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…what's new for you this September.

Ella cut out handle tote

Back to life, back to reality, back to the here and now, yeah!

September is the perfect time to update your wardrobe with some major pieces. The Rafe New York Fall / Winter 2021 collection is packed with all new styles that are sure to be head-turners on the streets or at any fun events you’re planning to be seen at.

I’ve picked a few to introduce to you.

The Ella cut out handle tote is a compact little number that evokes structured handbags from the 1960s, an era that I’m always inspired by. I love it in leopard and in silver metallic. It has a detachable chain strap so you can wear it as a cross body bag.

Small Brooke cross body

The Small Brooke pleated clutch is an update from the bigger Brooke style. A little shrunken but still retaining all the charming details like the detachable resin chain link handle and the skinny cross body strap. This is the perfect day to evening bag.

Angie structured hobo

Sometimes, you have to look back to go forward. While working on this collection I delved into my archives and found some styles that felt relevant again today. The Angie structured hobo is a throwback to one of my original designs but updated with new logo hardware, additional function and materials.

In the coming weeks I’ll be introducing more new styles. I hope you like them as much as I enjoyed designing them.

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.

Can I tell you...about the Rafe New York Fall / Winter 2020 collection.

Nikki vanity case in black mock-croc leather.

by Isabella Martinez

 A collection reminiscent of the sleek geometric motifs of the Art Deco movement, the Rafe New York fall and winter 2020 collection is filled with rich textures and jewel tones masterfully paired with embossed leathers, shell inlay, supple suedes, and panne’ velvet.

SOFIA Octagon Clutch in teal.

When asked about the inspiration behind the collection, the Creative Director and Founder Rafe Totengco explained, “I’ve always embraced the vintage aesthetic and this collection draws  a lot from muses like Bianca Jagger and Sayoko Yamaguchi as well as designs from the 1940’s when women carried elegant vanity cases and wrist purses.” 

AUDREY Beaded Pouch in black / gold / silver.

A poetic ode to the powerful tastemakers and rulebreakers of past generations, the designs of the Rafe fall and winter collection echo the individuality of the flapper girl and style of a 70s socialite. The New York based brand drew inspiration from the rich and exuberant embellishments of the past while paying homage to its very city with structured silhouettes akin to the Chrysler building.

JESS Box Clutch in black / gold / silver embossed leather and suede.

A poetic ode to the powerful tastemakers and rulebreakers of past generations, the designs of the Rafe fall and winter collection echo the individuality of the flapper girl and style of a 70s socialite. The New York based brand drew inspiration from the rich and exuberant embellishments of the past while paying homage to its very city with structured silhouettes akin to the Chrysler building.

NICOLE Bucket Bag in Green / Teal / Black.

Rich textures and jewel tones share the spotlight in embossed leathers, shell inlay, supple suedes and crushed velvet in Rafe’s fall and winter collection. Whether you’re looking for a statement clutch or a day-to-evening bag, you’ll find all of that and more this season.

Venus Minaudière in violet shell inlay.

An intersection of culture and architecture, Rafe breathes new life into the fashion industry with vibrant, polished accessories designed for the women with timeless style. Whether you’re looking for a statement clutch or a day-to-evening bag, you’ll find all of that and more in this season’s collection.

SOFIA Octagon Clutch in leopard sequins.

If you love any of the bags from the collection, we are offering a 20% reduction for our loyal subscribers. Use code : RAFELOVES at check out.

www.rafe.com