Rafē News, Press, and Celebrity Sightings

Rafe Signs Licensing Agreement

2009-05-18T21:12:00.004-04:00

RAFE SIGNS LICENSING AGREEMENT

WITH AP BAGS USA

New York, NY, May 18, 2009 - Acclaimed designer Rafe Totengco has entered into a licensing agreement with AP Bags USA who will facilitate all manufacturing, sales, and marketing initiatives for the designer’s celebrated handbag, shoe and leather goods line, Rafē New York.
This promising announcement comes on the heels of the formation of AP Bags USA. “Rafē New York is the perfect complement to our portfolio of designers. His innate design talent and the commercial viability of his line are qualities inherent to all of our brands,” states John Wilson, CEO of AP Bags USA. “We see Rafe Totengco as a star in the fashion industry and are excited to be a part of his growing success.”

Rafe Totengco adds, “I’m thrilled to be partnering with AP Bags to develop the Rafē New York brand to its full potential world-wide. It is the next logical step in the evolution of Rafē New York to enter the next major phase of maturity. With the tremendous experience and resources available to it, AP Bags, USA will be able to maximize opportunities for growth that my small company could not accomplish on its own before. I believe that this is a major coup for both parties, and will prove to be a great mutual success. We can’t wait to get to work together!”

Rafe joins AP Bags USA’s roster of accessories brands, which includes Mandarina Duck, Coccinelle and Braccialini. AP Bags sought out the New York-based contemporary brand to complement its existing lineup, as well as build its U.S. business. “We looked to Rafe Totengco because he has incredible design talent and an established business in the U.S. market, but he was restricted in his ability to grow doing everything internally to effectively compete.” said John Wilson, president and chief executive officer of AP Bags USA. “We have the infrastructure and know-how, to take his brand to the next level and to build growth in terms of production and distribution.”

Wilson expects Rafe to generate a 30 percent sales increase in its first year under the agreement. Totengco expressed a sense of relief in allowing AP Bags to handle sourcing, production and sales. “It was getting to the point where operations and production problems were affecting my ability to do my best work,” Totengco said. “I wasn’t looking for this, but when the opportunity came along, I took a close look at their brands and thought, ‘Well they’re doing what we’re doing, only better, so let’s do it!’” Totengco said his handbag aesthetic won’t change, but he will be more equipped to produce on-time, at correct price-point with best quality which is key to providing value.

About Rafe Totengco:

Rafe launched his namesake handbag collection in 1995. Since then, he has become one of the most acclaimed of a new generation of American designers, recognized in his field with numerous honors. His accessories are known for their balance of fashion and function with each item crafted using top grade leathers, original fabrics and a fierce attention to detail. Rafe is a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). For more see: http://www.rafe.com/aboutrafe.html

About AP Bags USA:

AP Bags USA is the US distribution subsidiary of Antichi Pellettieri Bags S.p.A, a European leader in the accessible segment of the luxury goods market with a consolidated international presence. The Group designs, produces and distributes handbags and accessories, footwear and leather apparel collections characterized by top quality and innovative design.

American Express OPEN® Picks Rafe

2009-04-27T18:03:00.003-04:00

Rafe Totengco was chosen by American Express OPEN® for “My Rewards Story” Contest. He is featured in a special advertising section of the May issue of Fortune Small Business magazine, sponsored by American Express OPEN®. The campaign is designed to highlight select stories of business owners that use their Membership Rewards points to reinvest in their businesses. The six winners of the national campaign represent a variety of industries. Rafe Totengco is one of three that is being featured in a full page ad. Three winners and three runners up were selected from hundreds of submissions from card members to American Express OPEN® Business Card.

In addition to the Fortune Small Business Magazine Advertisement, Rafe Totengco and images of his company will be featured over the next three years in various American Express marketing materials that are targeted to American Express OPEN® card members as well as small business owner prospects. These marketing materials may involve features on the OPEN.com website as well as direct mailings that would include features in the OPEN® BOOK; A practical guide to business growth.

Rafe Totengco Scholarship

2009-04-14T12:28:00.006-04:00

The Rafe Totengco College Scholarship Grant is given by Rafé Totengco, a New York-based Filipino fashion designer who specializes in women’s handbags, shoes, and small leather goods, and men’s bags and accessories. In the late 1990s and through the 2000s, he garnered a number of awards for his designs.

