Get ready for an inspiring story that takes us from the atelier floors of the Philippines to the bustling streets of New York City. We've got an incredible guest today, Rafe – a self-made handbag designer. At 18, Rafe embarked on an exciting journey that started with his atelier and led him to become the Creative Director overseeing all Nine West handbag brands including Nine West, Anne Klein, Rachel Roy, Brian Atwood, and Rafe New York. His tale is an eclectic mix of triumphs, trials, and relentless passion. Rafe takes us through the initial stages of his career, from drawing inspiration from his model sisters and renowned designers to mastering the technicalities of handbag design. Hear about his exciting transition from being a student to launching his line, the intricacies of selecting materials, and his fascinating discovery by Mademoiselle magazine. Rafe's account of his endeavors, balancing work, school, and a nascent business of his current brand, Rafe New York, is sure to keep you hooked. As if that wasn't enough, we dive into Rafe's tenure at Nine West. Together we navigate his journey, from first trade shows at the Plaza to rectifying design flaws in China, and the struggle of reclaiming his brand post its purchase by private equity. We wrap up with a peek into Rafe's opportunity with Front Row Fashion Week, the influence of his Filipino heritage on his work, and his conscious production practices. Don't miss out on this captivating conversation with Rafe – a journey of passion, perseverance, and handbags. Follow Rafe: https://www.instagram.com/rafenewyork/ Shop Handbag Designer 101 Merch: https://www.emilyblumenthal.com/category/all-products Register for the Handbag Designer 101 Masterclass: https://www.emilyblumenthal.com/challenge-page/Masterclass Book a handbag session with Emily: https://www.emilyblumenthal.com/ Hire Emily to be a guest speaker at your event: https://www.emilyblumenthal.com/speaking Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HandbagDesigner101-IHDA Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handbagdesigner/ Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@handbagdesigner Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/handbagdesigner