Can I Tell You...it's a case of Natural selection.

My affinity for objects made from natural fibers began at an early age. I have memories of lazy afternoons lounging on rattan chairs while having ‘merienda’ and taking siestas under the mango tree on ‘banig’ mats. These visual snippets of my Philippine childhood evoke such happy times. Fortunately, the country of my birth has an abundance of sustainable raw materials and weaving traditions passed down through generations. All over the archipelago certain provinces are known for the varieties of woven materials they produce. Over the years, whenever I design a Spring-Summer collection I inevitably add natural elements into my collection.

This season, consider adding the Tracy wicker tote, the Eliz tote, the Vianca bucket tote or the Katrina bucket tote to your wardrobe as well as these other handwoven objects for your home.

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...Seashells have always inspired me.

“Seashells are love letters in the sand” - Anonymous

I have been obsessed with seashells ever since I can remember. Growing up in the tropics my family would go on weekend excursions by the seaside where we would eat grilled fish and play in the water all day, picking up shells and taking them home. To this day, if I’m on a beach I cannot resist picking up a few seashells.

Naturally, this obsession has found its way into my own collection from the shell embellishments on the Vianca bucket totes to the silhouettes of the Katie clutches and Venus minaudieres. Here are are some my designs and a few other objects inspired by treasures from the sea.

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 Ann Caruso.

Ann Caruso with her #AnnRattanTote in Manhattan.

I first met Ann Caruso when she was working at Ralph Lauren back in the mid 90’s. Our paths crossed again when she was at Vogue and featured one of my designs in the magazine. She has continued to style shoots for Vanity Fair, Town & Country, Oprah Magazine, and Harper’s Bazaar as well as dress celebrities like Elizabeth Hurley, Oprah Winfrey and Katherine Heigl.

As a two-time breast cancer survivor and activist, Ann is a survivor and an inspiration. She has remained positive, compassionate and resilient. This season I named a bag after her; inspired by her effortlessly chic and feminine style.

Ann with her #Annrattantote strolling in her neighborhood.

I asked Ann a few questions about what keeps her going.

1. What is your idea of happiness? Happiness is a state of mind.

2. What is your greatest extravagance? My greatest extravagance is not having to do anything all day and just relax. 

3. What is your current state of mind? Having immense gratitude for my health and for friends and family who stay connected during this time. 

4. Whose style do you most admire? My friends Amanda Ross, Lauren Santo Domingo, Aerin Lauder and Filipa de Abreu.

5. What do you consider your greatest achievement? Conquering Cancer 

6. Who is your favorite writer? Louise Hay who taught me that you can heal your body. 

7. Which living person do you most admire? My mother.

8. Where is your dream destination? Anywhere in the Mediterranean like Italy and Greece.

9. What is your motto? Gratitude makes you beautiful and take it day by day.

Ann wearing the #AnnRattanTote with blue and white wrapped handles.

Ann in the Hamptons looking fresh and toting her #AnnRattanTote with blue and white wrapped handles.

If you love the #AnnRattanTote we are offering a special reduction if you use Ann’s code: ANN30. Enter this at checkout to receive 30% off from my site.

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