Can I Tell You...about Clair Concepcion-Barberis.

Clair wearing her namesake bag, the #ClairSlingCrossbody. Photo : Iñigo Arce (@iac.arce)

Can I Tell You…I have known Clair Concepcion-Barberis since the late 80s when I started my fashion brand in Manila. She and her best friends were rebellious teenagers who dared to defy the rules of their strict Catholic school to model for me. We had so much fun going against the status quo in those days. We kept in touch after I moved to New York and whenever I was in Manila, I would always make time to see her and the gang for a proper catch-up.

About twenty years ago, Clair and her husband purchased an island in Palawan as a private family retreat. Slowly over time they built a few more cottages to accommodate more people and eventually due to popular demand opened it up as a boutique resort called Bamboo Private Islands, available to rent for the entire family or a group of friends. The next time I’m back in the Philippines, it’s definitely going to be on top of the list of places to go for a long weekend.

But Clair isn’t one to sit still. She had been dabbling in creative projects over the years and finally decided to launch a design workshop called Artifeks. The goal is to partner creative individuals with artisans who can realize their designs using local materials. Case in point, if you want a chic umbrella similar to the one Clair is holding in the photo, they can make it for you.

On a recent trip to New York, Clair had expressed her desire for a bag that she could wear with everything and wear anywhere, a bag that could dress up even her most casual looks. The #ClairSlingCrossbody I designed with her in mind is crafted from handwoven leather in a super neutral color I call stucco. It’s a grab and go kind of bag that compliments Clair’s easy breezy style.

And judging from these photos, it looks like she loves the bag. It’s so her!

Photo : Iñigo Arce (@iac.arce)

Read our Q & A below :

1.    What is your idea of happiness? That moment or time of deep, real connection.

2.    What is your greatest extravagance? Travel is priceless.

3.    What is your current state of mind? Thunderous!

4.    Whose style do you most admire? Carmen Dell'Orefice and Isabella Rossellini.

5.    What do you consider your greatest achievement? I wouldn't go so far as calling it my greatest achievement (yet!) but certainly an achievement. Starting Artifeks, a design and manufacturing business at an age when one typically slows down. 

6.    What is your most treasured possession? Printed photographs of family and friends.

7.    Who is your favorite writer? Too many!

8.    Which living person do you most admire? I admire a few people, many of them are friends. Each one possesses a particular quality I am inspired by which I try to consciously apply in my life. 

9.    Where is your dream destination? Bhutan and Machu Picchu.

10. What is your motto? Amor Fati.

Clair working on a new project at Artifeks. Photo : Iñigo Arce (@iac.arce)

Can I Tell You...Mom would Love This!

Berna clutch

Can I tell you… I don’t know any mother who doesn’t love flowers. And if your Mom is like mine, she would love the Berna clutch. I have childhood memories of her going to her garden everyday; checking on her flowers and communing with them. I could see how much they made her happy, especially when they were in bloom. To this day whenever she sees flowers in bloom she cannot resist taking a photo.

Berna clutch

The Berna clutch is crafted from natural raffia and embellished with a variety of hand-embroidered floral motifs. Each clutch is fully lined and includes a drop-in gold chain strap so you can wear the clutch on your shoulder.

Berna clutch

Can I Tell You...add some Pops of Color This Season!

Rocio Flap Clutch in fuchsia.

Can I tell you…do you want an instant mood booster this season? Add a colorful bag to your wardrobe this spring. It’s a fun and stylish way to express your personality and add some excitement to your looks. Spring is a season associated with renewal and rejuvenation, and incorporating bright, cheerful colors into your wardrobe can help you embrace that energy and positivity.

Joanna clutch in emerald green.

Wearing colors that you feel confident in, and love, can boost your self-confidence, lift your mood and have a positive effect on those around you.

Lila Top Handle bag in lilac.

It’s always best to choose versatile accessories that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Whether you're heading to a wedding or a casual brunch with friends, a colorful Rafe bag can add a touch of chicness and sophistication to your outfit. And who doesn’t want a little bit of both?

Can I Tell You...Wear White Now!

Small Fernanda woven clutch.

Can I tell you….it’s time to think about wearing white now. As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, we naturally gravitate to lighter and brighter colors. White, in particular, is a popular choice because it represents freshness and new beginnings. White bags can be a great way to add a pop of brightness to your outfit and give you a fresh start for the season.

Kaya woven tote.

The Kaya woven tote and the Small Fernanda clutch are a some of the white bags in the collection that are handwoven by skilled artisans. By choosing one of these handwoven styles, you're not only supporting the craftsmanship of talented individuals, but you're also getting a beautiful accessory that you’ll keep wearing season after season.

Small Fernanda clutch.

White is a versatile and timeless color that complements a wide range of other colors and styles. Unlike bold or bright colors, white is understated and can be paired with almost any outfit without clashing or overpowering the other elements.

Small Fernada clutch.

In addition to the color, these Rafe bags are designed to hold all of your essentials; such as your phone, wallet, sunglasses, and keys, but they’re also compact enough to carry around comfortably. Whether you're running errands or heading out for a night on the town.

