RFB leather goods: the art of empowerment

At her debut showing at Premiere Classe, Raquel Figueroa Borque, founder of the leather goods brand RFB, shared her journey, inspirations, and vision for a sustainable, timeless, and meaningful approach to fashion.

 RFB, distinguished by its conceptual approach and historically inspired creations, redefines the role of accessories in daily life.

An autobiographical brand dedicated to female empowerment


RFB are my initials; it’s a very personal brand,” Raquel explains. Each bag in the collection tells a story, a pivotal moment in the designer’s life, with the aim of supporting and empowering women on a broad scale. “I wanted each woman carrying my designs to feel stronger, to see her bag as an everyday ally,” she continues.


RFB bags are not merely accessories but standalone works of art. “Every design comes with a mantra, a quote that reflects the story behind its creation,” Raquel shares. This emotional dimension is further enhanced by a unique sensory experience in-store: “By scanning a QR code, you can discover the full story of the bag, accompanied by a custom scent that suggests the character of each piece through a unique olfactory experience.


Timeless luxury beyond today’s fast-paced fashion


Raquel has worked in the high-end fashion industry at Loewe and with accessories at Alohas. However, she felt a disconnect with today’s fashion world: “Everything was moving too fast; we were losing the essence of fashion, what it makes us feel.” This need to slow down and give fashion more meaning inspired the creation of RFB.


The brand intentionally distances itself from fleeting trends, favoring a timeless and sustainable approach. “We don’t follow trends. Our pieces are designed to evolve with the style of the wearer; they’re not made to be forgotten after a season,” Raquel explains. This philosophy translates into designs created to last, both in aesthetic appeal and craftsmanship quality.

Spanish craftsmanship at the heart of its creations


A core strength of RFB lies in its exceptional craftsmanship. “Most of our bags are handmade in Spain, using the highest quality leathers,” Raquel explains. The production process relies on local artisans with over forty years of experience in the luxury industry. “Even pieces that appear industrially made are, in reality, crafted by hand,” she adds. The brand primarily uses calf leather and, for more delicate products like the Flower bag, sometimes lamb leather.


Each RFB bag is designed to be functional, another priority for the brand, with modular bags that adapt to various needs.


Strong, engaging storytelling


Among RFB’s standout pieces, the Vuelo bag draws inspiration from Spanish folklore, reminiscent of a flamenco skirt. “The mantra for this bag is ‘Pleasure is my new compass.’ It reminds us to enjoy life’s small moments and pursue our passions,” Raquel shares. Each bag thus invites its owner to slow down and reconnect with themselves.

Storytelling is central to the brand. “I wanted my creations to tell a story, to carry deep meaning and symbolic power beyond their aesthetic qualities,” Raquel explains. This link between fashion and narrative is what makes RFB unique. “Fashion isn’t just about appearance; it can be a vehicle for change, a way to express oneself and feel empowered.”

A successful test for a first showing at Premiere Classe


This edition of Premiere Classe marks RFB’s first participation in a professional trade show. “It’s a very experimental experience for me, but I’m pleased with the contacts I’ve made, especially with American and Asian buyers,” Raquel shares. She acknowledges, however, that the road is still long for an emerging brand: “It’s tough for young designers to get noticed, but this is the place to be, to test the waters, and make yourself known.”


A more conscious and meaningful future


RFB is not just a leather goods brand; it is a manifesto for slower, more conscious, and more meaningful fashion. “We want to encourage people to live more thoughtfully. Fashion can help by reconnecting people to what truly matters,” Raquel concludes.


For her, Premiere Classe is a crucial step in this journey: “If you’re an emerging designer, you have to come here, test, try, and experiment. We’re in the heart of one of the historic capitals of international fashion, a place with unparalleled synergies that continue to inspire and unite every creator.” RFB thus positions itself within a framework of sustainable and timeless creation, where each piece tells a story, and craftsmanship is celebrated as a true art form and expression of individuality.

Yann Jobard

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