Marina Raphael: The Greek designer who conquered Elie Saab

When Marina Raphael started her sustainable luxury handbag brand, Marina Raphael, in 2018, armed only with a love for creation and high aesthetics, the art and design world welcomed her, considering her the new big thing. Soon, this was confirmed. In a short time, the Greek-Austrian descendant of the sixth generation of the Swarovski family gained global recognition for designing iconic handbags adorned with the famous Swarovski crystals, marking her own path in the fashion industry.

Marina Raphael: The Greek Designer Who Conquered Elie Saab

Her rapid success opened the door to the largest haute couture house in the Middle East: last Monday, Elie Saab announced that Marina Raphael would be joining his team as Artistic & Design Director for the brand’s handbags. As part of this role, she will present four ready-to-wear collections and two haute couture collections each year. The first collection is scheduled for January 2025, at Elie Saab’s Haute Couture Show in Paris.

Elie Saab’s creations are like fairy tales, blending Western silhouettes with Eastern opulence in embroidery and embellishments. His eveningwear collections have earned him a worldwide following, with royal families in the Middle East being ardent fans. Notably, Queen Rania of Jordan wore one of his dresses during her coronation ceremony in 1999. In the West, Halle Berry helped bring Elie Saab into the Hollywood fashion spotlight in 2002 when she wore a stunning gown at the Oscars. Since then, countless superstars, including Celine Dion, Angelina Jolie, Beyoncé, and Priyanka Chopra, have trusted the Lebanese designer’s handmade masterpieces for their red carpet appearances.

Marina Raphael: The Greek Designer Who Conquered Elie Saab

Gala: How do you feel about being the Artistic & Design Director for the largest haute couture house in the Middle East?

Marina Raphael: Working with Elie Saab has always been a big dream of mine. I deeply admire the creator’s vision, his masterful technique, and the precision in every detail of his work. This new role opens up a world of creativity where I can explore various techniques and deepen my understanding of the rich legacy of the house. I have always wanted to be part of a larger team and contribute to a timeless legacy.

Gala: How did this collaboration come about?

Marina Raphael: Our initial talks started last year, and this past February, in Paris, I had the honor of being offered this incredible opportunity by Elie Saab Jr., the CEO of the house, at the beautiful Elie Saab showroom. I kept this exciting job a secret for over nine months, and now I’m thrilled to finally share it with the world.

Gala: What values do you share with the house?

Marina Raphael: We are united by a love for creation, choosing the finest materials, and focusing on every detail to meet the highest standards. We also share a commitment to empowering women and making them feel confident, allowing the personalities who wear our creations to shine at their fullest potential.

Gala: How has your family influenced your career and overall philosophy in life?

Marina Raphael: My parents have always been present in my upbringing, instilling the most important values in me from a young age. As a result, I realized early on that in order to achieve my goals, I must work hard and stay focused on them. My family taught me not to fear taking risks and not to be afraid of making mistakes because it’s through mistakes that we learn the best lessons in life. I’m very lucky to have been raised with love and support, which helped me get to where I am today.

Gala: How do you handle the expectations and pressure that come with your new role?

Marina Raphael: There is a certain expectation because I come from the Swarovski family, a name that has pioneered innovation in crystal for over 125 years. However, I don’t view it as a burden, but as a source of inspiration. As I grow older, my ambitions grow, especially my dedication to striving for excellence. This legacy strengthens my determination not only to meet those expectations but to exceed them, consistently aiming for the best in every endeavor. I’m proud to continue the legacy of innovation and elegance that Swarovski represents, ensuring that every creation reflects the highest standards across all levels.

Gala: What unique elements in your designs do you plan to incorporate into your new “home” at Elie Saab?

Marina Raphael: I’m fascinated by the beauty of contrasting elements. I love combining harder, structured materials like metal and plexiglass with softer textures like raffia and leather, creating a dynamic balance that gives each piece its unique character. This approach, along with my love for bold, recognizable, and structured designs, is a defining characteristic of my creations, and it will be incorporated into the collections I’m preparing for Elie Saab.

Gala: How do you plan to maintain the house’s legacy in your designs?

Marina Raphael: When I started designing my first collection for Elie Saab, I was inspired by the house’s rich history and exceptional archive. I aim to highlight and evolve the craftsmanship for which Elie Saab is known, capturing the artistry that has been a hallmark of the brand’s creations. By combining these elements in the collection, I hope to present pieces that reflect the identity of the house.

Gala: What do you hope to leave at the house through your collaboration?

Marina Raphael: I hope to establish a dynamic new category characterized by key elements I will introduce, making Elie Saab handbags instantly recognizable and a crucial part of the house’s success. My goal is to create a strong influence through exceptional quality, stunning detail, and the uniqueness of each piece. I envision a wide range of products that meet various needs. I certainly hope to contribute to the legacy and further growth of the house.

Gala: What trends do you think will dominate luxury accessories in the coming years?

Marina Raphael: I believe discreet luxury, combined with a focus on refined, timeless pieces, will prevail, overshadowing the trend for “loud” designs. This shift marks a move away from bold logos, focusing more on the essence of functionality and form. In this new framework, elegant, minimalist pieces that serve both finesse and practicality will be valued more. The allure of these accessories will not lie in their flashy appearance or display, but in their ability to exude a sense of quiet confidence and timeless style in the wearer. They will appeal to a discerning audience that appreciates the simplicity of true luxury.

Gala: You are the heart and soul of your brand, Marina Raphael, you’ve just taken on a demanding role at Elie Saab, and you travel the world. How do you manage all these responsibilities?

Marina Raphael: I have a very demanding schedule, and travel helps me relax, recharge, and return with new ideas. I’m a nature lover, I enjoy water sports, and spending time with my family. Since my daily life requires frequent interaction with people, I definitely find time during my vacations to be with myself and my loved ones. That’s how I recharge my batteries.

Elie Saab on Marina Raphael

As for why the iconic house decided to incorporate Marina Raphael into its team, Elie Saab Jr. responds: “Her expertise in handbags, as Marina has proven her ability to run a successful business in this space. Now, designing for us, she highlights our shared vision for this category, ensuring that each creation will have our unique identity.

The most important thing was to find someone who truly aligns with our values and vision, and Marina is the ideal person.”

Why, then, does the largest house in the Middle East place such emphasis on accessories? “While handbags have always been part of our product range, we believe it’s the perfect time to enhance this category. The ongoing guidance of the founder, Elie Saab, will ensure that each piece stays true to the brand’s DNA, while offering a fresh perspective on global fashion.”

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