KAYA woven tote with crossbody strap.

Ultimately, these white Rafe bags are the perfect bags for the season because they’re stylish, versatile, and beautifully crafted. Whether you're dressing up or keeping it casual, these bags are sure to be a go-to accessory for any occasion.

Can I Tell You...about Gen Sohr.

Gen Sohr wearing her Gen Wicker clutch photo : Jessica Amerson

I discovered Gen Sohr on Instagram a while back. I was so captivated by her joie de vivre and her discerning eye for fashion, interiors and other lifestyle products that she curates for her site Pencil, Paper and Co. I have been following her ever since.

While I was conceptualizing my Spring / Summer 2023 collection, I was inspired by Gen’s love for wicker and I thought she might love having a bag designed to compliment her style.

Gen Wicker clutch photo : Jessica Amerson

The Gen Wicker Clutch is a dual purpose bag. You can use it as a clutch or as shoulder bag by popping out the leather should strap that's tucked inside. It’s surprisingly capacious so you can wear during the day all the way to dinner. It’s fully lined and has an easy magnetic snap closure under a leather tab. The wicker is a fine gauge wicker that adds a refined elegance to the clutch.

I’m so thrilled Gen loves it.

Read our Q & A below :

1.    What is your idea of happiness?

Travel adventures with dear friends and family. Harbour Island is my happy place!

2.    What is your greatest extravagance?

Traveling to someplace that I’ve never been before.

3.    What is your current state of mind? 

Find your joy and allow yourself the gift of rest.

4.    Whose style do you most admire?

I’m forever inspired by classic style icons of the past. Babe Paley at her home in Round Hill is a favorite!

5.    What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Being a mom, wife, friend and business owner.

6.    What is your most treasured possession?

My grandmother’s vintage gold charm bracelet with charms from all of the places that she traveled in her life and a beautiful pair of vintage abstract black and white paintings my husband and I thrifted when we were first married. Oh…and the sweet little drawings that my husband sketches for me whenever we are traveling.

7.    Who is your favorite writer? 

I’m drawn much more to beautiful imagery…Slim Aarons always transports you to a magical moment.

8.    Which living person do you most admire?  

Tory Burch

9.    Where is your dream destination?

I always love to visit the Amalfi Coast. We’re hoping to get to the legendary Hotel Il Pellicano this summer and India is at the tippy top of my list! 

10. What is your motto?

Create the life you want!

Gen wicker clutch photo: Jessica Amerson

Can I Tell You...Think Warm Thoughts.

Berna clutch embroidered with Spring blooms.

Thinking about Spring and Summer always fills me with excitement. The prospect of going to a warm and sunny destination makes me visualize day and evening looks and what to pack.

Conchita Shell Minaudiere

When planning which accessories to bring, my advice would be to take a bag that you can wear with most of your clothes and one that also makes the most visual impact I.e. Instagram worthy.

Katie clutch in sea foam.

Here are a few of my favorites from the Spring / Summer collection. These are statement pieces that will be sure to set you apart from the crowd and guaranteed to get the most envious side glances. And let’s face it…who doesn’t enjoy a little bit of that kind of attention?

Gen Wicker Clutch

Each Rafe bag incorporates handwoven elements, locally sourced materials and handcrafted techniques that not only provide artisans a livelihood but also preserves the various skilled labor required for each piece.

If you love any of these clutches or other styles from the collection, use code LOVEU at check out and receive 20% less.

So, what are you waiting for?

Sofia Clutch in Lavender and Cerulean Ombre.

Can I Tell You...who can resist a Happy Bag?

Merging craft, color and culture is something I have always been passionate about and try to incorporate in my collections. While I was conceptualizing my Spring / Summer collection I was serendipitously introduced to Reese Fernandez, the founder of Rags2Riches.

They’re a Philippine based brand that has made a name for themselves for their use of upcycled and overstock fabric and turning them into beautiful accessories while lifting Filipino artisans out of poverty.

Michelle macrame bucket totes Photo : Angeline Angeles

There was an immediate synergy between our brands and our shared ethos of giving back to the community and working with locally sourced materials.

Over the course of a few months of Zoom calls, countless emails and WhatsApp messages, I am proud to present a capsule collection that celebrates Filipino culture, creativity, and compassion.

Each Michelle bucket tote is handwoven by artisans using overstock textiles that would have otherwise been discarded. The body is constructed from handwoven abaca and a macrame cage from upcycled fabrics. The stripe drawstring closure keeps all your belongings from falling out and an inside zipper pocket for items you want to safely tucked away.

Photo : Angeline Angeles

R2R provides 200 urban artisans from Metro Manila with sustainable, regular, and dignified livelihood. As a result of the consistent livelihood of artisans, R2R is able to sustain the education of their children, provide better food on their tables, and help them plan for a brighter future.

The Michelle Macrame Bucket Tote in Yellow / Peach. Photo : Angeline Angeles

Can I tell you…these totes are going to put a smile on your face. Say hallelujah, come on get happy.

