Elie Saab Partners with Marina Raphael for a Sparkly New Chapter in Handbags
Few designers can encapsulate a constellation’s magic within a single garment, but Elie Saab’s gowns have consistently achieved just that. Known for his captivating presence on the red carpet, with celebrities like Michelle Yeoh, Angelina Jolie, and Halle Berry choosing his creations for their most momentous occasions, Saab has a legacy of crafting intricate and dazzling looks. This dedication to artistry has naturally led him to appoint Greek-Austrian designer Marina Raphael as the artistic and design director of Elie Saab handbags.
Raphael, celebrated for her masterful use of crystallization, often incorporating thousands of tiny crystals applied by hand, has already captured the hearts of A-list stars. Jennifer Lopez, Priyanka Chopra, Bella Poarch, Kelsey Merritt, and Bryan Yambao have all graced events in her stunning creations. This unique synergy between Saab’s legacy and Raphael’s vision is a testament to the careful selection of a designer who seamlessly integrates into the Elie Saab universe.
Over four decades, since opening his first Atelier in 1982, Saab has cultivated a brand DNA deeply rooted in his passion for couture. Each piece showcases the meticulous detail that has become synonymous with his name. This obsession with craftsmanship is shared by Raphael, who has built her eponymous brand upon this foundation. It’s this shared passion that now drives her to elevate the Elie Saab handbag category to new heights.
“Working with Mr. Elie Saab, who has played an integral part in cultivating my passion for exceptional quality and craftsmanship, is a truly humbling experience,” says Raphael. “He has been a revolutionary in the world of couture and fashion, and his unparalleled creativity and attention to detail have always left me in awe.” As a sixth-generation member of the Swarovski family, sparkle is not just in Raphael’s blood but has also become a defining characteristic of her designs.
It’s this unique combination of her vision, which seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with heritage craftsmanship, and her relentless pursuit of excellence in the handbag category that captivated Elie Saab and his son, CEO Elie Saab Jr. “It was essential to find someone who genuinely aligns with our values and vision, and Marina embodies this alignment perfectly,” says Elie Saab Jr. “With a unique skill in capturing and interpreting the ELIE SAAB aesthetic, she was a natural fit for this role.”
In her new position, Raphael will unveil four Ready-to-Wear and two Haute Couture collections each year. Fans of both ELIE SAAB and Marina Raphael can anticipate a delightful fusion: a dance between the intricacy of the Elie Saab ethos and the architectural silhouettes that have become Raphael’s signature. “The handbags exemplify our joint vision,” says Raphael.
Describing her first collection for the House with words like “bold” and “elegant,” Raphael’s debut is sure to include recognizable styles poised to become icons of the handbag line. But what can we expect from this exciting debut collection, slated to be showcased at the Haute Couture show in January 2025? If the DNA of both designers is any indication, expect uniquely structural handles, architectural yet elegant silhouettes, and, of course, show-stopping sparkle.
“My vision is to blend the artistry of Couture with everyday wearables,” says Raphael. “The silhouettes are designed to be instantly recognizable, featuring versatile day-to-night pieces and some beautifully embellished dazzling crystal creations.” This collaboration promises to be a captivating blend of elegance, craftsmanship, and a touch of magic, making it a must-watch for fashion lovers everywhere.
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Elie Saab Taps Marina Raphael as Handbag Artistic Director: What to Expect from the Sparkly New Collection
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Elie Saab Taps Marina Raphael as Handbag Artistic Director: What to Expect from the Sparkly New Collection
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Elie Saab Taps Marina Raphael as Handbag Artistic Director: What to Expect from the Sparkly New Collection
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Elie Saab Taps Marina Raphael as Handbag Artistic Director: What to Expect from the Sparkly New Collection
Elie Saab Taps Marina Raphael as Handbag Artistic Director: What to Expect from the Sparkly New Collection
Elie Saab Taps Marina Raphael as Handbag Artistic Director: What to Expect from the Sparkly New Collection