Can I Tell You...Gold is a neutral.

Fernanda handwoven frame clutch in gold.

Can I tell you…gold bags are a great choice for summer as they complement a wide range of colors. Whether your’e wearing bright, white or neutrals, a gold bag adds a touch of elegance and sophistication without being overpowering. The Fernanda frame clutch can elevate a simple outfit and give it that extra oomph. The bag is handwoven in strips of platinum, rose gold and gold leather then finished with a structured covered frame. It also comes with a braided leather shoulder strap so you can wear it as a crossbody bag.

Fernanda woven frame clutch in gold.

Gold is a neutral but neutral doesn't have to mean boring. Consider the Annick crossbody in handwoven gold leather. You can easily wear this bag from day to night and it allows you to be hands free.

Annick crossbody bucket bag.

Whether you're attending a wedding, a formal event, a date night, or just going out with friends, the Annick is versatile for a range of occasions.

Can I Tell You...about Clair Concepcion-Barberis.

Clair wearing her namesake bag, the #ClairSlingCrossbody. Photo : Iñigo Arce (@iac.arce)

Can I Tell You…I have known Clair Concepcion-Barberis since the late 80s when I started my fashion brand in Manila. She and her best friends were rebellious teenagers who dared to defy the rules of their strict Catholic school to model for me. We had so much fun going against the status quo in those days. We kept in touch after I moved to New York and whenever I was in Manila, I would always make time to see her and the gang for a proper catch-up.

About twenty years ago, Clair and her husband purchased an island in Palawan as a private family retreat. Slowly over time they built a few more cottages to accommodate more people and eventually due to popular demand opened it up as a boutique resort called Bamboo Private Islands, available to rent for the entire family or a group of friends. The next time I’m back in the Philippines, it’s definitely going to be on top of the list of places to go for a long weekend.

But Clair isn’t one to sit still. She had been dabbling in creative projects over the years and finally decided to launch a design workshop called Artifeks. The goal is to partner creative individuals with artisans who can realize their designs using local materials. Case in point, if you want a chic umbrella similar to the one Clair is holding in the photo, they can make it for you.

On a recent trip to New York, Clair had expressed her desire for a bag that she could wear with everything and wear anywhere, a bag that could dress up even her most casual looks. The #ClairSlingCrossbody I designed with her in mind is crafted from handwoven leather in a super neutral color I call stucco. It’s a grab and go kind of bag that compliments Clair’s easy breezy style.

And judging from these photos, it looks like she loves the bag. It’s so her!

Photo : Iñigo Arce (@iac.arce)

Read our Q & A below :

1.    What is your idea of happiness? That moment or time of deep, real connection.

2.    What is your greatest extravagance? Travel is priceless.

3.    What is your current state of mind? Thunderous!

4.    Whose style do you most admire? Carmen Dell'Orefice and Isabella Rossellini.

5.    What do you consider your greatest achievement? I wouldn't go so far as calling it my greatest achievement (yet!) but certainly an achievement. Starting Artifeks, a design and manufacturing business at an age when one typically slows down. 

6.    What is your most treasured possession? Printed photographs of family and friends.

7.    Who is your favorite writer? Too many!

8.    Which living person do you most admire? I admire a few people, many of them are friends. Each one possesses a particular quality I am inspired by which I try to consciously apply in my life. 

9.    Where is your dream destination? Bhutan and Machu Picchu.

10. What is your motto? Amor Fati.

Clair working on a new project at Artifeks. Photo : Iñigo Arce (@iac.arce)

Can I Tell You...add some Pops of Color This Season!

Rocio Flap Clutch in fuchsia.

Can I tell you…do you want an instant mood booster this season? Add a colorful bag to your wardrobe this spring. It’s a fun and stylish way to express your personality and add some excitement to your looks. Spring is a season associated with renewal and rejuvenation, and incorporating bright, cheerful colors into your wardrobe can help you embrace that energy and positivity.

Joanna clutch in emerald green.

Wearing colors that you feel confident in, and love, can boost your self-confidence, lift your mood and have a positive effect on those around you.

Lila Top Handle bag in lilac.

It’s always best to choose versatile accessories that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Whether you're heading to a wedding or a casual brunch with friends, a colorful Rafe bag can add a touch of chicness and sophistication to your outfit. And who doesn’t want a little bit of both?

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.

Can I Tell You...Say Hello to Summer.

Nothing says summer like blue and white. It’s such a classic combination that always looks fresh on everyone. I love it in everything from small ditsy prints, stripes, ombre’d to patch-worked denim. Now would be a good time to start switching out your wardrobe; store those chunky knits and cozy sweats and replace them with lightweight and easy pieces. Here’s a few items s that I’ve chosen from my collection and from other designers.

If you like any of the Rafe bags from this edit or any other style from the Spring-Summer collection, use the code : LONGWEEKEND and get 25% off.

Offer only valid for US residents and good until June 15, 2021.

Can I Tell You...Seashells have always inspired me.

“Seashells are love letters in the sand” - Anonymous

I have been obsessed with seashells ever since I can remember. Growing up in the tropics my family would go on weekend excursions by the seaside where we would eat grilled fish and play in the water all day, picking up shells and taking them home. To this day, if I’m on a beach I cannot resist picking up a few seashells.

Naturally, this obsession has found its way into my own collection from the shell embellishments on the Vianca bucket totes to the silhouettes of the Katie clutches and Venus minaudieres. Here are are some my designs and a few other objects inspired by treasures from the sea.