In a world where fashion and design are often seen as excessive, this Rafe X Rags2Riches tote is proof that style and sustainability can happily and beautifully co-exist.

Can I Tell You... Rocio Tambunting.

I met Rocio last year through her mother Claudia, who I’ve known since my Manila days. She’s a senior at Barnard College majoring in Film Studies and pursuing a minor in political science. She lives in New York (with the most adorable dog ever) with her brother, actor and performer Nacho Tambunting. Alongside her studies, she works as a marketing intern at jewelry designer Joomi Lim.

I was immediately drawn to Rocio’s effervescent personality and her sense of style; playful, colorful and exuberant. She’s loves vintage shopping and isn’t afraid to do her twist on a classic. When I was designing the next collection I thought of the kind of bag that she might love.

The ROCIO flap clutch is constructed from dyed Lupiz straw with a shell inlay ornament on the flap. It also features an adjustable chain shoulder strap with a grosgrain running through the links. You can wear it short and long across your body depending on your mood and look.

Read our Q & A :

1. What is your idea of happiness?

My idea of happiness is being tan in a cute bikini, basking in the sun with my dog, swaying to good house music, and the enjoying the fantastic company of my closest friends and family.

2. What is your greatest extravagance?

My greatest extravagance is probably my dog, Mowgli. Rescued from Malibay in Pasay, he was adopted by my family malnourished and suffering from life threatening kidney and liver diseases. Since then, with lots of TLC, Mowgli has doubled in weight and has been certified as a service animal. Hence, he has been able to accompany me to college in New York. Though I take care of him every day, he too takes care of me! Mowgli grounds me: he shows me everyday that if I can take care of him, I can also take care of myself.

3. What is your current state of mind?

Presently, I am focused on not finding myself, but rather listening to myself. Recently, I have decided to stop repressing and bottling up my emotions. Instead, I challenge myself to feel every feeling, identify it, and discuss it with close confidants: by doing so, I find it easier to let things pass and accept them for what they are. Since, I have found a renewed understanding of the world as I experience it.

4. Whose style do you most admire?

Today, trends are accelerated by the temper and tempo of Tiktok: fast fashion and overconsumption have become the norm. However, some Tiktokers like Clara of @TinyJewishGirl and Mandy Lee of @OldLoserinBrooklyn (on Tiktok). Like me, they champion personal style and take risks that are aligned with their taste: they dress for themselves.

Aesthetically, I find myself inspired by characters rather than people. My fictional style icons include: Fran Drescher (from the Nanny), Holly Golightly (of Breakfast at Tiffany's), Fancy Nancy, Phoebe (from Friends), and Lola (from Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen).

5. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Life during the pandemic was mundane: for a while, I was uninspired and discouraged. Looking for a new creative outlet, I took to repairing old pieces of jewelry then began beading my own pieces. Suddenly, my life was saturated and charged again: I wanted to make something of my own. Slowly, I carved an online presence and developed a bidding system for one of a kind pieces. Eventually, I launched a website and designed a ready to wear collection. Rare by Rocio is one of my life's greatest achievements and I can't wait to see how this part of me blossoms.

6. What is your most treasured possession?

My most treasured possession is my "charm necklace." Over my entire life, I have been gifted a variety of pendants for various life experiences: for graduations, birthdays, awards, etc. Rather than wearing them separately on different necklaces, my maximalist instinct told me to put them all together on one chain. Today, when I wear the necklace, the amalgamation of the charms makes me smile: it's a reminder of who I was, who I am, and who I will be.

7. Who is your favorite writer?

My favorite writer is Laura Mulvey- though she isn't a fictional writer with a large body of novella- she is one of the most, if not the most, important feminist film theorist. Her seminal work, "Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema," made me (and the entire film world) cognizant of the ways in which female bodies facilitate spectacle on screen. She was the first to coin the term, "the male gaze."

8. Which living person do you most admire?

I most admire my Lulubel, Isabel Caro Wilson. Since I was young, I always had a special connection to her: she taught me how to wear red lipstick, would always read Eloise to me, and molded me into an empowered woman, one who isn't afraid to take up space. From her, I have inherited more than just a few adorable shoes (we have the same size); I have inherited a spirit of independence.

9. Where is your dream destination?

I wouldn't really say I have a dream destination; I can't really imagine myself fixating on one place. However, a dream of mine has always been to travel through the entire Philippines: to see all the provinces, experience all of the rich sub-cultures and dialects, and taste the native flavors of each faction of my culture. I've always felt a responsibility to educate myself on Filipino culture, especially because I am of mixed background and am not fluent in Tagalog. The colonial mentality seems to have infiltrated and eroded my connection to my Filipino heritage: I'd like to undo that.

10. What is your motto?

My Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Professor Paula Franzese once said: "The next time someone tells you that you wear your heart on your sleeve- take it as a compliment." This new digital age has bred a culture of detachment- a generation focused on being cool. In reality, vulnerability is your superpower; it fosters connections; it breeds empathy and it could create a world where we feel empowered to be present and kind- rather than out-of-touch and indifferent.

If you love the clutch as much as Rocio does, be sure to check the other colors by tapping on the link below.