’ve become a very small world. Everyone sees everything instantaneously, and they also see what other people are wearing,” he says. “Ultimately, that’s also what I love about handbags: it’s a very democratic piece of fashion. You can be young, you can be old. It’s not size-specific, it’s not age-specific.” 

Aya Zebra sequined clutch.

For his Fall/Winter 2023 collection, Totengco doesn’t design with a particular muse in mind but a mood; he paints a picture of a radiant hour in a bar in Bushwick, tapping into the sparkling glamour and the freeing sense of style of eras past. 

The designer expands, “I’m hoping that with one of these bags from the next season, [wearers] get a sense of confidence, independence, and strength, and a kind of boldness [that says] ‘I want to stand out from the crowd. I don’t want to be like everybody else. I’m going to walk in and turn heads. Yes, I’m going to own the space.’”

Raya embellished with pearls.

Inspired by Studio 54 and Helmut Newton’s photographs of the Yves Saint Laurent Le Smoking suit, Totengco wanted to shoot in a location that captured the vibrancy of New York City at night. It seemed nearly impossible to find within the city’s cluster of crowded streets and the time demanded of shooting a full-blown campaign; that was, until his team found the perfect spot: a Brooklyn bar with the makings of what could have been a stylish speakeasy from the 1920s. 

Aya platinum sequined clutch.

“The bar provided us with so many vignettes that I was super happy with because it kind of gave you the feeling that ‘She’s inside…somewhere,’” he muses. “You don’t necessarily see her friends, but it doesn’t matter. It’s almost like she’s there [just arriving]. There’s this anticipation of, like, ‘Something fun is about to happen.’ And you can just imagine the rest.” 

Styled in Marcel waves and ‘70s-reminiscent jumpsuits, Rafé’s femme fatale lounges over black leather booths, carrying an array of evening bags in malleable rhinestone mesh and sequins that spill over her fingertips.

Sarita diamante’ flap clutch in magenta.

“We have [them in] magenta, gold, and silver—you know, classic rhinestone colors, [and they’re] all individually done by hand in India,” he says of the collection. “They’re fun evening bags, party bags. When you see them, they evoke that sense of frivolity and ‘Ooh, look at this sparkly thing!’ I always believe a little sparkle never hurt anybody.”

For his campaign, Totengco worked with New York City-based Filipino creatives whom he shares he met through serendipitous encounters. In New York City, it seems, most Filipinos are distanced by only “two degrees of separation.”

Rafe behind the scenes.

He met photographer Selwyn Tungol after he had taken a picture of one of his bags during a Fashion Week years ago and the multi-disciplinary creative Lorenz Namalata at the recent opening of the Silverlens Galleries in Manhattan. Following what the designer calls a “trail of connectivity,” he finds that the bar Namalata scouted for him was Filipino co-owned, too. 

Behind the scenes from the shoot, Rafe taking videos.

“It was just funny. We had a whole crew of other people who were assisting who all came from Manila, all based here now, and it just became this thing. All of a sudden, we were talking in Tagalog in Sleepwalk, a bar in Bushwick, and we were like, oh my God, wait, where are we? What are we doing?” he laughs. “It’s also, in a way, representative of New York now. It really is a melting pot, and I love that—that a new generation of creatives is coming up.”

For Totengco, a predominantly Filipino crew was a refreshing departure from where he first started in the industry. He says, “It was kind of this moment of solidarity where it was like, ‘Well, I didn’t have this before.’ Without even realizing it, it’s happening, and, really, it’s a nice feeling. You feel at home. You feel like you’re a part of something.”

Rafe Totengco and the photo crew at Sleepwalk in Bushwick, Brooklyn.

Can I Tell You... Rocio Tambunting.

I met Rocio last year through her mother Claudia, who I’ve known since my Manila days. She’s a senior at Barnard College majoring in Film Studies and pursuing a minor in political science. She lives in New York (with the most adorable dog ever) with her brother, actor and performer Nacho Tambunting. Alongside her studies, she works as a marketing intern at jewelry designer Joomi Lim.

I was immediately drawn to Rocio’s effervescent personality and her sense of style; playful, colorful and exuberant. She’s loves vintage shopping and isn’t afraid to do her twist on a classic. When I was designing the next collection I thought of the kind of bag that she might love.

The ROCIO flap clutch is constructed from dyed Lupiz straw with a shell inlay ornament on the flap. It also features an adjustable chain shoulder strap with a grosgrain running through the links. You can wear it short and long across your body depending on your mood and look.

