Marina Raphael, known for her eponymic luxury handbag brand, is beginning a new chapter in her illustrious career in luxury accessories. She has been appointed the Artistic and Design Director of Handbags for the prestigious fashion house “ELIE SAAB.” Raphael’s new role will further reveal her unique vision to the fashion world, showing the industry has confidence in young talents.
The position of Artistic and Design Director of Handbags at “ELIE SAAB” is a significant milestone in Raphael’s journey. It’s an opportunity for her to reach the culmination of her creativity, entrepreneurial drive, and dedication to craftsmanship. The 26-year-old has achieved a position that many senior designers aspire to.
Raphael’s foundation in the fashion industry is steeped in artistry and craftsmanship. This is mainly attributed to her heritage as a sixth-generation member of the Swarovski family. She has grown up witnessing Swarovski’s legacy, which influenced her interest in meticulous design and quality in luxury accessories.
Willing to explore the industry without limiting herself to her family’s legacy, Raphael chose an independent path. She was 19 when she launched her luxury handbag brand “Marina Raphael” while studying business management at King’s College in London. Though Raphael did not undergo formal training in fashion design, she combined her knowledge of being a corporate executive and her naturally gifted creativity to overcome the initial challenges in her entrepreneurial journey.
Raphael traveled across Greece, Austria, Florence, and New York, gaining hands-on experience in every aspect of her brand, including design, production, and running the business in different parts of the globe. Due to her uncompromising work ethic and a keen eye for detail and quality developed over the years, she was able to solidify her place in the luxury market in no time.
Initially, Raphael’s designs resonated with people for their combination of elegance, individuality, and architectural inspiration. Each design represented different elements from her environment, including the sunset’s ombre hues, the cityscapes’ structural lines, and the delicate sparkle of Swarovski crystals.
This concept, in which every product told a story, positioned her brand in the accessible luxury segment. Raphael’s handcrafted pieces were priced between $700 and $1,500. She emphasized quality and distinctive style at a more competitive price to stand out among major luxury brands worldwide.
The breakthrough for Raphael and her brand came when luxury retailer Moda Operandi hosted a trunk show. This exposure unlocked international markets and opened doors to collaborations with high-profile retailers like Harrods, Neiman Marcus, Luisaviaroma, and El Corte Ingles.
Soon, Raphael’s bags graced the arms of style icons, including the Queen of the Netherlands, Emma Roberts, Jennifer Lopez, Alicia Keys, and Priyanka Chopra, cementing her place among the leading names in luxury fashion.
Raphael intends to present her creativity to a broader audience in her current position at ELIE SAAB. Her debut collection is slated to be unveiled at ELIE SAAB’s Haute Couture Show in Paris in January 2025. Raphael has curated each piece to align flawlessly with the brand’s timeless elegance and exceptional craftsmanship ethos. She believes this new collection will introduce a fresh wave of handbag designs, blending creativity with the essence of ELIE SAAB.
“Working with Mr. Elie Saab, who has cultivated my passion for exceptional quality and craftsmanship, is a humbling experience,” Raphael shared.
The leadership at ELIE SAAB, too, is optimistic about this collaboration. Elie Saab Jr., CEO of ELIE SAAB Group, expressed confidence in Raphael’s ability to elevate the brand’s handbag line.
“We are excited to pursue the handbag category with Marina, whose impressive track record and proven ability to translate the brand’s vision will enhance our potential for success,” he remarked.
As Raphael steps into her new role at ELIE SAAB, she is also entering an exciting career and personal brand phase. Her ability to blend fresh perspective with quality makes her a promising talent for shaping the future of ELIE SAAB’s handbag line. Every piece she designs embodies beauty and authenticity, making this a union of two visionary forces in high-end accessories.
