Handbags have always been more than just a place to stash your stuff. Throughout history, they have been treated like precious heirlooms, passed from mothers to daughters, carrying stories and memories across generations—a tangible piece of family history that is both practical and an expression of personal style. However, the era of simplicity in the handbag market is long gone. Today, as each individual has their unique sense of style, designers are pushing the boundaries of creativity more than ever. They are continually innovating, transforming handbags from mere accessories into bold statements of identity and style.
Amid this dynamic landscape, Marina Raphael has emerged as a standout name, infusing her rich Swarovski heritage with modern design sensibilities. Launching her eponymous brand at just the age of 20, Marina quickly became one of the names starting a new era of luxury handbags with her impeccable attention to detail and a deep respect for craftsmanship.
With designs often featuring strong architectural shapes that convey power and authority, completed with the intricate placement of crystals, her handbags are symbols of empowerment. Marina Raphael’s designs have been favoured by women who themselves shape trends and set stages—including Priyanka Chopra, Jennifer Lopez, and ladies seen in iconic series like “Gossip Girl,” “Emily in Paris,” and “And Just Like That”. Each of the brand’s design reflects the legacy of influential women in her family, marrying timeless elegance with a bold approach to luxury.
From her visionary inception to growing success in the luxury handbag market, Marina looks back on her journey in an exclusive interview with Soigné. Discover how she crafts each piece to resonate with the dynamic, powerful essence of the modern woman, setting her apart in a crowded industry and heralding a new age of fashion elegance.
What inspired you to start your own brand at such a young age?
I always had an innate need for exploration and creatively expressing myself. Fashion can be used as a vehicle for communicating greater values and is a form of art, a gateway to discover the world and a really powerful form of self expression. While studying Business Management at King’s College London, it became clear to me that my calling was a role that enabled me to be both entrepreneurial and creative, so in 2018, I founded Marina Raphael. My intention was to create an accessories universe, the next generation of luxury handbags, that combined timelessness with innovation and design.
In the crowded luxury handbag market, what unique elements do you believe set your designs apart from others?
My creations are not dictated by fleeting styles, trends, or pre-defined rules. Instead, I prioritise timeless design and quality, which is at the core of my brand. We have become recognised for our strong architectural shapes, which stand for power and authority. We want Marina Raphael handbags to be like armour for the modern women. This strength in silhouette is complimented by mini sizes of fun crystals, so we have this lovely balance that keeps people coming back for more. They love the way they feel when they wear our handbags, and we design them to be obets d’art, conversation starters that you put on the table, not the floor!
Our RIVIERA shape is becoming our icon, worn by celebrities and ambassadors around the world. We know customers come back for the architectural shape and functional qualities that ensure she can use it every day and always make an impact. I have been proud to see this on Jennifer Lopez and Katie Holmes and want to ensure we maintain its recognisable essence.
My goal is to create pieces that will never lose their value or relevance and are so well made that they can act as investment pieces that can be passed down from generation to generation. We really offer the perfect balance of attainable luxury at the highest quality standards which sets us apart from the other power players.
How does your brand approach sustainability and ethical practices in manufacturing?
We’re constantly exploring new ways to operate sustainably without compromising our quality. By working with local Italian artisans and using modern production techniques, we’ve achieved a near-zero-waste policy that sets a high standard for the future of sustainable fashion. My passion for sustainability always went hand in hand with my vision, the importance of creating pieces that stand the test of time cannot be overlooked. For me, craftsmanship and timelessness are integral to a sustainable ethos, good quality means something lasts beyond trends.
Marina Raphael defines itself as a modern heritage brand, melding both avant-garde and classic design principles. That means that to us, it is essential that there is lasting quality at the core of each design. Every piece is hand perfected by Italian craftsmen and women in Florence who employ heritage techniques.
Our objective is to design the next generation of luxury handbags and so with creating tomorrow’s heirlooms in mind, we work with dedicated artisans through a process that connects age old craftsmanship with innovation. With this hybrid approach, strong architectural shapes are canvases for creativity and quality, often combining unexpected materials and techniques.
How do you think your early introduction to the world of Swarovski crystals has influenced your aesthetic and business approach?
Swarovski holds a very special place in my heart. Throughout my childhood, I witnessed the company’s constant pursuit of innovation and the importance of paying attention to the smallest of details. Inspired by Swarovski’s perfectly cut crystal, I wanted to create exquisitely crafted Marina Raphael bags. Personally, what inspires me most about Swarovski is that the original vision of the founder, still holds true today. My ancestor, Daniel Swarovski aimed to create a diamond for everyone, and it is this inclusive and forward-thinking attitude, I carry through the Marina Raphael brand as well. I consider myself fortunate to have learned so much about how to build a business and the fashion world from such a young age, the two most important lessons being to stay true to myself and the significance of creating something really meaningful and enduring.
