Can I Tell You...Say Hello to Summer.

Nothing says summer like blue and white. It’s such a classic combination that always looks fresh on everyone. I love it in everything from small ditsy prints, stripes, ombre’d to patch-worked denim. Now would be a good time to start switching out your wardrobe; store those chunky knits and cozy sweats and replace them with lightweight and easy pieces. Here’s a few items s that I’ve chosen from my collection and from other designers.

If you like any of the Rafe bags from this edit or any other style from the Spring-Summer collection, use the code : LONGWEEKEND and get 25% off.

Offer only valid for US residents and good until June 15, 2021.

Can I tell you...about Jussara Lee.

Jussara Lee and I first crossed paths in New York in the late 90s. I collaborated with her to design bags for her runway show during New York Fashion Week. That was a really fun experience especially for a newcomer in the industry. Almost every look came out with a bag which was unheard of in those days. Ever since then we have stayed in touch throughout the years. Whenever we could, we would grab a bite or a coffee just to catch up. Our conversations were always heart to heart, full of love, honesty and laughter.

About 10 years ago Jussara started transforming used clothes into new clothes. She learned that In the US alone, the average consumer wears only 20% of what is in their closet. According to her clients and friends, the remaining 80% mostly ends up hidden away in the back of their closets or are donated. That motivated her to start a mending program called the Hand Me Up collection.

When I started designing this season I had the opportunity to do some up-cycled bags and I immediately thought of Jussara. This was something I knew she would love. The #jussaratoteandmask set is a combination of patchwork fabrics collected from factory overruns then hand-embroidered in naive motifs using the Japanese Sachiko technique. Each piece is worked on individually by different women; making every bag a one of a kind.

Read our Q&A and get to know Jussara:

1.    What is your idea of happiness?

Picking cherry tomatoes from my kitchen garden on a cool afternoon. One for me, two in the basket...

2.    What is your greatest extravagance?

Not to have a regular job

3.    What is your current state of mind?

 Sounds cliche but I really mean it: I feel blessed for being healthy

4.    Whose style do you most admire?

Mine.

5.    What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Growing up eating meat, I never thought I could become vegetarian let alone vegan. Except once a year when I indulge and eat churrasco, Brazilian barbecue :).

6.    What is your most treasured possession?

I am not attached to anything. But if you squeeze me hard, I would say my prescription glasses.

7.    Who is your favorite writer?

Miguel Cervantes

8.    Which living person do you most admire?

My mother

9.    Where is your dream destination?

I love my home.

10. What is your motto?

Tasty, healthy, nutritious food will get me to climb a mountain.

If you love the #jussaratoteandmaskset or any other bag from the new collection, use the code RAFELOVES at checkout and receive a 20% reduction.

Offer only valid for US residents and good until April 30, 2021.

Can I tell you...about Joey Mead King.

Joey Mead King wearing the #JoeyToteandMaskSet

I met Joey Mead King at a photo shoot while I was visiting Manila in 2010. We have a lot of friends in common so the connection was immediate. I just loved her easygoing attitude, her integrity and passion for her causes and of course, her personal sense of style. She walks in and everyone notices. When I did my first collaboration for Bench in Manila I asked her to host the show for me which she agreed to do immediately.

For those of you who don’t know her, Joey is a Filipino-Iranian television personality, fashion lifestyle host, runway coach and was the model mentor/co-judge on popular reality show, Asia's Next Top Model in 2012 and 2015. She was also listed as one of BBC's 100 Women in 2018. She’s also a huge animal activist and has quite a number of rescued dogs and cats.

Since the pandemic hit the Philippines she has been spending a lot of time in the province and has taken up knitting.

Joey at home in the province with her #JoeyToteandMaskSet

I asked Joey some questions to find out what’s been on her mind lately and what keeps her grounded.

1. What is your idea of happiness? Solitude, meditative walks alone with my spouse.

2. What is your greatest extravagance? Sharing my energy.

3. What is your current state of mind? Practicing presence.

4. Whose style do you most admire? My own. I also like Talitha Getty, Nicole Ritchie and rockstars Debbie Harry and Steven Tyler.

5. What do you consider your greatest achievement? Being here now.

6. What is your most treasured possession? My collection of crystals.

7. Who is your favorite writer? JK Rowling

8. Which living person do you most admire? Angelina Jolie

9. Where is your dream destination? Marrakesh, Morocco.

10. What is your motto? Love every part of you.

Hand-embroidered with love by women in Baao, Camarines Sur, Philippines.

If you love the #JoeyToteandMaskSet or any other bag from the Spring collection, use code RAFELOVES at check out and receive a 20% reduction. Offer valid only for US residents and until March 15, 2021.

www.rafe.com