Rafe Totengco’s mood board for this coming spring and summer collection of bags was centered on Tropical Modernism; more specifically, lush tropical plants, Art Deco architecture, Solihiya rattan modern furniture, and vintage 1950s and 1960s fashion shoots.

It comes as no surprise that the collection is something of a love letter to a place that is dear to the designer: South Beach, Miami. As Totengco put it, “the tropical paradise that elicits visions of sultry days on the beach and hedonistic nights has always been one of my favorite winter escapes. It’s as close as I can get to the tropics within a few hours flight from New York. And every chance I get, I take it.”

Among the designs is the Tamu clutch featuring hand-embroidered flowers on raffia and ombre-dyed buntal straw with semi-precious stones; the Alessandra clutch and the Lauren basket tote with rattan Solihiya and wicker details, and new shapes including the Jamie envelope clutch, the Alva hobo and the Megan tote.

“Walking along Ocean Drive with its rows of pastel colored Art Deco buildings and a few  vintage cars parked in front, you’re transported to an idyllic scene from the past,” the CFDA member said. “This sense of escapism and wanderlust are themes I try to evoke when designing my collections. A Rafe bag should inspire you to dream of a trip you have yet to take or remind you of sun-kissed memories. If I can make a someone smile because of something I designed, I’m good with that.”