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 Rymn Massand.

Rymn in Soho with her #rymnhobo bag in black.

There are some people that you meet and everything just clicks. I met Rymn Massand through a common friend who we both love dearly so the affinity was easily established. Her vibrant energy and fascinating stories captivates everyone around her.

Rymn is a designer, creative director, writer, consultant and occasional travel editor.

She is the  founder and director of +RYMN, a creative consultancy working with luxury brands, magazines, publishing houses, hotels and entertainment. Her collaborations span a range of clients from India to Paris to NYC and everywhere in between. She’s currently working on a book project for the Taj Hotels in India and series of articles for AD india.

While I was designing my collection, I thought of a bag that would suit a world traveler like Rymn. It needed to be the kind of bag she could take everywhere and go everywhere with.

The #RYMNHOBO is constructed from handwoven leather and features a knotted strap so you can adjust the length and wear it on your shoulder or across you body.

Read our Q & A :

What is your idea of happiness?

A book, a view, a glass half full.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Weekly book buying, monthly theater, opera and ballet tickets, annual school fees!

What is your current state of mind?

Restless, but oddly content.

Whose style do you most admire?

My friends- Luise Stauss (minimal playful perfection), Deepshika Khanna (sexy Indian flow), Elizabeth Morrison ( elegant, formidable, just the right fit), my Mother (her chic 70s looks and elegant sari drapes), Elizabeth Taylor (not a friend, though I wish she had been) in her oh so voluptuous OTT jewel and Kaftan phase.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Aside from a wonderful son, my deep and loving friendships.

What is your most treasured possession?

My mothers engagement ring.

Who is your favorite writer?

Tough Q. Impossible to narrow it down, but if I had to it would be John Le Carré. 

Which living person do you most admire?

My parents.

Where is your dream destination?

Always India, always Paris.

What is your motto?

The more you know, the more you know.

Rymn Massand galavanting in Soho, New York with her #rymnhobo.

If you like the Rymn hobo bag but want a different color, it also comes in camel. Cleary the bag is a hit with Rymn and it is so her.

Can I tell you...about Meagan Morrison.

Can I tell you, my passion for fashion came through my first love which is illustration. I have been obsessed with Renee Gruau, David Downton, Mats Gustafson, Kenneth Paul Block and Antonio Lopez just to hame a few. I’m always on the lookout for new artists. I first saw Meagan Morrison’s vibrant and exuberant work on Instagram and it was love at first sight.

Her images are drenched in color and always celebrate women, travel and life. On her site Travel Write Draw you can buy her illustrations, read her travel guides and hotel reviews or find out when her next illustration class is.

While I was designing my Spring Summer 2021 collection I kept referencing her Instagram which is full of optimism and joie de vivre.

The Meagan Minaudiere is inspired by all the different facets of her life, her love for color and happiness. It comes in 2 color combinations. Neon yellow reversing to neon pink or white reversing to black.

Get to know Meagan a little bit more here on my Q & A.

1. What have you been up to lately?

I wanted to start 2021 by upleveling, both internally and externally, before the world, or at least NYC, opened up again in the Spring/Summer. That said, I overhauled my art studio & office, cleared out my wardrobe, started taking tennis lessons, wrapped a 35 piece commission for Lancôme, and signed a few new product licensing deals for my brand Travel Write Draw! When it's safe to start traveling again, I'll be ready haha!

2. What is your idea of happiness?

My idea of happiness is waking up every single day, grateful to be alive. If I've learned anything about myself through this challenging past year, it's that the more gratitude I have for the opportunity to be here in this lifetime, the happier I feel.

3. What is your greatest extravagance?

I have too many haha! I love indulging in designer handbags, shoes, and jewelry. Accessories can elevate any and every outfit! I love going all out on a decadent meal and when I travel, I spare no expense to see and do the very best that destination has to offer.

4. What is your current state of mind?

Super positive and optimistic! It can only get better from here, right?

