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465 West 23rd Street, Suite 9B
New York, NY, 10011
United States

(917) 664-2294

JOURNAL

CAN I TELL YOU ... TAKE A TRIP AROUND THE WORLD WITH ME, MEET THE WOMEN THAT INSPIRE ME OR GET THE SCOOP ON NEW STYLES.

Filtering by Category: Street Style

Can I Tell You...about Aya Abesamis.

Rafe Totengco

Aya with her Aya frame clutch at Rockefeller Center.

Can I Tell You…about Aya Abesamis. We started following each other on Instagram last year but we recently finally met in person. I knew of Aya because her parents were fashion models and contemporaries of my sisters back in the Philippines in the 1980s. Her mother Desiree Verdadero was the 3rd runner up for Miss Universe back in 1984. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Aya joined the pageant scene and in 2019 was crowned the title of Binibing Pilipinas Grand International.

She’s been living in New York for almost two years and is represented by the legendary agency Ford Models. Aside from modeling, she also runs her own clothing brand AAYA, freelances for shoe designer Warren Edwards and paints in her free time.

The Aya Frame Clutch was inspired by Aya’s femininity, effervescence and self confidence. It features a covered frame closure with the clasps on the inside so the hardware is hidden from plain site and comes in an array of handworked sequins that will dazzle in the night.

Read our Q & A :

1. What is your idea of happiness?
Happiness is a feeling of enjoyment , positivity and a balance of well being.

2. What is your greatest extravagance?
My greatest extravagance would be fashion and the arts. I just love the creativity and inspiration that fashion and art can give you.

3. What is your current state of mind?
To always believe in myself, and have faith in my abilities. “You can achieve anything you put your mind and hard work to.”

4. Whose style do you most admire?
It’s a mix of role models; the Olsen Twins, Zendaya and Kendall Jenner.

black white sequined clutch

Aya Abesamis wearing the Aya frame clutch during New York Fashion Week.

5. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I feel like I have a lot more to achieve in my life. But so far, I feel like I’m living my dream; to be doing the things I love like modeling, fashion, arts, and a lot more in the city of dreams a.k.a New York City.

6. What is your most treasured possession?
Probably the most treasured possession is a special analog watch that my mother handed down to me which was a gift from my dad. It’s definitely a special keepsake.

7. Who is your favorite writer? Ryan Holiday, Yung Pueblo and Rupi Kaur

8. Which living person do you most admire? My parents.

9. Where is your dream destination?
My dream destinations would be Iceland, Morocco, Switzerland and the anywhere in the Mediterranean.

10. What is your motto?
“Love the humble art”. - Marcus Aurelius. It’s appreciating the little things. The goal in life is to love what you do and to love your craft.

Aya wearing the Aya frame clutch.

Can I Tell You...Gold is a neutral.

Rafe Totengco

Fernanda handwoven frame clutch in gold.

Can I tell you…gold bags are a great choice for summer as they complement a wide range of colors. Whether your’e wearing bright, white or neutrals, a gold bag adds a touch of elegance and sophistication without being overpowering. The Fernanda frame clutch can elevate a simple outfit and give it that extra oomph. The bag is handwoven in strips of platinum, rose gold and gold leather then finished with a structured covered frame. It also comes with a braided leather shoulder strap so you can wear it as a crossbody bag.

Fernanda woven frame clutch in gold.

Gold is a neutral but neutral doesn't have to mean boring. Consider the Annick crossbody in handwoven gold leather. You can easily wear this bag from day to night and it allows you to be hands free.

Annick crossbody bucket bag.

Whether you're attending a wedding, a formal event, a date night, or just going out with friends, the Annick is versatile for a range of occasions.

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

Rafe Totengco

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!

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...Wear White Now!

Rafe Totengco

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.