Can I Tell You...Mom would Love This!

Berna clutch

Can I tell you… I don’t know any mother who doesn’t love flowers. And if your Mom is like mine, she would love the Berna clutch. I have childhood memories of her going to her garden everyday; checking on her flowers and communing with them. I could see how much they made her happy, especially when they were in bloom. To this day whenever she sees flowers in bloom she cannot resist taking a photo.

Berna clutch

The Berna clutch is crafted from natural raffia and embellished with a variety of hand-embroidered floral motifs. Each clutch is fully lined and includes a drop-in gold chain strap so you can wear the clutch on your shoulder.

Berna clutch

Can I Tell You...Think Warm Thoughts.

Berna clutch embroidered with Spring blooms.

Thinking about Spring and Summer always fills me with excitement. The prospect of going to a warm and sunny destination makes me visualize day and evening looks and what to pack.

Conchita Shell Minaudiere

When planning which accessories to bring, my advice would be to take a bag that you can wear with most of your clothes and one that also makes the most visual impact I.e. Instagram worthy.

Katie clutch in sea foam.

Here are a few of my favorites from the Spring / Summer collection. These are statement pieces that will be sure to set you apart from the crowd and guaranteed to get the most envious side glances. And let’s face it…who doesn’t enjoy a little bit of that kind of attention?

Gen Wicker Clutch

Each Rafe bag incorporates handwoven elements, locally sourced materials and handcrafted techniques that not only provide artisans a livelihood but also preserves the various skilled labor required for each piece.

If you love any of these clutches or other styles from the collection, use code LOVEU at check out and receive 20% less.

So, what are you waiting for?

Sofia Clutch in Lavender and Cerulean Ombre.

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...it's a case of Natural selection.

My affinity for objects made from natural fibers began at an early age. I have memories of lazy afternoons lounging on rattan chairs while having ‘merienda’ and taking siestas under the mango tree on ‘banig’ mats. These visual snippets of my Philippine childhood evoke such happy times. Fortunately, the country of my birth has an abundance of sustainable raw materials and weaving traditions passed down through generations. All over the archipelago certain provinces are known for the varieties of woven materials they produce. Over the years, whenever I design a Spring-Summer collection I inevitably add natural elements into my collection.

This season, consider adding the Tracy wicker tote, the Eliz tote, the Vianca bucket tote or the Katrina bucket tote to your wardrobe as well as these other handwoven objects for your home.

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...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...Florals for Spring, absolutely!

“I must have flowers, always and always.” - Claude Monet.

That is probably one of my favorite quotes I like to use whenever I want to post a picture on Instagram. Whether you’re receiving a bouquet, holding a bag or admiring a painting, flowers just make people happy. They have the power to lift one’s spirits especially with spring in full swing.

Here are some of my gift ideas for all the flower lovers out there.

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...give Mom some Love.

I have many fond memories of my Mother collecting Chinese antiques. Naturally, these early recollections have influenced my own aesthetics and find their way into inspiring my designs. Mother’s Day is around the corner and it’s an opportunity to give her something blue and white. Here are some of my picks that you might want to consider. You know she’ll love any of these.

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 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