Clutches inspired by New York, the city I call home

MANILA, Philippines — My fall-winter collection was inspired by the city I call home, New York. The Art Deco architecture, the culture mix, eclectic neighborhoods, the art scene, music and energy.

I was listening to Cole Porter’s songs sung by Ella Fitzgerald as I was designing the collection. The lyrics are happy, full of optimism and romance. Whenever I go out to a restaurant, I might catch a glimpse of a woman out on a date and I love observing the flirtation that transpires.  I see how she flips her hair, how she clutches her bag, adjusts her dress and sips her cocktail…it’s fascinating. These are the kinds of moments that inspire me when I think of the woman who might wear my designs.

Kiki shell minaudiere

One of my new clutches, called the Amanda, is festooned with individually threaded tassels creating a multi-tiered fringe that reminds one of the flapper dresses from the Jazz Age. It’s fun, flirty and irresistible to caress.

My Sophie camera bag has loops in the back, allowing one to wear it as a belt bag, as well as a cross-body bag. It’s all about options.

Vivienne minaudiere

My Melissa and Vivienne minaudieres have become mainstays in my collection. Their faceted shells allow me a myriad of combinations and the possibilities are endless. This season, I’ve introduced them lacquered in jewel tones and complementing shell inlays.

Take a walk on the wild side with my Kiki minaudieres with a zebra and a leopard inlay design. These beauties are painstakingly applied over a course of several days and are seasonless statement pieces.

*  *  *

Rafe is exclusively available at Rustan’s Makati, Shangri-La and Cebu.