Can I Tell You...about Kaya Magee.

There are some people who light up a room as soon as soon as they enter. And that’s exactly how I met Kaya Magee. I was visiting a friend for the weekend in Upstate New York. She had just started Momo Global Flowers and brought the loveliest floral arrangements for dinner. Over the course of the evening, she told us all about her daunting project of growing flowers in a biodynamic way in her21 acre farm in Catskill, NY. She was filled with enthusiasm and optimism.

We also realized that we had a a friend in common who was her colleague when she was working for the legendary Yohji Yamamoto. Such a small world, really.

I designed the Kaya woven tote inspired by Kaya’s energy, and her easygoing attitude. Something handcrafted in an easy silhouette that she could wear with almost everything.

Read our Q & A :

1. What is your idea of happiness?

To appreciate every day of my life and notice the small things in life.

2. What is your greatest extravagance?

During pandemic I purchased a house with 20 acres of land in Upstate NY and starting a biodynamic flower farm.

3. What is your current state of mind?

Happy, peaceful and breathing.

4. Whose style do you most admire?

I do not have particularly person to admire, but I studied fashion stylist in Tokyo and worked for Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto so I am always looking for the current fashion and I usually twist the style in my way.

5. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

To have lived and worked in Tokyo, Paris, and New York.

6. What is your most treasured possession?

My heath, family, friends, my son Luca and our recently adopted Bichon Frise’ mix Tobi.

7. Who is your favorite writer?

The Japanese Buddhist nun Harumi Setouchi (Jakucho Setouchi). She just passed away in 2021 at the age of 99 years old.

8. Which living person do you most admire?

My mother in Yokohama, Japan and my ex- mother-in-law in Melbourne, Australia who is 104 years old.

They have both taught me a lot of life lessons.

9. Where is your dream destination?

The West Coast of France, Biarritz, the South Coast Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, and the island of Corsica.

10. What is your motto?

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop and keep going and trying. Positive thinking and believing what you want to do. The universal energy will bring you everything TOGETHER.

Kaya wearing the Kaya Tote in Wine.

The Kaya woven tote is constructed from handwoven leather that emulates the look of a straw basket. It comes with a detachable woven leather strap and has a fully lined interior with a magnetic snap closure and inside pockets. Aside from the wine color that Kaya is wearing, it also comes in black and stucco.

Can I tell you...about Sue Laguna Whang

Sue with her Sue hobo.

Sue Laguna Whang and I met in the mid-90s during a model casting call. I was working for a clothing company and was put in charge of casting models for our catalog shoots and runway shows. We hit it off immediately and worked together during my tenure there. When I launched my own company and needed a model she did it gratis without hesitation. Over the years, we have kept in touch and she remains one of my dearest friends. Recently, Sue embarked on a new career in body building and after months of rigorous training, competed and won 3 first places at the Johnny Stewart Limitless championship. This doesn’t surprise me at all. She was always a go getter and pursued her passions.

The Sue hobo is inspired by Sue’s relaxed demeanor, her casual lifestyle and her love for craftsmanship. The bag features handwoven panels, a knotted shoulder strap and zip top closure to keep all your personal belongings safe. It’s soft and slouchy and comes in camel or black leather.

Read our Q & A :

1. What is your idea of happiness?

Being surrounded by calmness and having a front row seat to a spectacular sunrise or sunset.

2. What is your greatest extravagance?

My health. I spend a ton of time, money, and energy on it because it’s the most important thing we have.

3. What is your current state of mind?
Excited. I have so many goals I’m focused on and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for me and the other people involved with them!

4. Whose style do you most admire?
Diane Keaton and Carolina Herrera. I love how they are classic, yet individualistic and sharp. However, I personally get stuck somewhere between dressing like a teenager and an old-school Milanese woman. Cashmere sweaters, Tods loafers, scarf, ripped jeans.

5. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Finding the proper medical team for my eldest brother when he had a brain tumor. He was misdiagnosed as just having migraines for years. Once we finally found out what was causing them, I was able to get him placed with a world renowned team at UCLA. They saved his life!

6. What is your most treasured possession?
No playing favorites! There are a few things I absolutely cherish and they are all in relation to my family. Royal tea sets from my grandmother, jewelry from my mom, Christmas ornaments from my kids.

7. Who is your favorite writer?
I don’t have one. I love reading on planes and then gifting the books to the flight attendants when I’m done. They are always receptive to new books! I’ll chose something at the airport depending on my mood and the selection.

8. Which living person do you most admire?

Anyone who isn’t afraid to carve their own path. People who are unafraid to take risks, shake things up, and make use of every moment of their lives chasing goals and experiences.

9. Where is your dream destination?

I love temperate places where mountains meet water. I want to climb the mountain and be calmed by the views of the water, and swim in the water excited at the views of the mountains.

10. What is your motto?

You gotta get ugly to get pretty. It’s true in every facet of life.

And, more recently I’ve added a second one: Stop saying no to things you should say yes to. I can credit that as fuel for all my current life goals!

The Sue hobo also comes in two colors; camel and black.

Can I tell you...about Jullian Culas.

Jullian Culas wearing his namesake bag.

I first met Jullian Culas back in 2016 when I was in Manila for my collaboration launch with Bench, a well loved multi-store, multi-brand retailer. The day before the show, the Bench team and I were held a casting for the models and in walks this svelte, androgynous figure with a mass of wild curly hair that fell well below his shoulders.

I was immediately drawn to his look, his attitude and his presence. We promptly added him to walk the show and to be part of the photo shoot.

Years later, we’ve spent time together in Paris and New York while he’s been pursuing a career in modeling.

When I started designing my collection I was thinking of Jullian and how he walks a fine line between being masculine and feminine. The confidence and the nonchalance of it all was inspiring to me.

The #JullianCrossbodybag is a compact style that I consider gender neutral. It features a front pocket with a drop lock closure, two short handles and a skinny shoulder strap to be worn across your body. It fits all your essentials; cell phone, keys, wallet, sunglasses, hand sanitizer, lipstick and AirPods. It also comes in an array of colors from pink, green, cognac, an iridescent gold and black.

Read out Q&A :

1. What is your idea of happiness?

My idea of happiness is doing something with purpose and fulfillment no matter how small or big it is.

2. What is your greatest extravagance?

Probably traveling. I mean I’ve only traveled to a few cities but I make sure I make the most in every trip. 😇

3. What is your current state of mind?

Just to be good at what I do. No drama.

4. Whose style do you most admire?

Timothée Chalamet’s style is impeccable. He is a true chameleon. More than anything, it’s the mystery he exudes (through this style) that makes him so interesting to me.

5. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Myself. Who, what and and where I am now is my greatest achievement in life.

6. What is your most treasured possession?

Not to sound dumb or millennial, but honestly, my most treasured possession right now would have to be my iPhone 😂 it’s literally everything in my life right now— work, family, friends, connectivity, my easiest source and outlet for creativity etc.

7. Who is your favorite writer?

I don’t really read, so I don’t have one.

But for movies/shows, it would have to be Shonda Rhimes.

8. Which living person do you most admire?

Anyone who’s passionately flighting for their dreams and using their talent to make a change. 💪🏼

9. Where is your dream destination?

Berlin. I don’t even know a lot about Berlin but it has always fascinated me. I’ll make sure to drop by that city the next time I visit Europe.

10. What is your motto?

“If you don’t have any shadows, you’re not standing in the light”. - Lady Gaga

Jullian pink crossbody bag.

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

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.

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.

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!