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 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!

Can I Tell You...about Joy Moyler.

Joy Moyler with her #JoyWickerTote

I met Joy Moyler a few summers ago while she and her husband were visiting mutual friends in Greenport for the weekend. We converged at our favorite spot for oysters and rose’. I was immediately drawn to Joy’s affable personality and vibrant conversation. Joy is a celebrated figure in the Interior Design industry. She’s been on the Elle Decor’s A-List since 2019, AD 100 Designer and Hollywood Reporter’s Top 20 Interior Designers and a Contributing Design Editor for Veranda Magazine. She’s worked for some of New York’s most prestigious firms like Thierry Despont, John Saladino, Ralph Lauren and was the Head of Giorgio Armani Interior Design Studio. And if that isn’t enough, her residential projects include an A-List celebrity clientele like Pia Getty, Leo DiCaprio, Adrien Brody and John Mayer to name a few.

When I began designing my Spring-Summer Collection I was inspired to design a bag that Joy could wear from Spring through Summer. I know she likes wearing color so the bag had to be versatile enough to wear with almost everything and distinctive enough to stand out.

The #JoyWickerTote

Read our Q & A below :

1. What is your idea of happiness?

SLEEP and being stress free (though neither happen much). But I find happiness in the quest.

2. What is your greatest extravagance?

Travel, without a doubt.

3. What is your current state of mind?

Varies moment, by moment.

4. Whose style do you most admire?

Lena Horne, she was a family friend and her style remains etched in my memory.

5. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

These days... a good nights sleep!

6. What is your most treasured possession?

My late Dad’s watch, and memories of those who I've lost.

7. Who is your favorite writer?

Robert Ludlum, I devour a good mystery thriller. Especially, with a political edge. Much like life I guess.

8. Which living person do you most admire?

No one specifically, just anyone who has the courage to get up and try it all over again and giving their best shot!

9. Where is your dream destination?

Jaipur - I cannot wait to bring back all the textiles I can carry!

10. What is your motto?

"Best of Life, Best of Love"...

Joy Moyler in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

Judging from Joy’s radiant smile, I think the #joywickertote complements her effortlessly chic personal style.

If you’d like to shop her latest project, Joy launched a capsule tabletop collection Joy Moyler Atelier in 2020, inspired by architectural landmarks (Majestic, Dakota, Beresford) along Central Park West here in New York City.

SHOP THE SPRING COLLECTION!

Can I Tell You...it's 2.22.22!

Can I Tell You…it’s 2.22.22 or Twosday! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime date full of auspicious signifcance. One thing is clear, it’s the perfect time to wipe the slate clean and start fresh. The easiest way to do that is with your wardrobe and more specifically your accessories.

My Fernanda frame clutch in white should fit the bill. Each bag is intricately handwoven by artisans in India and takes days to completel. It’s lined with an inside zipper pocket and comes a a detachable shoulder strap so you can wear this chic number as a crossbody bag!

This year is going to be amazing so you might as well look your best. Ready, set, go!

www.rafe.com

Can I tell you...about Tracy Reese.

There are some people that you instantly connect with the moment you meet each other. That’s how it was when I met Tracy. Through the years as members of the CFDA we’ve been each other’s date for so many fun events. At one point we collaborated on a capsule collection of bags for her runway show. I have always admired her feminine style; the way she uses color and print. Women look chic and carefree in her clothes.

When I began designing my Spring - Summer collection I envisioned a kind of bag that would complement Tracy’s style. I think the #tracywickertote trimmed in white leather fits the bill. It’s so neutral that it goes with everything and is surprisingly capacious.

A few years ago, Tracy bought a house in Detroit and has been shuttling back and forth from New York while she embarked on new projects. The most recent is a responsibly designed clothing brand Hope for Flowers. In the meantime Tracy has been building her network of supporters and collaborators to support the core of the brand’s mission, which is to produce a portion of the styles in Detroit and offer free arts education for Detroit public school children.

Read our Q&A below:

What is your idea of happiness? A beautiful day!

