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TFD_libro.indb 226 26/11/09 16:55:22
In 1989 Rafe Totengco
left behind a successful
clothing business he had
started up in Manila for
the chance to make his
dream of being a part of
New York fashion circles
come true. He moved
to the Big Apple and
enrolled in the Fashion
Institute of Technology.
In 1994 he brought out
his rst accessories
collection–belts and
watchstraps–for a Soho
boutique. They soon
sold out. When the store
asked him if he also did
bags, he quickly said
he did, even though he
had not even made one.
His collection went on
sale a year later. With
the help of family and
friends, Rafe had been
able to expand his sales
to 6 ...