In Fine Detail with Marina Raphael
Sixth-Generation Swarovski — Marina Raphael — is defining her own path creating luxury handbags and empowering women.
“A passionate exploration of creativity.” Those are the words used to describe the uniquely designed and fashion-forward handbags that embody founder and designer Marina Raphael. Meant to be universal, practical and long-lasting, there is much to be said for the elegant details flashed discreetly in these namesake bags as a woman’s trusted companion through every event in her life. The 21-year-old graduate and sixth-generation descendant of Daniel Swarovski, Raphael founded her namesake company in 2018 while studying Business Management at King’s College in London. Intrigued by the idea of starting a project of her own, the designer gravitated towards fashion to offer the world classic luxury items that could be passed down from generation to generation, exuding the sought-after quality of craftsmanship discreetly stitched in each design. That craftsmanship, of course, is the inclusion of some form of the Swarovski crystal with each handbag. “Everyone needs a bit of sparkle in their life,” says Raphael.
Each adornment is hand-made by skilled artisans in Florence, Italy, the heart of the luxury leather goods district. Admired for the delicate surfaces, velvety soft to the touch and aesthetically pleasing to the eye, each handbag is completed with a ‘refined’ feminine finish. Taking an ethical approach to design, the label implemented a near-zero waste policy and introduced biodegradable properties to the bags as a way to be conscientious of their environmental impact. In an industry open to a plethora of paths to design, “[Handbags] have the potential to be a timeless staple that can be worn by anyone, no matter their age and background. It’s a statement piece that can pull together any look,” says Raphael. While the young designer is currently focusing on handbags, her ultimate goal is to expand into apparel and other accessories while making sure that any Marina Raphael addition matches the quality and sustainability standards she has set forth for her current products.
“By taking the time to have an honest conversation with ourselves about what we love to wear every day, we learn to appreciate the benefit of having one item instead of ten.”
Kira in Raffia, $595
With one hand in environmental conservation — the other is used to empower the women she designs for — Raphael strives to embrace their style and to feel confident in doing so. “I design for every woman. A Marina Raphael woman is described by her ability to embrace her sense of style and project it with confidence and elegance, a woman who walks with purpose, poise, one who is not afraid to speak her mind and requires that her fashion items meet her standards in aesthetic and practicality,” says Raphael. A mission, close to her heart as it is the many influential women in her own life that inspired her for twenty-one years. Women who are caring mothers, as well as caring for their mothers, successful businesswomen, and personal style icons. Taking a stand for quality over quantity through her label, Raphael encourages everyone to strive to be in tune with yourself and your style. “By taking the time to have an honest conversation with ourselves about what we love to wear every day, we learn to appreciate the benefit of having one item instead of ten. Fashion brands play an equal role in educating and helping people accept this new way of thinking, [which] is to focus on craftsmanship and the quality of each product and offering pieces to be worn time and time again,” says Raphael.
To be timeless, the piece must also be striking to the eye, a feat young Raphael has no problem with. Her hand-made line is an ode to her international mindset and her fascination with the wonders of the world, man-made and natural alike: architecture, travels, colorations in the sky, nature, etc. “I try to keep my mind open to everything around me, and that allows me to get inspired by even the smallest of things,” says Raphael. A woman is known to carry a lot in her bag, Raphael’s especially keen on the Riviera in Raffia, a gorgeous tote capable of holding anything and everything a woman might need. “It’s my go-to bag no matter the season. It can be worn to the beach and the city, and even has a small strap allowing you to wear it as a cross-body.” We could not help, but take note of this season’s collection utilizing handmade raffia and adorned with tortoise-shell handles.
Though she would not say much, Raphael hinted at many more collaborations with other designers and stylists to come this year, including her most recent collaboration with VICHY Cosmetics and Black Jaguar White Tiger — a non-profit 501 animal rescue center located in Mexico. Eventually, she did reveal, “I’ll be designing handmade Swarovski bracelets and 100% of the proceeds made will go directly to the foundation.”