If you love the bags I selected or any other style from our Spring-Summer collection we are offering a 20% reduction for our loyal subscribers. Use code: RAFELOVES at checkout! ( Good for the month of May and valid for US residents only ). Shop the Rafe site or click the button below.

Can I tell you...about Jussara Lee.

Jussara Lee and I first crossed paths in New York in the late 90s. I collaborated with her to design bags for her runway show during New York Fashion Week. That was a really fun experience especially for a newcomer in the industry. Almost every look came out with a bag which was unheard of in those days. Ever since then we have stayed in touch throughout the years. Whenever we could, we would grab a bite or a coffee just to catch up. Our conversations were always heart to heart, full of love, honesty and laughter.

About 10 years ago Jussara started transforming used clothes into new clothes. She learned that In the US alone, the average consumer wears only 20% of what is in their closet. According to her clients and friends, the remaining 80% mostly ends up hidden away in the back of their closets or are donated. That motivated her to start a mending program called the Hand Me Up collection.

When I started designing this season I had the opportunity to do some up-cycled bags and I immediately thought of Jussara. This was something I knew she would love. The #jussaratoteandmask set is a combination of patchwork fabrics collected from factory overruns then hand-embroidered in naive motifs using the Japanese Sachiko technique. Each piece is worked on individually by different women; making every bag a one of a kind.

Read our Q&A and get to know Jussara:

1.    What is your idea of happiness?

Picking cherry tomatoes from my kitchen garden on a cool afternoon. One for me, two in the basket...

2.    What is your greatest extravagance?

Not to have a regular job

3.    What is your current state of mind?

 Sounds cliche but I really mean it: I feel blessed for being healthy

4.    Whose style do you most admire?

Mine.

5.    What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Growing up eating meat, I never thought I could become vegetarian let alone vegan. Except once a year when I indulge and eat churrasco, Brazilian barbecue :).

6.    What is your most treasured possession?

I am not attached to anything. But if you squeeze me hard, I would say my prescription glasses.

7.    Who is your favorite writer?

Miguel Cervantes

8.    Which living person do you most admire?

My mother

9.    Where is your dream destination?

I love my home.

10. What is your motto?

Tasty, healthy, nutritious food will get me to climb a mountain.

If you love the #jussaratoteandmaskset or any other bag from the new collection, use the code RAFELOVES at checkout and receive a 20% reduction.

Offer only valid for US residents and good until April 30, 2021.

Can I Tell You...about my Gift Guide

Rafe bags galore.

The Only Holiday Gift Guide You Need

Coming in hot off the bend of closet purge season during the summer of Netflix and sweatpants, #quarantinelife has left everyone pining for the holiday season waiting for the first sign of Mariah Carey. A lesson tried and true for this year’s gifting list is simple: a girl can never have too many bags. 

The trends sweeping the streets of New York City this fall are reminiscent and hopeful with vibrant colors, metallic accents, dynamic patchwork, and luxurious fabrics. When it comes time to hit the pavement for gifting this season, look no further than these styles that are just one click away. 

#VaniaWristClutch in gold snakeskin.

Great for a night on the town, the Vania is an elegant clutch that will liven up any outfit in matte gold snakeskin and slim wrist strap. An incredible piece that wears well with a pair of heels; this hands-free wrist clutch is the best gift for the girl who likes to sip and text. 

Standout color combos are all the rage this season. The Rafe Nicole Bucket Bag in black, camel and cognac is a gift for the modern bohemian in your life. The bold color block combination in suede paired with faux tortoise resin chain strap makes this bag an attention grabber. 

Baby you’re a firework, so why not have a bag to match? The Audrey beaded pouch is a gift for the Gatsby girl with a taste for night long celebrations. Combining opulent beadwork and flirty tassels, the Audrey beaded pouch is ready for the holidays.

Sleek and chic. Inspired by the elegant vanity cases carried by stylish women of the 1950s, the Nikki Hexagon Vanity Case is a gift perfect for the fan of minimalism. Constructed in a graphic Zebra print haircalf with a black resin handle and chain link strap, this timeless staple is what your wardrobe is missing.

#NicoleBucketBag in berry mock-croc embossed leather.

This is not your grandmother’s pocketbook. Crafted in mock-croc embossed leather in a vibrant berry shade, the Nicole bucket bag is one for the rebels. The marbleized resin chain link strap and structured design offers an edgy twist on a classic that travels well from desk to dusk.

#SireneMinaudiere in white shell.

Listen for the call of the ocean. The Sirene Solid Shell Minaudière is a perfect for anyone that considers herself a mermaid.  A truly spectacular piece is masterfully constructed from 2 whole abalone shells mixed luminous yellow Mother-of-Pearl gussets, this art-to-wear clutch has a beautiful story to tell. 

The it-bag for the upcoming holiday season, this may just be the gift to treat yourself to. A one-of-a-kind piece, the Yuki Wrist Pouch is constructed in panne’ velvet with a ruched collar inspired by pochettes that were all the rage in the 1940’s. The soft wrist strap is embellished with a rhinestone pavé brooch in the front and a recessed zipper closure. This bag is a definite statement piece.

And our gift to you. Use the code TAKE30 at check out to received 30% off any bag from our Fall / Winter 2020 collection.

www.rafe.com