FASHION
INTERVIEW > MARINA RAPHAEL
WORDS BY > VICTORIA CELLUN victoria @ myluxurypr . com
The luxury eponymous brand Marina Raphael was created by the heiress of the Swarovski family in 2018 . Born to a Swiss-Austrian mother and a Greek father , the designer naturally takes over the Greek islands to set up her headquarter . Traveling across the world , Marina Raphael falls in love with the beauty that surrounding her . Architecture , art , and a variety of cultures influence and helped her to gain a global vision with a strong understanding of the international audience that enables her to design luxury handbags that please the most cutting-edge fashion connoisseurs .
Victoria Cellun : What was your intention when creating your eponymous brand ?
Marina Raphael : From the beginning of Marina Raphael , our goal was to set the groundwork for an inclusive , sustainable luxury handbag brand . We wanted to create more than just a product . In this vast creative market , we needed to create something unique and extraordinary that at the same time caters to its consumers . It is a piece of art that stands for quality and practicality . It can be worn to uplift and elevate , magnifying confidence and empowering every individual to express their true self .
VC : Where do you draw your inspiration ?
MR : I consider myself a people person , as I cherish the simple moments and things , a heart-to-heart conversation , a shared laugh , an individual ’ s beaming personality , all stimuli that spark my imaginative nature towards creation . Nature has always been of great significance to me . It is my own personal sanctuary where I can genuinely be myself , take a moment to relax , and observe and appreciate the raw beauty around me . Growing up , I was drawn to visual culture , from fine art to design , because it helped me interpret and see the world in my own eyes . To this day , I seek inspiration from architecture , sculpture , and interior design , as I admire the clean lines , geometric patterns , and sculpted silhouettes that bring any artifact to life . Through this collection , I wanted to capture today ’ s undeniable need for practicality and visual intrigue . More than ever now , when social gatherings are limited , I wished to create a collection of handbags to impress for even the simplest of outings .
50 The Art of Luxury Issue 48 2021