5. Whose style do you most admire?

Carolyn Bessettte! Her style was and is absolutely timeless.

6. What do you consider you greatest achievement?

Turning my absolute pipe-dream of traveling the world and illustrating the journey into my full-time profession and brand, Travel Write Draw!

7. What is your most treasured possession?

My most treasured possession isn't anything I own. I would say it's the relationships I have with my immediate family and my closest friends who are like my soul family.

8. Who is your favorite writer?

I adore Elizabeth Gilbert. I especially love her book "Big Magic". I just think she is one of the bravest, most courageous, honest, and admirable human beings on planet earth.

9. Which living person do you most admire?

My big sister! She has been such a guiding light in my life, an incredible force of nature, and my greatest teacher.

10. Where is your dream destination?

This might sound a bit silly but I have a small obsession with the Maldives. Every time I meditate I envision being in one of those over water bungalows looking out at that tranquil blue water from my bedroom.

11. What is your motto?

Dream big but start small! Rome wasn't built in a day. Anything worthwhile takes time!

If you like the #MeaganMinaudiere or another 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 18, 2021.

www.rafe.com

Can I tell you...about Vianca Soleil.

On one cold day this past winter I was scrolling through Instagram and virtually escaping the reality of winter in East Coast when I happened to see a photo that immediately transported me to where I wanted to be. Vianca Soleil’s feed is full of dreamy images of her life on the beach. We started following each other and immediately formed a connection with our love for nature, the sea and seashells.

She has been working on finishing Unna, a eco-resort her family owns whilst designing furniture and doing some photography work. Construction work on the property has been very slow due to pandemic restrictions. They hope to be open as soon as it’s safer but that may not be until 2022. In the meantime, I will keep wanderlusting after her images.

Whilst designing my Spring Summer 2021 collection, I kept referencing images from Vianca’s Instagram. I was so inspired by her vision and her life. She fueled my desire to escape. The Vianca bucket tote is constructed from hand-woven abaca embellished with real fan shells, straw embroidery and trimmed with leather handles and a detachable long strap.

I asked Vianca a few questions about what’s on her mind these days and what inspires her.

1.    What is your idea of happiness? Living by the sea.

2.    What is your greatest extravagance? Travel is probably my greatest extravagance. I crave to keep exploring places and don’t mind spending a little extra on unusual experiences.

3.    What is your current state of mind? Finding balance.

4.    Whose style do you most admire? Christophe Lemaire and Sarah Linh Tran are creating the most inspiring collections at Lemaire. 

5.    What do you consider your greatest achievement? Designing and building Unna. I consider it to be my life’s work. I see it as my greatest achievement because my father would’ve wanted me to achieve my wildest dream and I’d like to think I’m beginning to reach it.

6.    What is your most treasured possession? My mom’s mother of pearl clutch from the 80s.

7.    Who is your favorite writer? Ryūnosuke Akutagawa

8.    Which living person do you most admire? I’m fascinated by Buddhist culture and have always admired the Dalai Lama.

9.    Where is your dream destination? Dreaming of a trip to Egypt, Israel and Jordan!

10. What is your motto? My dad would always say, the best is yet to come.

If you like the #ViancaBucketTote or another 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 18, 2021.

www.rafe.com

Can I tell you...about my Fall / Winter 2019 shoot in Paris.

Me and my friend Tais Fortes posing for our BTS moment.

It is no secret that I love Paris. After Manhattan, it is my second favorite city in the world. Every time I visit I want to make the most out of my trip. In 2017, I shot my Fall / Winter campaign here and I still love those images. I’ve always wanted to do another shoot in the City of Light. I mentioned the idea to my dear friend Bianca Monzon-Cueva who lives in Paris. Without hesitation, she offered to help me organize the talent and logistics. How could I say no to that?

Tais Fortes with the SARAH beaded crochet pouch on Pont Alexandre III.

Paris is one big film set full of iconic landmarks and and architectural vignettes everywhere you look. Shooting a campaign here can be both challenging and easy. If you’re not careful the city can take over and become the center of attention instead of your product.

