Can I Tell You...about Ayesha Vera Yu.

Ayesha with her Ayesha tote in white leather.

I first met Ayesha back in 2016 when ARK honored me at their fundraiser gala in New York. Since then we have become friends and I have helped her with some creative input with last years event. She is a force of nature; bubbling with energy, overflowing with ideas and optimism that is inspiring to be around.

An investment banker turned social impact innovator, Ayesha Vera-Yu is the CEO and Co-Founder of ARK, the award-winning social impact venture that creates a path with rural communities in the developing world to co-invest towards self-sustainable food security. Since the pandemic, ARK has grown 25x in scale, and grown the equivalent of close to 4 million meals for 138,000 individuals.

ARK's Feed Back program, a vegetable exchange for the entire community, is a groundbreaking behavior change catalyst. It inspires families to create organic vegetable gardens in their backyards, and to produce excess that is shared with neighbors during exchanges or sold to nearby villages and towns. At the end of this 4-month program, families source their food needs from home, are healthy, have savings and new income. 

Naturally, I was inspired to design a bag for her. The Ayesha tote comes in 3 different versions; in white leather with handwoven panels, and in hand-crocheted raffia with leather trim. They’re the perfect day-to-night bag. Structured enough to wear with a suit and playful enough to wear with a dress.

Read our Q & A :

1. What is my idea of happiness?

Being with my family, embraced by nature, being present and still, and at peace with my work.

2. What is my greatest extravagance?

My greatest extravagance is what I enjoy a lot - food, travel, great coffee and acupuncture : ). I think these are luxuries that I am fortunate to have.

3. What is your current state of mind?

In the middle of reset. I am steering ARK to its next level of growth - and support, in the next 3 years, up to 400 communities who want to be food secure on their own in just 16 weeks with ARK Feed Back. To do this, I am needing a reset of my personal life and get it back to a healthy balance. I am also needing to restructure the organization so that all of our amazing talent I am honored to work with are supported and growing, and we are ready for the hyperdrive. : )

4. Whose style do I most admire?

So many! In the ARK family, I just adore Tunting Cruz’s style. Everything she wears is so chic, whimsical and effortless.

5. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Personal growth! : ) - overcoming my fears, confronting my short comings, breathing through discomfort and pain like childbirth, and making amends especially with people I love. It’s a journey.

The AYESHA in hand-crocheted raffia with leather trim.

6. What is your most treasured possession?

2 necklaces. One necklace that my mom gave me when I graduated from college and started working and traveling everywhere. It is my reminder of who I am, where I come from and the love from my mom that serves as my amulet and protection. The second is the one my dad was safe keeping for me before he passed away.

7. Who is my favorite author?

So many! Mia Alvar has this surgical way of transporting us to a different world and a beautiful way of holding us transfixed even through some painful moments in the Old Country. Daphne Palasi Andreades has a rhythm that is witty and Albert Samaha makes it a joy to connect to the past, and explore our weaved stories with others in Concepción. 3 other books that I would devour again are The Frost on His Shoulders, the Wanderer, the

8. Which living person do I most admire?

My mom. She loves fiercely, finds the courage to walk paths that may be hard, and does not give up.

9. Where is my dream destination?

Right now my family’s farm in Capiz because I have this strong yearning for connection and for weaving back to our ancestors so that I may give a sense of belonging and direction for myself and my son.

10. What is my motto?

One of them is I only buy things that make me feel good and want to dance like Rafe’s modern, cool and gorgeous bags!

If you love the Ayesha tote, or any other bag from the collection, from now until May 12, Mother’s Day, we are gifting you and the ARK family 20% off retail (code: ARKSolves).

And on top of that, I am contributing 30% of each bag sale to ARK!

Now that’s a win-win-win. Right? So what are you waiting for?

Ayesha in hand-crochet multi color raffia with leather trim.

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 Berna Romulo Puyat.

Berna Romulo Puyat with her Berna clutch and Biggie. Photo : Ernest Gatpandan

Although we’ve never met in person, Berna Romulo Puyat and I have come to know each other thanks to Instagram. We started direct messaging each other a few years ago when she posted a picture wearing one of my clutches given to her by a common friend. Berna has been a long time advocate for wearing Filipino design. In her role as the Philippines Secretary of Tourism she traveled everywhere in the country and through her I saw so many beautiful destinations I have since added to my bucket list. More recently, she has been appointed the Deputy Governor of Central Bank of the Philippines.