Read our Q & A :

1. What is your idea of happiness?

My idea of happiness is being tan in a cute bikini, basking in the sun with my dog, swaying to good house music, and the enjoying the fantastic company of my closest friends and family.

2. What is your greatest extravagance?

My greatest extravagance is probably my dog, Mowgli. Rescued from Malibay in Pasay, he was adopted by my family malnourished and suffering from life threatening kidney and liver diseases. Since then, with lots of TLC, Mowgli has doubled in weight and has been certified as a service animal. Hence, he has been able to accompany me to college in New York. Though I take care of him every day, he too takes care of me! Mowgli grounds me: he shows me everyday that if I can take care of him, I can also take care of myself.

3. What is your current state of mind?

Presently, I am focused on not finding myself, but rather listening to myself. Recently, I have decided to stop repressing and bottling up my emotions. Instead, I challenge myself to feel every feeling, identify it, and discuss it with close confidants: by doing so, I find it easier to let things pass and accept them for what they are. Since, I have found a renewed understanding of the world as I experience it.

4. Whose style do you most admire?

Today, trends are accelerated by the temper and tempo of Tiktok: fast fashion and overconsumption have become the norm. However, some Tiktokers like Clara of @TinyJewishGirl and Mandy Lee of @OldLoserinBrooklyn (on Tiktok). Like me, they champion personal style and take risks that are aligned with their taste: they dress for themselves.

Aesthetically, I find myself inspired by characters rather than people. My fictional style icons include: Fran Drescher (from the Nanny), Holly Golightly (of Breakfast at Tiffany's), Fancy Nancy, Phoebe (from Friends), and Lola (from Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen).

5. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Life during the pandemic was mundane: for a while, I was uninspired and discouraged. Looking for a new creative outlet, I took to repairing old pieces of jewelry then began beading my own pieces. Suddenly, my life was saturated and charged again: I wanted to make something of my own. Slowly, I carved an online presence and developed a bidding system for one of a kind pieces. Eventually, I launched a website and designed a ready to wear collection. Rare by Rocio is one of my life's greatest achievements and I can't wait to see how this part of me blossoms.

6. What is your most treasured possession?

My most treasured possession is my "charm necklace." Over my entire life, I have been gifted a variety of pendants for various life experiences: for graduations, birthdays, awards, etc. Rather than wearing them separately on different necklaces, my maximalist instinct told me to put them all together on one chain. Today, when I wear the necklace, the amalgamation of the charms makes me smile: it's a reminder of who I was, who I am, and who I will be.

7. Who is your favorite writer?

My favorite writer is Laura Mulvey- though she isn't a fictional writer with a large body of novella- she is one of the most, if not the most, important feminist film theorist. Her seminal work, "Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema," made me (and the entire film world) cognizant of the ways in which female bodies facilitate spectacle on screen. She was the first to coin the term, "the male gaze."

8. Which living person do you most admire?

I most admire my Lulubel, Isabel Caro Wilson. Since I was young, I always had a special connection to her: she taught me how to wear red lipstick, would always read Eloise to me, and molded me into an empowered woman, one who isn't afraid to take up space. From her, I have inherited more than just a few adorable shoes (we have the same size); I have inherited a spirit of independence.

9. Where is your dream destination?

I wouldn't really say I have a dream destination; I can't really imagine myself fixating on one place. However, a dream of mine has always been to travel through the entire Philippines: to see all the provinces, experience all of the rich sub-cultures and dialects, and taste the native flavors of each faction of my culture. I've always felt a responsibility to educate myself on Filipino culture, especially because I am of mixed background and am not fluent in Tagalog. The colonial mentality seems to have infiltrated and eroded my connection to my Filipino heritage: I'd like to undo that.

10. What is your motto?

My Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Professor Paula Franzese once said: "The next time someone tells you that you wear your heart on your sleeve- take it as a compliment." This new digital age has bred a culture of detachment- a generation focused on being cool. In reality, vulnerability is your superpower; it fosters connections; it breeds empathy and it could create a world where we feel empowered to be present and kind- rather than out-of-touch and indifferent.

If you love the clutch as much as Rocio does, be sure to check the other colors by tapping on the link below.

Can I Tell You...about Kaya Magee.

There are some people who light up a room as soon as soon as they enter. And that’s exactly how I met Kaya Magee. I was visiting a friend for the weekend in Upstate New York. She had just started Momo Global Flowers and brought the loveliest floral arrangements for dinner. Over the course of the evening, she told us all about her daunting project of growing flowers in a biodynamic way in her21 acre farm in Catskill, NY. She was filled with enthusiasm and optimism.

