Marina Raphael, founder and creative director of her namesake handbag brand, has been appointed as Elie Saab’s newest artistic director for the couture house’s handbag line.
According to forbes.com, Raphael will focus on aligning the handbag line with Elie Saab’s core values, emphasizing timeless design and impeccable craftsmanship. Known for her own brand’s popularity and for her ability to blend elegance with functionality, Raphael brings a fresh perspective that’s expected to strengthen the line’s identity while honoring the brand’s heritage.
Both Raphael and Elie Saab share a “deep commitment to quality and craftsmanship,” ensuring only the finest materials and intricate details in each design. This collaboration comes at a time when luxury brands are adapting to a challenging economic environment, and Raphael’s appointment could offer the innovation consumers seek. Elie Saab Jr. expressed excitement, noting her “technical expertise and creative vision” as ideal for elevating the brand.
In her new role, Raphael will create four ready-to-wear and two haute couture collections annually, alongside her own brand’s collections. Her first designs for Elie Saab will debut at the Elie Saab Haute Couture Show in Paris in January 2025, featuring day-to-night pieces with dazzling crystal embellishments and instantly recognizable silhouettes. Raphael describes the opportunity as thrilling, especially the chance to delve into Elie Saab’s archives and craftsmanship traditions.
Source: forbes.com