I wanted to name a clutch after her that best embodied her spirit, style and love for the Philippines. The Berna clutch is a classic half dome silhouette crafted and molded from natural raffia. It has a variety of hand-embroidered floral motifs and other components that are all hand made in the Philippines. Each clutch has a drop-in chain shoulder strap allowing you to wear it as a crossbody bag. It’s the perfect clutch to wear if you’re going somewhere fun and festive this summer.

Read our Q & A :

1.    What is your idea of happiness?

Spending quality time with my loved ones.

2.    What is your greatest extravagance?

Traveling.

3.    What is your current state of mind?

Peaceful and content.

4.    Whose style do you most admire?

Grace Kelly! Her style was simple and classic, but never exaggerated. Grace would exude elegance, even when wearing button down shirts, capri pants, full skirts, cardigan, and ballet shoes. I also love the way she accentuated her outfits through simple accessories, such as pearls or a nice bag.

I can still visualize myself wearing her clothes because her style and fashion sense are timeless.

5.    What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Raising my children as a single parent since my husband passed away in 2010.

6.    What is your most treasured possession?

My wedding and engagement ring because, without Dave, I wouldn’t have had my children.

7.    Who is your favorite writer?

Kevin Kwan! I only watch movies or read books that have a happy ending so no surprise there. 

I couldn’t stop laughing when I first read his book Crazy Rich Asians! I find his work so funny and relatable. It also didn’t come as a surprise to me when he included Filipino characters in his book, Rich People Problems.

I was fortunate enough to have met him last year and can confirm that he is as intriguing as the books he writes. 

8.    Which living person do you most admire?

If I narrowed it down to two choices, I would choose my mom and dad. I am fortunate enough that my parents are still with us. My mom, Lovely Tecson Romulo, is now 83 years old and my dad, Alberto Romulo, is turning 90 this August.

Mom always inspires me to be strong and to strike the balance between being a mother and a public servant. Dad always reminds me to uphold honor and integrity in public service to preserve the trust the public places in its public servants.   

9.    Where is your dream destination?

I am blessed to have visited the various UNESCO World Heritage Sites in our country such as the Rice terraces (Cordilleras), Vigan City (Ilocos Sur) Puerto Princesa Underground River (Palawan), Baroque Churches located in Intramuros, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte and Iloilo City and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (Palawan). So my dream is to visit other sites in other parts of the world.

The top on my list are Angkor Wat (Cambodia), Machu Picchu (Peru), Old Havana (Cuba), Works of Antoni Gaudi (Spain), Chitchen Itza (Mexico), and Serengeti National Park (Tanzania).

I also want to revisit Cappadococia, Turkey to ride the hot air balloons! Nine years ago, my daughter and I woke up as early as 4 am on two separate days to ride the hot air balloon. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to because of the weather. 

10. What is your motto?

“Happiness is a choice.  Nothing will make you happy until you choose to be happy. You can choose to focus on the good or the bad. I choose to be happy.”

Berna wearing the Berna clutch in pink and coral. Photo : Ernest Gatpandan

If you love the Berna clutch and want to see the range of colors and motifs it comes in. Tap on the box below.

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 Gen Sohr.

Gen Sohr wearing her Gen Wicker clutch photo : Jessica Amerson

I discovered Gen Sohr on Instagram a while back. I was so captivated by her joie de vivre and her discerning eye for fashion, interiors and other lifestyle products that she curates for her site Pencil, Paper and Co. I have been following her ever since.

While I was conceptualizing my Spring / Summer 2023 collection, I was inspired by Gen’s love for wicker and I thought she might love having a bag designed to compliment her style.

Gen Wicker clutch photo : Jessica Amerson

The Gen Wicker Clutch is a dual purpose bag. You can use it as a clutch or as shoulder bag by popping out the leather should strap that's tucked inside. It’s surprisingly capacious so you can wear during the day all the way to dinner. It’s fully lined and has an easy magnetic snap closure under a leather tab. The wicker is a fine gauge wicker that adds a refined elegance to the clutch.

I’m so thrilled Gen loves it.

Read our Q & A below :

1.    What is your idea of happiness?

Travel adventures with dear friends and family. Harbour Island is my happy place!

2.    What is your greatest extravagance?

Traveling to someplace that I’ve never been before.

3.    What is your current state of mind? 

Find your joy and allow yourself the gift of rest.

4.    Whose style do you most admire?

I’m forever inspired by classic style icons of the past. Babe Paley at her home in Round Hill is a favorite!

5.    What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Being a mom, wife, friend and business owner.

6.    What is your most treasured possession?

My grandmother’s vintage gold charm bracelet with charms from all of the places that she traveled in her life and a beautiful pair of vintage abstract black and white paintings my husband and I thrifted when we were first married. Oh…and the sweet little drawings that my husband sketches for me whenever we are traveling.

