Can I Tell You ... about my collaboration with Mestiza New York.

We all know that feeling you have when you meet someone and you just know you’re going to get along. That’s exactly how I felt when I met Alessandra years ago. We have a shared heritage and it’s something we are very proud of. We just get each other.

"I am so thrilled for the opportunity to collaborate with Rafe Totenco, whom I’ve long admired since my early days in New York, when I dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. I first got to meet him back in 2016 at a Christmas party thrown by a mutual friend, and he doesn’t know this but I felt like I was meeting a huge celebrity! Ever since starting Mestiza I always knew I wanted to partner with him in some way, especially since we are both so closely tied to our Filipino heritage and always reference it in our collections. This collaboration has truly been a full circle moment for me, because getting the opportunity to partner with a fellow Filipino designer who paved the way is such an honor." - Alessandra Perez-Rubio

I admire how their clothing continuously reference Alessandra’s Filipino heritage akin to what I do when I design my handbags. Alessandra had approached me last year about doing a collaboration and it was an immediate yes for me. From start to finish, collaborating with them was so harmonious and stress-free. I’m thrilled that the clutches compliment their clothes perfectly.

“This was a match made in heaven, a tropical heaven.” - Rafe Totengco

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...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...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.