Rafe Launches Craftwork

RAFE NEW YORK PARTNERS WITH INVISIBLE TO INTRODUCE CRAFTWORK
A partnership to protect the environment and reduce poverty.
Accessories designer Rafe Totengco is proud to announce a collaboration with INVISIBLE, a socially responsible, eco-conscious program founded by artist and activist Ann Wizer. Rafe launched Craftwork, a capsule collection of handbags within his Spring 2010 line, featuring crochet work done by women in the Philippines. These women, many of whom are single mothers, have been recruited from impoverished areas of Manila and taught the dying craft of crochet by Ann and her team of volunteers.









This program allows the women to recognize their artistic talents and provide a source of income for their families. The Craftwork by Rafe collection is comprised of three styles- a tote, a clutch and a wristlet. Each piece is crocheted by one woman from start to finish then finished with leather straps for maximum wearability.





“Growing up in the Philippines I was always conscious of the poverty of my country but never had the opportunity to witness it first hand until recently. I’m so excited to be the first US based designer to be working with Ann Wizer and the women at INVISIBLE,” states designer Rafe Totengco. “After meeting these women, seeing the conditions they live in and learning about the significant difference this program can make in their lives, I was determined to help in any way that I could.”








This program not only provides much-needed revenue for these women, it also helps to clean up Manila’s waste strewn streets and rivers. The handbags are made using plastic bags collected through school drives and collections from grocery stores. Rafe's Spring order alone rescued 40,000 plastic bags. As a result of the varieties of plastic bags available to the women, each bag will be, by default, “one of a kind” and truly special.

These fabulous Rafe bags are now available online at Amazon.com, just in time for Spring!

Rafe Designs A Special Shoe for Baileys

BAILEYS TAPPED DESIGNER RAFE TOTENGCO TO DESIGN A SHOE INSPIRED BY THEIR DELICIOUS LIQUEUR
The special edition shoe was sold to benefit Clothes Off Our Back.

Designer Rafe Totengco joined the makers of Baileys® Original Irish Cream to celebrate the two things women find most irresistible about a holiday get-together --amazing party shoes and a delicious drink. The Baileys Holiday Shoe Collection of one-of-a-kind Baileys-inspired designs was sold via online auction to benefit Clothes Off Our Back®. The national non-profit organization auctions clothing, jewelry and other items donated by top celebrities to help support many causes around the world, including the fight against hunger.

To support the cause while indulging in a love of fashion, shoe aficionados and their friends ages 21 and older can visit www.clothesoffourback.org to view and bid on one-of-a-kind Baileys-inspired women's shoes. Rafe joins some of the best designers in the business: Alejandro Ingelmo, Farylrobin, Shree Moni and Vanessa Noel. The auction ran from November 11th to December 2nd, and bidding started at $75, with all money raised going to charity.
Each designer created one pair of shoes inspired by Baileys Original Irish Cream -- which means rich, irresistible shoes. “I was inspired by the Baileys Irish Creme Caramel. My strappy high heel platform is crafted in creme patent leather, which emulates the movement of the liquid flowing over ice”, said Rafe Totengco.

"We're really excited to combine two irresistible temptations -- Baileys and shoes -- in a way that benefits a great cause during the holidays," said Dana Yerid, brand director for Baileys. "Whether you're enjoying it with friends at a holiday party or a small gathering at home, Baileys adds 'yum' and delight to the season's festivities. Slip on a fabulous pair of designer shoes with your favorite party dress, pour a glass of Baileys and you have everything you need for perfectly delicious holiday get-togethers."