7.    Who is your favorite writer? 

I’m drawn much more to beautiful imagery…Slim Aarons always transports you to a magical moment.

8.    Which living person do you most admire?  

Tory Burch

9.    Where is your dream destination?

I always love to visit the Amalfi Coast. We’re hoping to get to the legendary Hotel Il Pellicano this summer and India is at the tippy top of my list! 

10. What is your motto?

Create the life you want!

Gen wicker clutch photo: Jessica Amerson

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...about Bellee Huang.

Bellee with her #belleeknotpouch bag.

I met Bellee ( Isabelle ) four years ago while I was on vacation in the Philippines. I’ve known her parents for years but I had only met her on that trip. She has a radiance that emanates as soon as you meet her. Of course, I immediately followed her on social media and was impressed at her talent as a dancer; ballet, jazz and modern.

In the past two years, she has been a part of Steps Dance Studio’s Elite Training Bubble, training rigorously every day with other professional and pre-professional dancers from the Philippines, Hong Kong, Washington DC and New York. As a senior in International School she’s focused on keeping her grade levels up, but also teaching herself how to play the piano and guitar. Whenever possible, she joins her family on trips to El Nido, Palawan where she scuba dives and explores the beauty of the rich marine life in the islands.

While I was working on my Spring / Summer 2022 collection I designed a bag inspired by her effortless grace and cheerful personality. The #BelleeKnotPouch is created from a soft leather with handwoven panels and no visible hardware. It features a self knotted shoulder strap so you can adjust the length and comes with a detachable shoulder strap so you can wear the bag across your body.

Read our Q & A below :

1.    What is your idea of happiness?

My idea of happiness is spending my a morning 30 meters underwater, in the pristine El Nido coral reefs. Time seems to stop when I dive, and Itruly feel alive.

2.    What is your greatest extravagance?

My greatest extravagance is a peaceful, 5 am coffee. A great start to my day consists of alone time, a rich cup of hot black coffee, and my favorite alternative-rock music. I’ve discovered the peace I find as the sunrises with a cup of coffee in my hand allows for me to clear my head and heart.

3.    What is your current state of mind?

I must admit that with so much going on in my life right now—dancing, school, family time, creating art, and more—my mind feels like the song “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen. My mind is in a constant state of flurry, yet I find such peace in that movement. Keeping busy it what keeps me going!

4.    Whose style do you most admire?

I admire Iris van Herpen’s haute couture pieces inexplicably. Each piece is carefully designed with such intricacy, and being passionate in art, what more is there to love other than beautiful textures, movement, and biomimicry?

5.    What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I competed in the Asian Grand Prix international ballet competition in 2019. It was only my second ballet competition, and I was able to achieve first place in Manila regionals and was a finalist in the Hong Kong semifinals and finals. The entire experience taught me about the importance of perseverance, self-compassion, and a support system. I learned how to stay focused and block out negative energy—important life skills that I still practice today!

6.    What is your most treasured possession?

My most treasured possession has to be my first ever pair of Pointe shoes. Using them for the first time is an extremely important milestone in any dancer’s life. It signifies a step up in your career, as well as a new chapter of hard work, momentary pain, beauty and passion all at once. 

7.    Who is your favorite writer?

Kurt Vonnegut, author of novels such as “Galapagis” and “Slaughterhouse Five” is my favorite author at the moment. His Post Modernist novels opened up my eyes to the ambivalent nature of literature. Themes of skepticism, and the role of ideology in asserting political and economic power are extremely intriguing in his works. 

8.    Which living person do you most admire?

My sister Nikki, is the first person to come to mind when I am asked this question. She is my best friend, and I look up to her in so many different ways. Her work ethic, drive, and unconditional love for those closest to her heart are some of the many qualities that inspire me everyday. She is always there for me, and she is my rock.

9.    Where is your dream destination?

My dream destination has to be the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. I’ve visited the archipelago where Charles Darwin completed his study on the Theory of Evolution back in 2010. With such beautiful wildlife and biodiversity, I’s really love to visit again, now that I am older and am beginning to understand much more about the world around us!

10. What is your motto?

I have an acronym that I use and have inspired a lot of my friends to use whenever we are dealing with difficult situations: RIB. Responsibility, Internal power, and Balance. These three concepts keep me balanced and hold me accountable for so many different obstacles that I have encountered and will encounter in my life ahead of me.

Bellee wearing the #belleeknotpouch as a crossbody.

I love seeing how the #BelleeKnotPouch compliments Bellee’s easy, breezy style. She’s wearing it exactly as I imagined she would.

SHOP THE SPRING / SUMMER COLLECTION!