He grew up in Bacolod City, Philippines. Even in elementary school, he began modifying his school uniform and going to tailors to have new clothes made for himself and his friends and family. Most Filipino fashionistas remember Rafe for Schizo, a clothing and accessories business under Sari-sari store in Manila. He was only 18 then and with no formal training in fashion. Unsatisfied he wanted to expand his horizons and soon enough, he went to New York where he enrolled in FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) evening school in fashion while supporting himself as a design assistant.

Late of last year, Team Manila and Marie Claire magazine asked Rafe Totengco to design a men’s and women’s t-shirts for a foundation of his own choice. He chose the Tapulanga Foundation, specifically the scholarship program. The shirts are being sold for Php1,500 and 45% goes to the foundation’s project. This successful project made the Rafe Totengco College Scholarship Grant possible.

Congratulations Mia Joy Villaneuva for being the recipient of the Rafe Totengco College Scholarship Grant, a four year college scholarship grant. Mia plans to take up Bachelor of Science in Education in either the University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City or CHMSI, Talisay City.

Better TV

2009-03-04T10:14:00.002-05:00

Better TV just recently visited the Rafe New York showroom, to have an interview with Rafe and to show viewers must have buys from the Rafe New York Spring 2009 collection.

Spotted: Rafe Bag on Desperate Housewives

2009-03-02T15:17:00.005-05:00

On the latest episode of Desperate Housewives (In a World Where Kings are Employers), we were pleasantly surprised to see a Rafe New York clutch peeking from Gabby’s (Eva Longoria) hands. We know Eva Longoria loves Rafe New York bags in real life but to see her wear one on film makes it even sweeter, especially when you least expect it, talk about fabulous product placement!

Unfortunately this bag was from last season and is sold out. But check out our site www.rafe.com for new clutches that might catch your eye.

Rafe New York in CFDA Accessories Book

2009-03-02T14:51:00.003-05:00

After the success of the 1st CFDA book featuring the ready to wear designers, it was only fitting that the accessories designers get their own book. Published by Assouline, edited by Candy Pratts Price, the executive Fashion Director of Style.com, and written by Jessica Glasscock and Art Tavee. It is a must buy coffee table book for the season. Candy organized the book in themes ranging from innovation, work, Hollywood to pop and future. The coffee table book showcases a wide variety of CFDA accessories designers in a beautiful way with over 250 illustrations and photographs of celebrities and famous fashion visionaries. It is a who’s who in the industry and we are proud to be included with our own full page.

Spotted: Rafe Bag on Gossip Girl

2009-02-11T16:09:00.004-05:00

Rafe "Camilla" tote in Gossip girl episode 17: Carnal Knowledge

Gossip Girl, the WB's hot drama series, is every fashionistas dream come true. The outfits and accessories shown become instant hits . Every major designer has been featured so naturally Rafe had to be a part of the fabulous production. Recently Blair Waldorf, played by the stunning Leighton Meester, was seen carrying the “Camilla” tote in red ombre’ patent in episode 17: Carnal Knowledge. Unfortunately, this tote is already sold out! Xoxo! Rafe

'Tis the Season to Give!

2008-12-11T15:33:00.010-05:00

In keeping with the spirit of the holiday season, Rafe has designed two limited edition t-shirts that will be sold as part of the Marie Claire Philippines "Gifts with a Conscience" project.

The proceeds will be donated to the Tapulanga Foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization which provides educational, healthcare and micro-credit assistance to communities in Rafe's hometown province of Negros Occidental, Philippines.

In honor of the project, the Tapulanga Foundation has created the Rafe Totengco College Scholarship Fund, which will provide educational scholarships to children in need.

The t-shirts are available in the US for $35 on the Tapulanga Foundation's website and in the Philippines at Team Manila stores nationwide.

Shop Till You Drop!

2008-11-18T10:43:00.017-05:00

Rafe participated in Lucky Shops - the annual "ultimate shopping event" hosted by Lucky magazine - again this year.

The Rafe booth was packed with shoppers going crazy for animal print totes, laser cut clutches and nylon hobos.

Rafe also designed a limited edition collection of small leather goods inspired by the Chevy Malibu. The Rafe for Chevy accessories were a hit at the event and are also available online at Bluefly.com.

Shoppers with their Rafe goodies!

The Rafe for Chevy "storescape" on 7th Ave. between 22nd & 23rd St. (Click on image to see a better view!).

To view more images from the event, please visit Rafe's Facebook Fan Page.

Rafe's Faves

2008-11-07T11:24:00.011-05:00

Designer Rafe Totengco has picked his "Must Have" shoes for Fall! His faves include: sexy t-strap heels, chic patent booties and modern riding boots. Click on the images below for more details.

