I FIRST met Rafè Totengco in the late 80?s, when I modeled for him. Back then, he had a fashion-forward clothing line called Schizo.

It was apparent that Rafé had talent and impeccable taste. The brand catered to the ?in? crowd who were not your usual prepsters, and who frequented Penguin, a resto/bar in Malate popular with black-clad artistic types.

He left Manila soon after to study abroad. By 1995, he was already making a name for himself in New York and the international scene with his eponymous bag collection.

Since then, the Rafé brand has grown to include women?s handbags, shoes and small leather goods?all crafted using top grade leather, original fabrics and prints and with fierce attention to detail.

His pieces, also known for their balance of fashion and function, are often featured in international magazines and toted by style-savvy celebrities like Jessica Alba, Blake Lively and Eva Longoria.

Rafé was in town recently to act as judge in the Project Runway Philippines (PRP) finalé and to launch his Fall ?08 collection during a tea party in his Rafé boutique at Greenbelt 5. It was a reunion of sorts for us. Together with fellow judges Teresa Herrera and Rajo Laurel, I spent a couple of days with Rafé while working on the PRP finalé show.

He shared that he was also in the region to attend the grand opening of Harvey Nichols in Jakarta, as a guest of honor. In yet another fashion coup, he designed a limited-edition t-shirt featuring a stylized ikat scarf graphic and Rafé chain for the opening of the high-end store. A percentage of t-shirt sales will benefit the Green Peace Foundation.

New collection

At the launch of his ?future-chic? Fall ?08 collection in his Greenbelt 5 boutique, Rafé, with brand consultant Mia Borromeo, welcomed friends and fans to the afternoon tea party and private preview. He also personally presented the season?s newest pieces such as the gleaming metallic hobos, luxurious bejeweled snakeskin clutches and glossy patent totes.

Stylish guests like Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo, Myrza Sison, Josephine del Gallego, Rajo Laurel and Jackie Antonio viewed the collection while enjoying a delightful spread of specialty cakes by Chef Mara dela Rama.

Among those who snapped up this Fall?s must-have bags and shoes were Bela Vasquez, Karen Santos, Frannie Jacinto and Anne Marie Saguil.

It was a pleasure catching up with Rafé during his brief sojourn in Manila. The ever-youthful designer and fashion star has remained as humble and approachable as ever, despite his international success. More than all the fame and fortune, that?s what?s great about Rafé Totengco.

Email the author at afashion@inquirer.com.ph