Elie Saab hires Marina Raphael as handbag designer

Born Rafail-Vogiatzaki, Raphael founded her eponymous handbag brand in 2017, and has amassed celebrity fans including Jennifer Lopez, Katie Holmes and Olivia Palermo.

She is a sixth-generation member of the Swarovski family and has collaborated with the jewellery brand on crystal-embellished handbags.

As artistic and design director of handbags at Elie Saab, Raphael will will design and present four ready-to-wear handbag collections and two haute couture handbag collections annually.

Her first collection will debut at the Elie Saab Haute Couture Show in Paris, scheduled for January 2025.

Raphael said: “I am honoured to join the Elie Saab brand as the artistic and design director of handbags.

“The opportunity to contribute to this dynamic and enduring brand, under the creative direction of Elie Saab and the leadership of CEO Elie Saab Jnr, represents a significant milestone in my career."

Saab Jnr said: “We are excited to pursue the handbag category with [Raphael], whose impressive track record and proven ability to translate the brand's vision will enhance our potential for success.

“[Raphael] has consistently demonstrated her capability to innovate and drive results, aligning seamlessly with our brand's goals and values.”