Can I tell you...about Joey Mead King.

Joey Mead King wearing the #JoeyToteandMaskSet

I met Joey Mead King at a photo shoot while I was visiting Manila in 2010. We have a lot of friends in common so the connection was immediate. I just loved her easygoing attitude, her integrity and passion for her causes and of course, her personal sense of style. She walks in and everyone notices. When I did my first collaboration for Bench in Manila I asked her to host the show for me which she agreed to do immediately.

For those of you who don’t know her, Joey is a Filipino-Iranian television personality, fashion lifestyle host, runway coach and was the model mentor/co-judge on popular reality show, Asia's Next Top Model in 2012 and 2015. She was also listed as one of BBC's 100 Women in 2018. She’s also a huge animal activist and has quite a number of rescued dogs and cats.

Since the pandemic hit the Philippines she has been spending a lot of time in the province and has taken up knitting.

Joey at home in the province with her #JoeyToteandMaskSet

I asked Joey some questions to find out what’s been on her mind lately and what keeps her grounded.

1. What is your idea of happiness? Solitude, meditative walks alone with my spouse.

2. What is your greatest extravagance? Sharing my energy.

3. What is your current state of mind? Practicing presence.

4. Whose style do you most admire? My own. I also like Talitha Getty, Nicole Ritchie and rockstars Debbie Harry and Steven Tyler.

5. What do you consider your greatest achievement? Being here now.

6. What is your most treasured possession? My collection of crystals.

7. Who is your favorite writer? JK Rowling

8. Which living person do you most admire? Angelina Jolie

9. Where is your dream destination? Marrakesh, Morocco.

10. What is your motto? Love every part of you.

Hand-embroidered with love by women in Baao, Camarines Sur, Philippines.

If you love the #JoeyToteandMaskSet or any other bag from the Spring collection, use code RAFELOVES at check out and receive a 20% reduction. Offer valid only for US residents and until March 15, 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

Can I tell you...Animal Prints are a Neutral.

NiKKI Hexagon Vanity Case in leopard print.

I’m not quite sure who said it first but for decades style setters have unanimously declared that “animal prints are a neutral”. If you’re like me and have an affinity for these prints, it’s easy an easy logic to justify. Any outfit needing an extra oomph just needs a hint; it can be an item of clothing, a shoe or a handbag. Instantaneously you’ve taken your look from basic to bold! I recommend, for obvious reasons, that you start with a handbag because it is one of the easiest ways to wear a print.

NIKKI Vanity Case in leopard print.

I’m often asked how and what to wear with animal prints. Here are 5 easy tips.

5 Tips for Styling Animal Prints – From Basic to Bold

1. Just testing the waters? Keep it chic and simple with a monochromatic palette and add interest with animal print accessories. Start with a handbag or a clutch.

2. If you’re already wearing leopard prints then try upping your game; wear a zebra, a giraffe or a cheetah print.

3. Not shy about wearing color; try an animal print with something bold like Emerald or Bordeaux.

4. Ready to experiment? Try an animal print in an unexpected material like sequins for a night out on the town.

5. And, if you’re really confident, try mixing multiple animal prints together – unleash the street style star in you!

NIKKI Hexagon Vanity Case in zebra print.

Trends come and go, but animal prints are here to stay. They are a must have in any woman’s wardrobe.

SOFIA Octagon clutch in a sequined leopard pattern.

Save 20% off by entering WILDSIDE at check out on my site. This should make it a little easier to walk on the wild side this season.

p.s. Offer is good for 1 week only.

KIM leopard print wrist purse.

Photography : Selwyn Tungol

Model : Kiki Harada