What is your greatest extravagance? Taking time each morning to meditate and exercise.

What is your current state of mind? Pensive

Whose style do you most admire? My Mother and Grandmother.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? Having a fruitful career doing work that I love.

What is your most treasured possession? My home (s).

Who is your favorite writer? Toni Morrison

Which living person do you most admire? Michelle Obama

Where is your dream destination? The south of France.

What is your motto? Be authentic.

If you love the #TracyWickerTote or any other style from the Spring-Summer collection, use the code RAFELOVES at checkout and receive 20% off.

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

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...about Brooke Jaffe.

I first met Brooke when she was a fashion editor at InStyle magazine. Our market appointments were always filled with laughter and juicy stories. It was no surprise when she moved from publishing to retail to become Bloomingdale’s Fashion Director, a position she held for a decade. She brought her editorial eye and passion for product to the luxury department store chain. But Brooke was always ready for the next challenge. A few years ago she packed up her bags and moved to Los Angeles. She quickly established herself as a fashion expert on TV commenting on fashion trends and red carpet looks. Most recently, she was appointed to be the Head of Public Affairs and Communications at Penske Media. All throughout her career we have kept in touch and she has always been so supportive of me and my brand.

While I was designing my Spring / Summer collection I kept thinking of sunny California and a kind of bag that Brooke might be able to wear different ways. Casual enough to wear while taking Ted for a walk and smart enough to wear to dinner. The #BrookePleatedClutch is crafted from soft supple yellow leather styled into a pleated, slouchy shape with a covered frame. The resin chain link handle and the skinny leather strap are both removable which allows this versatile clutch to be carried as a crossbody, on the crook of the elbow or tucked under your arm. Looking at Brooke’s smile, I think it’s safe to assume she loves the bag.

Read our Q&A and get to know Brooke:

What is your idea of happiness?

Being with my family , beach days, long walks with my dog Ted in the morning and afternoon, cooking and eating delicious food, waking up after 8 hours of sleep, sweaty workouts, singing and listening to music and laughing with friends.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Getting regular massages when it’s not Covid - they are medicinal for me.

Investing in quality groceries all the time.

What is your current state of mind?

I feel very grateful for my life. It’s been a hard year and I feel lucky to have been in Los Angeles surrounded by family. I also feel excited to see friends again. I miss the energy of connection in person. I am optimistic about the future and in some ways this last year allowed me to reset. I’m excited to wear fun clothing again. I am gravitating towards the brightest shades in the rainbow these days. Also YOLO- you only live once.

Whose style do you most admire?

My mothers - she isn’t trend focused and knows what works on her. She never tries to look like anyone but herself. I think that’s a gift to look timeless and stylish.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I’m proud of being brave enough to move across the country alone and during a time when I didn’t know what was going to come next. I took a chance and I’m so happy I did.

What is your most treasure possession?

Ted my angel baby (I don’t see him as a dog) he’s a spirit and the most wonderful creature in the world. He fills me with joy.

Who is your favorite writer?

My cousin Rosie Schaap, Brene Brown, Peter Schjeldahl and Shakespeare

Which living person do you most admire?

My parents- they march to the beat to their own drummer and they are fun, cool and keep it real

I actually can’t name the person I admire most because she is private but I admire her because she helps others every day. She is a pillar of strength and leads by example. She taught me some incredible lessons. I refer back to her wise words often and I admire how she has made helping others her life’s work.

Where is your dream destination?

I want to go back to Capri and explore more of the Amalfi coast - also always wanted to go to Puglia.

I will go to France anytime and explore more of the countryside - I love being in France and Italy :-)

I’d love to go to Thailand and Japan. And I’m always happy in Nantucket.

What is your motto?
I have several: Be solution oriented - a riff on my high school motto “find a way or make one”.

Be your most authentic self and stay present.

If you love the Brooke clutch or any other style from the Spring - Summer collection. use the code RAFELOVES at checkout and receive a 20% reduction.

Offer only valid for US residents and good until June 14, 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.