Recognizing Rafe

2008-10-14T14:25:00.006-04:00

Last Tuesday, the Asian American Arts Alliance (AAAA) threw an intimate dinner party at 12 Chairs Cafe to honor Rafe Totengco for his contributions as an Asian American designer. The organization also recognized fellow designers Phillip Lim and Peter Som.

"I think it is important that we celebrate our heritage," Rafe said. "Events like these really strengthen the bond between us."

Proceeds from the dinner benefited the Asian American Arts Alliance, a 26-year old nonprofit arts organization dedicated to strengthening Asian American artists & arts/cultural groups in New York City through funding, promotion, networking & advocacy.

Rafe for Tibi Collection

2008-09-24T11:38:00.011-04:00

Rafē New York is proud to announce its collaboration with Tibi, the chic contemporary women’s clothing brand, on a limited edition handbag collection for Spring 09. The rafē® for tibi® collection blends signature rafē silhouettes with Tibi’s whimsical aesthetic.

“[Tibi designer] Amy Smilovic and I both love unique prints and bold colors,” says designer Rafē Totengco. “I’ve always admired her work and vice versa. Working with her on this handbag collection was a match made in fashion heaven!”

The "Martina" patent leather wood frame clutch was paired with two looks on Tibi's Spring 09 runway presentation at Bryant Park.

The Rafē for Tibi collection will be available in stores and online at rafe.com in February.

LUCKY SHOPS 2008

2008-09-17T13:02:00.006-04:00

For the second year in a row, Rafē will be participating in LUCKY SHOPS, the ultimate shopping event hosted by LUCKY magazine. On Friday, November 7 and Saturday, November 8, enjoy complimentary cocktails and great music while shopping a select grouping of Rafē Fall 2008 handbags.

And feel good about shopping! A portion of ticket sales for the event will benefit Robin Hood, an organization that targets poverty in New York City by funding the most effective programs and partnering with them to maximize results.

For more information and to buy tickets, please visit www.luckyshops.com.

RAFE'S JAKARTA DIARY

2008-07-02T09:41:00.005-04:00

For his second Style File post, Rafe writes from Jakarta. You can read the entry below or click here for the style.com blog.

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

June 23: Today I met with Daisy Musin, the buyer from Masari, one of the best specialty stores in Jakarta (and a Rafé stockist). Masari just opened an accessories-only shop in a new upscale mall called Plaza Indonesia. The girls scheduled a marathon press day for me—I could barely speak after all that schmoozing. But I caught my second wind after they took me shopping for Indonesian crafts, home accessories, and fashion. Retail therapy always revives me.

We then had tea in a café that overlooks Jakarta. They made me try some local delicacies like kolak pisang (banana with coconut milk, brown sugar, and pandan leaves) and this amazing drink, Sekoteng, made of ginger, peanuts, jelly, red beans, and milk. That evening we had dinner at an amazing restaurant, Lara Djonggrang, set in a reclaimed 300-year-old temple from East Java. They serve imperial Indonesian cuisine—delicious!

June 24: I had breakfast with Widiyana Sudirman from Harvey Nichols Jakarta, which is set to open in September. We discussed some special projects I would do for the opening. Then my friend Annette del Rosario picked me up to go sightseeing and shopping. First stop, Jalan Surabaya, Jakarta's famous flea market. We dove right into the hand-woven ikat fabrics and batik sarongs from Timor and Lombok, as well as imperial hair accessories that I thought Zani Gugelmann would die for. All that shopping left us hungry, so we headed over to Café Batavia in the historical Kota area. It's a grand 200-year-old structure from the Dutch colonial period and one of Jakarta's most famous and chic restaurants—and it's conveniently open 24 hours a day! After some food, we moved on to the Kemang district to check out the latest mini-mall concept called the Papillon. It has a restaurant with a roof deck lounge, a bridal store that would make Vera green with envy, a multi-brand shop by Club 21, and a tea room by Dutch chocolatier Huize van Wely. The profiteroles were a dream!

Style.com Style File

2008-07-01T11:24:00.004-04:00

Style.com has called on Rafe once again to blog for their Style File blog. This time around, Rafe writes from Asia where he has been traveling for the past month. In his first entry, which you can read below, Rafe recounts his trip to Bali. You can read the real post here .

Up next...Jakarta!

