Elie Saab has named Marina Raphael as the new artistic and design director of its handbag division, marking a strategic move for the luxury brand.
- Marina Raphael, a renowned accessories designer, founded her own brand in 2017 and is part of the Swarovski family.
- Raphael has previously collaborated with Swarovski on crystal-embellished handbags, earning celebrity fans like Jennifer Lopez and Olivia Palermo.
- As part of her new role, Raphael will craft four ready-to-wear and two haute couture handbag collections annually for Elie Saab.
- Raphael’s inaugural collection will be unveiled at the Elie Saab Haute Couture Show in Paris in January 2025.
Elie Saab has taken a bold step by appointing Marina Raphael as the artistic and design director of its handbag division. This move aligns with the brand’s strategy to enhance its presence in the luxury handbag market. Raphael, born Rafail-Vogiatzaki, launched her namesake handbag brand in 2017. Her unique approach to fashion accessories has attracted a notable fan base, including celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Katie Holmes, and Olivia Palermo. These endorsements highlight her influence and potential to elevate the Elie Saab brand.
Raphael comes from a distinguished lineage as a sixth-generation member of the Swarovski family. This background has undoubtedly informed her design sensibility, particularly evident in her collaborations with Swarovski on crystal-embellished handbags. Her ability to blend tradition with modernity makes her a fitting choice for Elie Saab, a brand known for its opulence and elegance.
Under her leadership, Raphael will oversee the creation of four ready-to-wear handbag collections and two haute couture collections each year. This ambitious schedule underscores Elie Saab’s commitment to expanding its product offerings and meeting the demands of a discerning clientele. Her first collection, eagerly anticipated by the fashion community, will debut at the prestigious Elie Saab Haute Couture Show in Paris, scheduled for January 2025.
Marina Raphael expressed her excitement, stating, “I am honored to join the Elie Saab brand as the artistic and design director of handbags.” This sentiment was echoed by Elie Saab Jnr, who remarked on Raphael’s track record of innovation and alignment with the brand’s goals. His confidence in her ability to translate the brand’s vision into successful designs speaks volumes about the expectations set for this partnership.
Marina Raphael’s appointment sets a promising future for Elie Saab’s handbag line.