The VANIA Wrist Clutch at Pont Alexandre III.

The SARAH beaded crochet pouch in coral.

As easy as this all looks, it does take a village. I relied on Bianca to organize the logistics and the talent. She introduced me to an up and coming fashion photographer Paul Clichy , who then brought in Pauline du Manoir , a hair and make-up artist. Coincidentally, my gorgeous friend and fashion model Tais Fortes, recently moved to Paris was more than happy to be the muse of the campaign. Voila, I had a crew.

BTS with Paul, Bianca and Tais.

The VANIA Wrist Clutch in cognac crocodile embossed leather.

The KIM Wrist purse in leopard print calf hair shot inside the Jardin du Palais Royal.

Pauline applying her magic on Tais.

The KIM Wrist Purse in black suede with multi color studs.

Bianca and I limited the shoot to a few locations to make the most of the limited light during the day. We started out at Jardin du Palais Royal, then moved to Pont Alexandre III, Les Parisiennes, eventually ending back at Hotel Saint-Marc where I was staying.

Tais taking a coffee break with my CHRISELLE minaudière at Les Parisiennes.

The AZURA Asymmetrical Minaudière, still iconic after all these years!

The AUDREY beaded pouch in navy velvet.

The STELLA Minaudière shot inside Hotel Saint-Marc.

I love Paris in the Spring time and I love Paris in the Fall. There is something about the light at this time of the year. Even on a sunny day, the light casts a cool tone on everything. As you can see from these photos I have every reason to be estatic. The images are exactly what I had envisioned. Merci beacoup to the team and to Paris!

Tais with the AZURA minaudière in violet oyster inlay inside Hotel Saint-Marc.

Can I tell you...about New Orleans.

Pardon my French. I could have meandered in the French Quarter all day. 

America only has three cities: New York, San Francisco and New Orleans. Everywhere else is Cleveland. - Tennessee Williams.  

I live in New York, I've been to San Franciso and Cleveland isn't on my bucket list so when I got invited to a friend's wedding in New Orleans, I jumped at the chance to check it out.  

The Henry Howard Hotel in the Garden District.  

I booked a room at the charming Henry Howard Hotel in the Garden District. Built in 1867 this converted boutique hotel was once a pair of townhouses, and was designed by famed Louisiana architect Henry Howard. He designed so many homes in the neighborhood it could have been named after him. The location was ideal; just a short Uber ride away from the The French Quarter and relatively quiet in the evenings. 

Southern living at the Henry Howard.  

New Orleans or Nola is famous for vibrant live music, distinctive Creole and Cajun cuisine and for being a melting pot of French, African and American cultures. I was only here for a weekend so I needed to maximize my time in between wedding events.

Come to Cafè Beignet instead and avoid the insane line at Cafè du Monde. 

On the top of my to do list was hitting some of the antique stores in the French Quarter. Antiquing in New Orleans is serious business and can easily take up a whole day. There are more shops on Magazine Street in the Garden District but I only had a few hours to spare so I hit a few reputable establishments to see the best of the best. My first stop was Keil's Antiques on Royal street. They have been a family run business since 1899  and were one of the only stores in the area when they opened. They have 3 sprawling floors filled with objets d'art, furniture, jewelry and chandeliers enough to fill a plantation mansion. 

Keil's Antiques

I have a weakness for anything blue and white so I was immediately drawn to the beautifully carved French cabinet displaying a selection of Chinese and Delft 18th and 19th century porcelain. I was tempted but I managed to resist the urge to splurge.  

When I'm feeling blue.  Antique porcelain plates and chargers. 

Further up the street I peered into M.S. Rau Antiques' window and a gorgeous set of Tiffany tableware caught my eye. Don't be fooled by the unassuming shopfront because inside is a treasure trove of fine art and antiques.  Browse beyond the front of the shop and you'll be guided through a maze of rooms with exceptional pieces and curious objects that require deep pockets  should you wish to indulge.   