Friday, June 27, 2008 11:29 AM

RAFE TOTENGCO'S BALI DIARY

June 19: Seminyak, Bali. When you get invited to a wedding in Bali, you don't think twice about it—you go. That's exactly what I did when my friends David Jacob and Amanda Griffin asked me to join them for a weekend on this magical island. I stayed in Seminyak, by the beach. This area has great shops and really good restaurants. I had a tasty nasi goreng for lunch at Made's Warung, then hit some of the fabric stores. Fortunately, the words for expensive and inexpensive are the same in Indonesian as they are in Filipino, and I came home with a quite a number of ikat scarves and batik sarongs. Sunset at Ku De Ta is a must. This is Bali's answer to Café del Mar in Ibiza. Cute Euro and Asian crowd; groovy, chill sounds by a DJ; and potent cocktails equals a really good party.

June 20: Ubud, Bali. I hired a driver for the day to head over to Ubud to check out the rice terrace. On the way, I took photos of village women preparing for a ceremony and men in their sarongs. All that mix of pattern and color is so inspiring. Had lunch at the famous hole-in-the-wall Ibu Oka restaurant (Anthony Bourdain swears by their babi guling suckling pig dish). Had a Balinese massage at the Four Seasons and stayed for a sunset snack. This hotel has the best bar ever. It has 30-foot ceilings and overlooks a river and mountains—and seating is arranged so everybody has a view. Breathtaking! I caught a Kecak and fire dance performance held inside a torchlit Balinese temple. It was so dramatic and hypnotic. This is one thing you don't want to miss while in Bali.

CFDA Cocktail Party at Norwood

2008-06-17T10:54:00.005-04:00

On the eve of the fashion industry's biggest fete, the CFDA Awards, Swarovski hosted a cocktail party at Norwood, NYC's newest "private club," for an elite group of designers, socialites and celebrities. Rafe, along with friend Zani Gugelmann - a jewelry designer cum socialite - dropped by the festivities to mingle with friends and toast the following evening's awards. Zani looked gorgeous in a summery white cocktail dress that she accessoried with a metallic gold LAOS MARTINA laser cut wood frame clutch from Rafe's spring 08 collection. Unfortunately, that particular clutch is sold out but similar styles, such as the KOH SAMUI JOY metallic gold snakeskin clutch, are available at rafe.com. And they're on sale! Happy shopping!

2008 Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Award

2008-06-02T14:49:00.014-04:00

Our very own Rafe Totengco was the recipient of the 2008 Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Award last week. Established by the Asian American Business Development Center (AABDC) in 2001, the Outstanding 50 Award is the first and largest business award program for the Asian American community in the nation. The award honors the success of Asian Americans in business and recognizes those who demonstrate innovation, leadership and vision. As President of the Rafe brand, Totengco was honored as an influential Asian American entrepreneur who has achieved extraordinary accomplishments in his field. “I’m so proud to receive this prestigious award,” says Totengco. “It feels great to be acknowledged in the Asian American community and especially as the sole recipient in the fashion industry."

Please visit our Facebook page to view pictures from the awards dinner.

SPOTTED: Jessica Alba carrying a RAFE bag!

2008-05-01T09:53:00.005-04:00

Beautiful mom-to-be Jessica Alba was spotted in Beverly Hills on Tuesday carrying her very own RAFE bag. The talented actress accessorized her sunny look with a white LOTUS COCO flower patent leather tote. The chic bag is even roomy enough to double as a diaper bag when Alba finally pops!

Congrats Jessica!!

Rafe on Desperate Housewives

2008-04-21T16:22:00.008-04:00

On last night's episode of "Deperate Housewives" - primetime's guiltiest pleasure - fashionable bad girl Gabrielle Solis, aka Eva Longoria, accessorized her cute strapless black dress with a clutch from RAFE's spring/summer 08 collection. Her black LOTUS JOY flower patent long frame clutch added just the right amount of shine to her sophisticated look.

The bag retails for $350 and is available in black, red, orange and - my personal favorite - white (so chic for summer!).

RAFE on Facebook!

2008-04-17T16:15:00.005-04:00

Rafe is now on Facebook!

Become a fan and receive:

Weekly press updates

The latest Rafe news

Information about upcoming events

and much more!

As a fan, you can also upload pictures of you with your favorite Rafe handbag or pair of shoes!

Just click the link below to sign up.

Rafe Opens First Manila Boutique

2008-04-14T10:41:00.003-04:00

RAFE celebrated the official launch of its first Manila boutique at the Greenbelt 5 Ayala Mall on Thursday, March 27, 2008. The grand opening included a ribbon cutting ceremony and cocktail party hosted by designer Rafe Totengco and store owners Ricco and Tina Ocampo.

