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...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 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 my Gift Guide

Rafe bags galore.

The Only Holiday Gift Guide You Need

Coming in hot off the bend of closet purge season during the summer of Netflix and sweatpants, #quarantinelife has left everyone pining for the holiday season waiting for the first sign of Mariah Carey. A lesson tried and true for this year’s gifting list is simple: a girl can never have too many bags. 

The trends sweeping the streets of New York City this fall are reminiscent and hopeful with vibrant colors, metallic accents, dynamic patchwork, and luxurious fabrics. When it comes time to hit the pavement for gifting this season, look no further than these styles that are just one click away. 

#VaniaWristClutch in gold snakeskin.

Great for a night on the town, the Vania is an elegant clutch that will liven up any outfit in matte gold snakeskin and slim wrist strap. An incredible piece that wears well with a pair of heels; this hands-free wrist clutch is the best gift for the girl who likes to sip and text. 

Standout color combos are all the rage this season. The Rafe Nicole Bucket Bag in black, camel and cognac is a gift for the modern bohemian in your life. The bold color block combination in suede paired with faux tortoise resin chain strap makes this bag an attention grabber. 

Baby you’re a firework, so why not have a bag to match? The Audrey beaded pouch is a gift for the Gatsby girl with a taste for night long celebrations. Combining opulent beadwork and flirty tassels, the Audrey beaded pouch is ready for the holidays.

Sleek and chic. Inspired by the elegant vanity cases carried by stylish women of the 1950s, the Nikki Hexagon Vanity Case is a gift perfect for the fan of minimalism. Constructed in a graphic Zebra print haircalf with a black resin handle and chain link strap, this timeless staple is what your wardrobe is missing.

#NicoleBucketBag in berry mock-croc embossed leather.

This is not your grandmother’s pocketbook. Crafted in mock-croc embossed leather in a vibrant berry shade, the Nicole bucket bag is one for the rebels. The marbleized resin chain link strap and structured design offers an edgy twist on a classic that travels well from desk to dusk.

#SireneMinaudiere in white shell.

Listen for the call of the ocean. The Sirene Solid Shell Minaudière is a perfect for anyone that considers herself a mermaid.  A truly spectacular piece is masterfully constructed from 2 whole abalone shells mixed luminous yellow Mother-of-Pearl gussets, this art-to-wear clutch has a beautiful story to tell. 

The it-bag for the upcoming holiday season, this may just be the gift to treat yourself to. A one-of-a-kind piece, the Yuki Wrist Pouch is constructed in panne’ velvet with a ruched collar inspired by pochettes that were all the rage in the 1940’s. The soft wrist strap is embellished with a rhinestone pavé brooch in the front and a recessed zipper closure. This bag is a definite statement piece.

And our gift to you. Use the code TAKE30 at check out to received 30% off any bag from our Fall / Winter 2020 collection.

www.rafe.com