They have a private art gallery behind closed doors that houses museum worthy pieces showcased in a maze of several ante rooms and on different floors. 

Portrait of a Lady. Rita de Acosta Lydig by Giovanni Boldini.  

Behind closed doors.  

In a separate section of the store they had an exhibit about Napoleon comprised of paintings, furniture, sculpture and precious objects. It was a well curated show filled with rarely seen pieces. 

Napoleon crossing the Alps. 

Time will tell. Egyptian theme clock and decorative obelisks.  

Window shopping without any sustenance is no fun and fortunately for me, there is no shortage of good food in Nola. I had read rave reviews of Chef Nina Compton's Compere Lapin in the Warehouse District and I was desperate for a tasty meal. Set inside the Old 77 Hotel the restaurant is airy with lots of windows facing the street. For a brief moment while I sat in anticipation I felt like I was transported back in time when New Orleans was occupied by the French. Seated near me were a table of French speaking ladies having lunch; laughing and enjoying their lunch. It was tres charmant. 

Smoked tuna tartare  avocado and crispy bananas. 

Nina is known for cooking her take on Creole classics while skillfully infusing flavors from her Caribbean heritage. 

Lime cheesecake mango granita cashew krokant

The Lower 9th Ward has become infamous due to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

These cement stoops are all that remains of some of the homes that were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.  

Walking around the partially rebuilt streets of the Lower 9th Ward it's hard to picture what the scene was like in the aftermath of the storm.

Sustainable housing designed by Hitoshi Abe. 

Two years after Katrina, Brad Pitt visited the 9th Ward and was saddened to see that no rebuilding was being done. He decided to spearhead a non profit foundation called Make It Right that would build sustainable and affordable housing for the people living there. He enlisted 21 world class architects like Hitoshi Abe, Frank Gehry, Shigeru Ban and Thomas Mayne to design homes that were Leed Certified, Cradle to Cradle inspired and could withstand the next hurricane. Today there are over 100 homes that have been completed and have earned LEED Platinum, the highest level of certification offered by the U.S. Green Building Council. 

Duplex by Bild Architects  

The St. Roch Market is right across from the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood and  within walking distance from the French Quarter. There are over  food vendors to  choose from so that meant we would have to come back if we wanted to try more in which case we did the very next day.

St. Roch food hall.  

Charbroiled oysters

St. Roch had one unusual vendor who wasn't selling anything you could digest but rather something that you would want to keep forever, a poem. Cubs the Poet  will write a poem just for you armed based on a memory you'd like to share. Almost instantaneously he was in a zone typing away a poem just for me. I was so overwhelmed with joy that I'm having that poem framed.

Cubs the Poet wrote me my own poem.  

You can't go to Nola and not sample one of the live jazz clubs that line Frenchmen Street. The Spotted Cat was packed when I walked in and the New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings had just started their first set. They played classics from Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington and Cole Porter. They were so good we stayed on for a second set.

New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings crooning Cole Porter's " Night and Day".

I can't wait to come back next year for another wedding. And what about the wedding I attended? Well, that's another story. 

Can I tell you about ... Provincetown

Quintessential Cape Cod. 

Provincetown is where light, water and art meet. This sea side destination has been a source of inspiration for so many artists who for decades have come to paint the pastoral and seaside scenes.

My room with a view. 

I remember when I first visited over 15 years ago I was struck at how magical the light was at the break of dawn and at dusk. Those images are forever ingrained in my memory. I've always wanted to come back to see the light again.

Cotton candy sunrise.  

But how many times have you fallen in love with a place, swear you'll come back and then years go by.  A few months ago when my best friend, fashion designer Peter Som suggested we join them for the 4th of July weekend I couldn't pass it up. It is the busiest time of the year to go but we lucked out thanks to AirBnB. We found a beach front apartment on the East end of town. The location was perfect because it was a stones throw away from a scrumptious breakfast spot called Yolk and strong coffee at Wired Puppy. 