“It was a mob scene!” exclaimed Totengco, who signed linings and soles nonstop throughout the event. “Everybody came out to support and buy Rafe.” Over the course of the evening, guests such as Ting Ting Cojuangco, Audrey Puckett Chiu, Mons Romulo Tantoco, Sophia Elizalde, Lizzie Zobel, Mia Borromeo, Tina Ocampo and Luli Arroyo shopped the edited collection of handbags, shoes and accessories. By the end of the event, the boutique had sold out of several styles including the “Laos Martina” laser cut wood frame clutch, the “Lotus Elisha” patent leather platform sandals and the “Koh Samui Sasha” snakeskin minaudieres. “It was an absolutely unforgettable homecoming,” says Totengco.

The Ayala Mall store is the brand’s first in the Philippines, which is also designer Rafe Totengco’s home country. “It’s a dream come true for me,” says Totengco. “I’m so proud to be opening a store here. My life has really come full circle.”

The Manila boutique, designed to mimic the brand’s New York City showroom, boasts baby blue damask patterned walls, rich chocolate brown floors and an eclectic mix of Asian antiques and vintage furniture. The free-standing store carries an edited collection of Rafe handbags, shoes and leather goods which are merchandised to epitomize the brand’s fun, chic aesthetic. In addition, Rafe will produce a collection of limited edition accessories especially for the boutique.

Owned by Ricco and Tina Ocampo, the husband and wife team behind multi-brand fashion boutique Mix, the store is a franchise that grew organically from the pair’s long-standing relationship with Totengco.

“Ricco and Tina have supported me from the very beginning” says Totengco. “From my early years in the Philippines to now, with the store. I couldn’t have imagined two better partners to work with on this endeavor.”

The Rafe boutique is located in the Greenbelt 5 Ayayla Mall alongside other established fashion brands such as Balenciaga, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Paul Smith, Banana Republic and Celestina.

For more images from the event, please visit Rafe's blog http://canitellyou.rafe.com/

Style.com Fashion Diary

2008-02-06T13:48:00.000-05:00

New York Fashion Week is upon us once again, which means back-to-back shows, late night parties and dinners with old friends. To gain insight on this hectic week, fashion bible Style.com recruited Rafe to scribe a detailed account of his jam-packed Monday. See below for a preview of the diary entry and click here for the full story.

Gossip Girl

2007-12-13T12:54:00.000-05:00

Gossip Girl, the WB's hot new drama, has been called the new Sex & the City. The outfits and accessories shown on the show rival those worn by Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda. Every major designer is featured so naturally Rafe had to be a part of the fabulous production. Recently Serena van der Woodsen, played by the gorgeous Blake Lively, was seen carrying the Wooster Cameron bag in bordeaux during filming for an upcoming episode.
The Cameron is available at www.rafe.com in the sale section for $270.00

We love Gossip Girl and are glad they are loving Rafe too!

Chevy and Rafe

2007-11-05T17:08:00.000-05:00

Every year Lucky Shops, the hottest sample sale in town hosted by Lucky Magazine, attracts shoppers from all over the country looking to garner amazing deals from the most in-demand designers. This year, Chevrolet sponsored the event in honor of the redesign of the Chevy Malibu. Looking to make the car more fashion forward Lucky Magazine approached designer Rafe Totengco to create a limited collection inspired by the Malibu’s redesign.

Rafe’s capsule Chevy collection includes two small leather goods, a key and card case and a French wallet as well as a flap clutch, all crafted in Anthracite snakeskin and lined with red satin, inspired by the features and colors of one model of the Malibu.

Totengco says “I was thrilled to collaborate with Lucky and Chevy to design a limited edition series of accessories. Chevy is an American iconic brand and Lucky is the ultimate shopping guide for girls, it was a win-win situation for me. There's so much synergy and it is such an amazing co-branding opportunity, I agreed to do it immediately.”

The Rafe for Chevy collection was available at Lucky Shops, held at the Metropolitan Pavilion October 25-27th, and is now online at luckyshops.com and bluefly.com.

Rafe Behind the Wheel!!!

Rafe On CBS News

2007-10-31T15:07:00.000-04:00

Suze Yalof Schwartz, Glamour Magazine's fashion editor at large, handles all television appearances for the magazine and reports on current treads. Her latest segment, on the Early Show on October 30th, featured affordable coats - Each look she paired with a Rafe handbag to add a bit of shine!

Check out the video to see some great fall handbags- http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=3430420n

Some highlights (available at http://www.rafe.com/) from the segment include:

Voltaire Penelope, topaz

Madeline Joy, Grey

Voltaire Joy, Topaz