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 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 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 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