So quaint. So picturesque.  

Provincetown is famously eccentric and gay friendly. All year long you see gay and lesbian couples holding hands in the streets, bars, restaurants and beaches. Rainbow flags are proudly hung near the American flags at numerous homes, establishments and boats. 

Somewhere over the rainbow.  

Proud sailor. 

Where there are artists there are dealers. There are so many art galleries dotted along Commercial street you can easily spend an afternoon gallery hopping. We heard of a highly recommended group show inspired by Edward Hopper aptly titled , "After Hopper" at the Addison Art Gallery. We braved the weekend traffic and drove out to the town of Orleans to check it out. 

Gorgeous seascape.  

It was well worth the drive to see different artists paint their impressions of Cape Cod.  We stopped by the quaint town of Wellfleet for a juicy lobster roll at Mac's Shack.

Mac's Shack serves the best lobster roll in Wellfleet.  

Should I stay or should I go? Uncle Tim's Bridge in Wellfleet.  

The 4th of July parade was short and sweet. Drag queens, firefighters and a preppy school boys choir all joined in for the fun. The best part was that it was over just in time for brunch.

Ladies, start your engines. 

They should have auditioned for Glee.  

No parade is complete without a few drag queens.  

On the eve of the 4th my friends threw a casual dinner at Captain Jack's Wharf where they were staying. It is in my opinion the best spot to stay in Ptown. These former seamen's cottages are all decorated individually with a shabby chic aesthetic. 

Sunset by the wharf.  

Peter and I have this thing for stripes.  

Sunset cocktails at Captain Jack's Wharf

On our last day I woke up to the most incredible sunrise. Cotton candy pink morphing into violet like a Rothko painting. I just sat there in awe and snapped away trying my best to capture the moment and the light. 

Save the best for last.  

Can I tell you about ... Berlin

STAY

I stayed at Hotel De Rome because the location was ideal with surrounding historic buildings and I love Rocco Forte properties. Set in Berlin's former Dresdner bank, the hotel has been beautifully furnished by Tommaso Ziffer in shades of grey and black with accents of red. They offer a lavish spread for breakfast and the former bank vault is now a fabulous spa to retire to at the end of the day. 
 

DO

The East Side Gallery is one of the most visited landmarks in Berlin because it is a memorial for freedom containing the last remaining section of the Berlin Wall. The site is the longest and largest open air art gallery in the world consisting of 105 paintings by artists from all over the world. I wanted to see Dmitri Vrubel's "My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love" based on a famous photo of Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker kissing each other. Seeing The Wall and all the murals depicting images of freedom made me realize how lucky I am to be living my life the way I want.
 

EAT

Walking into Berlin's hottest restaurant Pauly Saal, a former Jewish girls' school, is like passing through history from the 1920's bar lounge to the elegant dining room that used to be the school's gymnasium. On the opposite side of the restaurant is a Kosher Deli. The main dining room has a more contemporary feel with four gorgeous Murano chandeliers from Pauly et Cie (hence the name) and a gigantic rocket hanging over the open window to the kitchen. 
 

MUST SEE

The Boros Bunker. The bunker has been used for many purposes. It was originally built as air raid shelter against Allied bombing during World War II, then for fruit storage in the 50s, then in the early 90s for techno-rave parties and today as contemporary art gallery and private residence. A part of the private collection belongs to advertising entrepreneur Christian Boros and his wife Karen.On display currently are installations by Ai Wei Wei, Klara Liden, Michael Sailstorfer and photographs by Wolfgang Tillmans and Thomas Ruff. 
 

WHAT I LOVED MOST

Ever since the Wall came down in 1989, I have been itching to see Berlin. Over the past ten years the city has generated a lot of buzz in the fashion industry with the help of Bread and Butter, a trade fair featuring contemporary clothing and accessory brands from all over the world. I would definitely return to Berlin, because there is so much more than meets the eye.