We also realized that we had a a friend in common who was her colleague when she was working for the legendary Yohji Yamamoto. Such a small world, really.

I designed the Kaya woven tote inspired by Kaya’s energy, and her easygoing attitude. Something handcrafted in an easy silhouette that she could wear with almost everything.

Read our Q & A :

1. What is your idea of happiness?

To appreciate every day of my life and notice the small things in life.

2. What is your greatest extravagance?

During pandemic I purchased a house with 20 acres of land in Upstate NY and starting a biodynamic flower farm.

3. What is your current state of mind?

Happy, peaceful and breathing.

4. Whose style do you most admire?

I do not have particularly person to admire, but I studied fashion stylist in Tokyo and worked for Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto so I am always looking for the current fashion and I usually twist the style in my way.

5. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

To have lived and worked in Tokyo, Paris, and New York.

6. What is your most treasured possession?

My heath, family, friends, my son Luca and our recently adopted Bichon Frise’ mix Tobi.

7. Who is your favorite writer?

The Japanese Buddhist nun Harumi Setouchi (Jakucho Setouchi). She just passed away in 2021 at the age of 99 years old.

8. Which living person do you most admire?

My mother in Yokohama, Japan and my ex- mother-in-law in Melbourne, Australia who is 104 years old.

They have both taught me a lot of life lessons.

9. Where is your dream destination?

The West Coast of France, Biarritz, the South Coast Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, and the island of Corsica.

10. What is your motto?

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop and keep going and trying. Positive thinking and believing what you want to do. The universal energy will bring you everything TOGETHER.

Kaya wearing the Kaya Tote in Wine.

The Kaya woven tote is constructed from handwoven leather that emulates the look of a straw basket. It comes with a detachable woven leather strap and has a fully lined interior with a magnetic snap closure and inside pockets. Aside from the wine color that Kaya is wearing, it also comes in black and stucco.

Can I tell you...about Sue Laguna Whang

Sue with her Sue hobo.

Sue Laguna Whang and I met in the mid-90s during a model casting call. I was working for a clothing company and was put in charge of casting models for our catalog shoots and runway shows. We hit it off immediately and worked together during my tenure there. When I launched my own company and needed a model she did it gratis without hesitation. Over the years, we have kept in touch and she remains one of my dearest friends. Recently, Sue embarked on a new career in body building and after months of rigorous training, competed and won 3 first places at the Johnny Stewart Limitless championship. This doesn’t surprise me at all. She was always a go getter and pursued her passions.

The Sue hobo is inspired by Sue’s relaxed demeanor, her casual lifestyle and her love for craftsmanship. The bag features handwoven panels, a knotted shoulder strap and zip top closure to keep all your personal belongings safe. It’s soft and slouchy and comes in camel or black leather.

Read our Q & A :

1. What is your idea of happiness?

Being surrounded by calmness and having a front row seat to a spectacular sunrise or sunset.

2. What is your greatest extravagance?

My health. I spend a ton of time, money, and energy on it because it’s the most important thing we have.

3. What is your current state of mind?
Excited. I have so many goals I’m focused on and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for me and the other people involved with them!

4. Whose style do you most admire?
Diane Keaton and Carolina Herrera. I love how they are classic, yet individualistic and sharp. However, I personally get stuck somewhere between dressing like a teenager and an old-school Milanese woman. Cashmere sweaters, Tods loafers, scarf, ripped jeans.

5. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Finding the proper medical team for my eldest brother when he had a brain tumor. He was misdiagnosed as just having migraines for years. Once we finally found out what was causing them, I was able to get him placed with a world renowned team at UCLA. They saved his life!

6. What is your most treasured possession?
No playing favorites! There are a few things I absolutely cherish and they are all in relation to my family. Royal tea sets from my grandmother, jewelry from my mom, Christmas ornaments from my kids.

7. Who is your favorite writer?
I don’t have one. I love reading on planes and then gifting the books to the flight attendants when I’m done. They are always receptive to new books! I’ll chose something at the airport depending on my mood and the selection.

8. Which living person do you most admire?

Anyone who isn’t afraid to carve their own path. People who are unafraid to take risks, shake things up, and make use of every moment of their lives chasing goals and experiences.

9. Where is your dream destination?

I love temperate places where mountains meet water. I want to climb the mountain and be calmed by the views of the water, and swim in the water excited at the views of the mountains.

10. What is your motto?

You gotta get ugly to get pretty. It’s true in every facet of life.

And, more recently I’ve added a second one: Stop saying no to things you should say yes to. I can credit that as fuel for all my current life goals!

The Sue hobo also comes in two colors; camel and black.