Marrying heritage and innovation is essential to me because it allows my brand to honor centuries of craftsmanship and family heritage while still staying relevant in a dynamic and fast paced market. Hence, I am always proud to include an element of crystal in my designs, as an homage to my family. Whether it is in a captivating starry pattern or a discreet yet distinctive crystal detail, my vision is to offer a dose of sparkle that will give great confidence to any person wearing it.
Can you take us back to a moment in your career when you felt your brand truly began to resonate on an international scale?
A defining moment for the Marina Raphael brand was when our handbags were featured in major fashion publications such as Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, etc, and were carried by some of the biggest celebrities worldwide including Jennifer Lopez, Priyanka Chopra, and many more. This coverage and exposure gathered significant attention, leading to a surge in demand for our products. Then quickly retailers like Neiman Marcus, Harrods, and El Corte Ingles followed to feature our brand, which became a turning point in our journey towards becoming a strong player in the handbag industry on an international scale.
Your brand has achieved remarkable growth. What do you believe are the most important factors that have contributed to this success?
My brand’s rapid development can be attributed to a combination of different elements. The exceptional quality of the products, the dedication and loyalty of our team, consistent strategic marketing, and the cultivation of strong relationships with our clientele have all contributed to our enhanced sales and continuous growth. I also believe the impactful silhouettes and the way that our bags are almost irresistible, especially the mini fully crystallized ones, really sparks joy in our woman and it is this feeling that creates magic for us. We have so many more exciting plans which we can’t wait to reveal.
With your accessories being featured on celebrities and in high-profile television shows, how do you choose which personalities or platforms best align with your brand’s image?
When it comes to choosing personalities and platforms for collaborations, authenticity is key. We always look for individuals that resonate with our vision and values and that we aim to build a long-term partnership with them. We see our woman as dynamic, driven and someone who moves through the world with purpose. She knows her identity and is confident, fun, energetic and compassionate. We look for ambassadors who align well with this.
What truly counts is the bond we establish with the other person or brand and if we can envision them embarking on the Marina Raphael journey, and contributing to the building of the Marina Raphael accessories universe. We want our bags to spark exciting conversations, endure through time and be part of the evolution of the individual carrying it.
As the market evolves, how are you planning to innovate while still staying true to the core values of your brand?
The luxury market is constantly evolving, and the fashion industry is incredibly fast paced. It is incredibly hard not to feel the pressure to do a million things at the same time. I always have to remind myself success is not made overnight and we are here create a luxury house for the next generation.
As much as we are committed to finding new ways to stay relevant and competitive, it is essential that we stay true to our foundational values and what drew our audience to us in the first place.
I believe that to succeed in this industry, we must be at the forefront of emerging technologies and craftsmanship techniques. We are constantly researching and experimenting with new methods to incorporate into our designs and believe that our customers should have access to high-quality products that are distinct and cutting-edge. Flexibility and adaptability are also crucial as we navigate the ever-changing landscape of luxury fashion while never forgetting the values and design vision we started with.
In the luxury sector, storytelling is often as important as the product itself. Can you share a story about a particular design that encapsulates your brand’s ethos?
Our signature design is the iconic Riviera bag. It is the perfect example of how I construct collections in adherence with architectural design principles. An analytical approach to function and form underpins the design ethos, creating statement pieces that leave a lasting impression. As a brand we have a commitment to bold and powerful self-expression that sees designs push back against predetermined rules and embrace freedom of expression. We always encourage autonomy and see our woman as someone who is incredibly dynamic and driven.
this bag perfectly encapsulates our ethos of modern heritage. The Riviera bag’s enduring popularity stems from its timeless elegance and versatility. Each season my approach to re-invention focuses on the evolving trends and customer preferences. Our goal is to continuously innovate and update our signature Riviera bag without compromising its identity. This means exploring new materials, color palettes, and design elements that will enhance its allure and make it a statement piece for everyone, season after season. We take great care to ensure that every change of our Riviera bag reflects our commitment to quality, sustainability and timeless style.
Any styling tips for some of your personal favourite designs?
As a handbag designer, my main goal is to inspire the individuals carrying my creation and make them feel empowered and confident. I personally love seeing our customers style our bags in their own unique way. Last week I saw someone wear our crossbody bag as a belt bag by wrapping the strap twice around their waist – how fun and creative, it’s all about individuality. As I always say It’s not just a bag, it’s a whole vibe – timeless, elegant, and should be totally you!
