In 1997, Rafe Totengco launched his namesake accessory brand, Rafe New York. Rooted in fashion and inspired by travel, art and architecture, Totengco designs for the woman who chooses the road less traveled. Skilled in balancing fashion and function, he creates products that loyal fans say never go out of style.

Born in the Philippines and living in New York, Totengco is recognized in the industry to be one of the most acclaimed of a new generation of American-Asian fashion designers.

Throughout his two-decade career, he has received several honors. Totengco was a finalist for the Perry Ellis Accessory Design Award at the 1999 CFDA Fashion Awards, and won the Best Accessories Designer Award at the 2001 Accessories Council ACE Awards. Other honors include the 2002 Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) award from the Philippine Jaycees, awarded personally by the President of the Philippines; the 2007 Asian Entrepreneur of the Year (AEY) award by Asian Enterprise Magazine; the 2010 Pamana ng Filipino Presidential Award for Filipino Individuals Overseas. He was named the 2013 Independent Handbag Designer Awards Iconoclast Recipient for Lifetime Achievement in Handbag Design.

Rafe Totengco has been a CFDA Member since 1998.