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...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...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.