Contact Us

Use the form on the right to contact us.

You can edit the text in this area, and change where the contact form on the right submits to, by entering edit mode using the modes on the bottom right. 

465 West 23rd Street, Suite 9B
New York, NY, 10011
United States

(917) 664-2294

JOURNAL

CAN I TELL YOU ... TAKE A TRIP AROUND THE WORLD WITH ME, MEET THE WOMEN THAT INSPIRE ME OR GET THE SCOOP ON NEW STYLES.

Filtering by Category: Influencer

Can I tell you...about my Fall 2022 Campaign shoot in Marrakech.

Rafe Totengco

Rafe Totengco emulating Yves Saint Laurent on the rooftop of L’Ma Lodge.

“Marrakech introduced me to color . . . although I was used to the light and the colors of North Africa, it was only later, when I discovered Morocco, that I understood my colors were those of zellige mosaics, zouacs, djellabas and caftans. For whatever daring things I have done since then, I am indebted to the country, to the violence of its harmonies, the insolence of its mixtures, the intensity of its inventions.” - Yves Saint Laurent

Lila top handle bag in quilted lilac leather.

Saint Laurent couldn’t have said it better. I remember seeing photos of him in Marrakech lounging in a djellaba on layers of Berber rugs and poufs, presumably sipping mint tea or perhaps something stronger. Those images stirred my wanderlust and imagination. Ever since then, I have dreamt of seeing what he fell in love with, finding inspiration and shooting a campaign in Marrakech.

This year my dream became a reality. A family trip that had been postponed several years because of the pandemic finally came through. My sister, Tesa ( Travels with Tesa ) planned an action packed itinerary that would begin in the heart of the Medina in Fez, glamping in the Sahara desert, driving through the Atlas mountains and culminating in the fabled city of Marrakech.

Fernanda frame clutch in latte.

Entering the historic Riad Kniza was like being transported back in time. It was the perfect location; a beautifully restored 18th century building with picturesque vignettes from the rooftop to the inner courtyards filled with quintessential Moroccan details. The owner, Mohamed Bouskri, granted me access to the whole Riad for my shoot.

In the courtyard with Mohamed Bouskri.

SUE woven hobo in camel.

These images are exactly what I had envisioned and I couldn’t be more pleased at how they turned out. Modern, alluring, feminine and chic are the attributes I like to associate with the Rafe brand. There are many more that I will share all throughout the season but here is a preview of what’s coming.

Jullian small tote crossbody in Gold iridescent.

Jullian small crossbody tote in cognac.

Shukran jazilan lak ( Thank you very much! ) to my dream team : photographer Mehdi Sabik, fashion model Sara Morbi and make-up artist Jeff Ernoult.

Check out the rest of the images on the website and perhaps you’ll consider adding one of these styles to your Fall looks.

Can I tell you...about Lila Dupont.

Rafe Totengco

Ok so full disclosure, I have yet to meet Lila Dupont in person. However, her mother Lauren and I go way back to when she was the Accessories Director at Vogue. Last year while we were catching up over lunch, she mentioned that her daughter Lila had just released a single. I was intrigued and immediately looked her up, followed her Instagram, TikTok and Spotify. I found her music to be emotive, dreamy and soulful. I especially love listening to her songs when I’m traveling and staring at the view from the window.

While I was working on my collection last season I was inspired to design a bag that Lila might like. Something timeless, with a vintage vibe and a nonchalant attitude to it. The Lila Top Handle bag is constructed in a blue jean fabric trimmed in cognac color leather and features a sporty stripe webbing strap.

Read out Q & A :

1.    What is your idea of happiness?

Every summer my family and I go up to our house up in Maine, and the feeling of returning home after a long day on the water. My idea of happiness is playing a perfectly tuned guitar after a long day of picnicking in Maine with my friends. 

2.    What is your greatest extravagance?

Travel and good coffee.

3.    What is your current state of mind?

My current state of mind is content. I just returned home from a long semester at University in Scotland. For months I was on the go, and now I am finally back home and am finding extreme joy in the moments of simplicity. 

4.    Whose style do you most admire?

For years I have admired Harling Ross Anton’s style. Her style is playful but also extremely mature. I love her ability to incorporate pieces that carry a youthful and creative essence while maintaining a level of professionalism.

5.    What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I would consider recording my first EP to be my greatest achievement. My dear friend and producer Scott Jacoby and I worked for almost two years on the songs, and I am extremely proud of them and the outcome of their releases thus far. 

6.    What is your most treasured possession?

My most treasured possession is my gunmetal- blue Gretsch guitar. It was my first electric guitar and I have written some of my favorite songs on it.

7.    Who is your favorite writer?

My favorite writer is Jane Austen. I love the timelessness of her novels and the different personalities of the female protagonists. 

8.    Which living person do you most admire?

Although there are countless people I deeply admire, I would say right now I most admire Greta Thunberg. Her resilience and persistence at such a young age is powerful. She has been attempting to warn people about the severity of climate change since she was only a child, and still has faced immense adversity. 

9.    Where is your dream destination?

My dream destination would have to be Madagascar.

10. What is your motto?

“The important thing is not to stop questioning” 

If you love the Lila Top Handle Bag as much as Lila does, don’t wait too long. Only a few are left in stock.

Can I Tell You...about Rymn Massand.

Rafe Totengco

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 in Soho with her #rymnhobo in black

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.

Rafe Totengco

Bellee Huang wearing her #belleeknotpouch #rafebag

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 Huang wearing the #belleeknotpouch as a #crossbodybag.

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.

Rafe Totengco

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.

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...about Brooke Jaffe.

Rafe Totengco

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...about Jussara Lee.

Rafe Totengco

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.

Rafe Totengco

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