Elie Saab wants to accelerate its growth in the accessories segment. With this in mind, the Lebanese luxury house has hired designer Marina Raphael as artistic and creative director of its handbag division. “This creative partnership introduces a new approach to [our] handbag category, thanks to Marina’s design expertise and leadership,” the label stated in a press release.

Raphael has a Swiss-Austrian mother and Greek father. She is a sixth-generation member of the Swarovski family, and is renowned for her high-end crystal-embellished handbags. In 2018, when she was a 21-year-old business graduate from King’s College London, Raphael launched her eponymous leather goods brand, which she will continue to lead while working for Elie Saab.

In her new role, Raphael will design and introduce six handbag collections per year, four for ready-to-wear bags and two for haute couture ones, working closely with the label’s founder and creative director Elie Saab. The first collection will be presented at the Elie Saab haute couture show scheduled in Paris in January 2025.

To mark this new chapter, “Marina will focus on highlighting the brand’s core values, while reinforcing the identity of our handbag line. By concentrating on timeless models and exceptional craftsmanship, typical of Elie Saab’s DNA, Marina will play a vital role in expanding this category,” said Elie Saab.

“We are delighted to strengthen our position in the handbag category with Marina, whose impressive track record and proven ability to translate the brand’s vision will enhance our potential for success. Her past achievements and dedication to excellence assure us that she is the perfect partner for this endeavour. Marina has consistently demonstrated her ability to innovate and drive results, aligning seamlessly with our brand’s goals and values,” said group CEO Elie Saab Jr.

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

Elie Saab has been showing in Paris since 2005. Over the years, the label has added to its range, by introducing, alongside its fashion and accessories collections, an eyewear line, a childrenswear line, watches, and perfumes. In 2019, Elie Saab entered the home decoration segment, developing a furniture line and taking care of interior decoration in various international real estate projects.