Women Who Launch: Meet Handbag Designer Marina Raphael

Growing up with the award-winning jewellery company as her backdrop no doubt inspired Marina to dive into the industry herself, this time with an eponymous handbag enterprise.

She shares that Swarovski’s commitment to excellence is something she aspires to at her own brand: "At Marina Raphael, I embrace a parallel philosophy: each handbag is conceived with artistry, executed with meticulous precision, and designed to embody longevity. For me, true luxury lies not only in design, but in creating pieces that endure and carry meaning far beyond a single season."

Marina credits her Swiss-Austrian-Greek heritage for influencing her outlook on both the business world and her personal life. She says the Greek in her 'appreciates how craft and tradition are so powerful and can stand the test of time,' sharing how living next to the Acropolis had a large impact on her; while her Swiss-Austrian side is responsible for her love for ‘precision and exactness’.

Marina’s bags are architectural masterpieces, celebrating geometric shapes and lines while embodying the sense of femininity that she is so proud of. Paying homage to the Swarovski heritage, stunning crystals adorn many of her pieces. She explains: "Above all, Marina Raphael handbags are created to inspire and empower women, modern heirlooms that embody strength, purpose, and enduring style."

If we asked your ten-year-old self what you’d be doing right now in terms of your career, what would she have said?

Definitely something creative. As a child, I was endlessly drawn to arts and crafts—whether it was making beaded bracelets, collaging, or sketching for hours, that instinct to create, to shape something beautiful with my hands, never left me. Designing luxury handbags feels like the natural evolution of that creative inner child, a passion for artistry and detail that has since grown into a business rooted in craftsmanship and design.

What would you say is the ethos behind the Marina Raphael brand?

The ethos of Marina Raphael lies in pushing the boundaries of what a handbag can be. Each design is conceived as an objet d’art—bold, architectural, and meticulously hand-made by Italian artisans, combining innovation with timeless craftsmanship. Precision, attention to detail, and a commitment to longevity are at the heart of the brand. 

Walk me through your product development process

My creative process always begins with a concept, an emotion, an atmosphere, or a visual reference that sets the tone for the season. From there, I move into sketching, where I explore silhouettes and begin shaping the collection’s identity. Once the forms are established, I refine the details: embellishments, textures, and a colour palette that brings the story to life.

Material sourcing is one of my favourite stages, it’s incredibly tactile and immersive. My office becomes filled with hundreds of swatches, and it’s in that moment when I select the exact leather, hardware, or crystal detailing that I can truly envision the piece taking form.

Afterwards, we move into the sampling process, which is both technical and creative. Each prototype is carefully refined, sometimes multiple times, until it strikes the perfect balance of design, function, and craftsmanship. Only then does the piece move into production, ready to become part of the collection.

What’s the one business skill you’re currently trying to master?

Right now, the business skill I’m most focused on mastering is digital storytelling. In my vision, a handbag is never just an object—it is a universe of values, emotions, and artistry woven into every detail.

For me, it’s about finding ways to translate that world into the digital space without losing the intimacy and depth that luxury demands. It’s about creating an atmosphere that draws people into the Marina Raphael ethos, whether they’re scrolling quickly on their phone or immersing themselves in a longer editorial moment. My challenge, and what I’m mastering, is ensuring that every digital touchpoint feels as intentional and elevated as stepping into a Marina Raphael luxury boutique.

Can you tell me more about your role at Elie Saab?

I was appointed Artistic and Design Director of Handbags at Elie Saab last November, and it has been an extraordinary journey ever since. Working closely with Mr. Saab, I lead the creative vision for the handbag collections, from the very first sketch through to the final design.

My role is centred on translating the house’s haute couture values into everyday accessories, bringing the elegance and craftsmanship of Elie Saab into pieces that can be carried daily. One of the first creative signatures I introduced is the wave motif—a fluid yet architectural emblem that will become a defining code for the Elie Saab handbag category. 

Are there any entrepreneurs you look up to?

Azzedine Alaïa is someone I deeply admire for his uncompromising dedication to pure artistry. His independence, meticulous craftsmanship, and refusal to bow to fleeting trends are qualities I find endlessly inspiring.

I also look up to Coco Chanel, who single-handedly revolutionised women’s fashion. The Chanel suit, the little black dress, and Chanel No. 5 were not just creations, they became cultural symbols that redefined femininity. Beyond design, her entrepreneurial vision was extraordinary—she understood the power of building a lifestyle brand long before the term existed, intertwining fashion, fragrance, and identity into one cohesive universe.

Do you have any top tips for those wanting to up their accessories game?

Invest in timeless pieces, don’t shy away from making a statement, and finally, focus on balance and intention. Play with textures and proportions, but let one piece take the lead while the others support. The goal is not to over-accessorise, but to curate a story where every detail feels considered. When you carry something exquisitely made and authentic to your personality, it elevates not only your outfit, but the way you carry yourself.

Website: https://marinaraphael.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinaraphaelofficial/