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EcoVogue Fashioning a Sustainable Tomorrow: STE(A)Ming
Against Climate Change
2024-1-ES01-KA220-SCH-000248664 (KA220-SCH-71A9EB4D)
Marina
Raphael, a
Swiss-Austrian fashion designer of Greek heritage, is a sixth-generation
member of the Swarovski family. She launched her luxury handbag brand in 2018,
focusing on craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability. Her designs,
featured in Harrods and Neiman Marcus, have been worn by Jennifer Lopez and
Queen Máxima. Passionate about sustainability, she incorporates vegan materials
and a zero-waste approach in her collections. In 2024, she became the Artistic
& Design Director for Handbags at Elie Saab. Inspired by travel and
heritage, she merges timeless elegance with modern responsibility, shaping the
future of luxury fashion.
Sustainability
is a core value for Marina Raphael. She believes that sustainable fashion is
the future and has integrated eco-friendly practices into her brand. This
includes collaborating with sustainability consultant Doina Ciobanu to launch a
completely vegan handbag made from sustainable materials.
"Sustainability
is the future of fashion, everyone should be educated on how they can make
their company more sustainable."
Marina Raphael & Arisona
Muse on sustainable fashion and Dirt charity
Q: What
inspired you to create your own brand?
A: Growing
up in a family that values craftsmanship, I was always fascinated by design and
quality. I wanted to create handbags that merge timeless aesthetics with
sustainability and modern functionality.
Q: How
do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?
A:
Sustainability is a key pillar of my brand. We use eco-friendly materials like
vegan leather derived from apple waste and follow a near-zero waste policy by
repurposing leftover materials.
Q: What
role does technology play in your designs?
A:
Technology is essential, from material innovation to precision craftsmanship.
We collaborate with experts to develop durable and sustainable materials
without compromising luxury.
Q: Who
has influenced your work the most?
A: My
grandmother, Marina, has been a major inspiration. Her impeccable style and
work ethic have shaped my vision for timeless, sophisticated designs.
Q: How
did you overcome skepticism about your leadership due to your young age?
A: Starting
my brand at 22, I faced doubts regarding my experience and motives. Some
thought, 'Oh, she is 22, let's see the brand for another three, four, five
seasons—if she continues.' I focused on delivering quality and consistency,
believing that perseverance would demonstrate my commitment and capability.
Q: What
challenges did you face in the beginning, and how did you handle them?
A: I
encountered numerous failures early on. However, I view failure as a crucial
learning tool. Each setback taught me valuable lessons, propelling the brand to
the next level and distinguishing us from others.
Q: How
did your company perform during the pandemic?
A: Despite
initial uncertainties, we experienced a significant increase in sales,
achieving record-breaking numbers during the first few months. This growth
reinforced my belief in adaptability and resilience in challenging times.
Q: What
advice do you have for young women entering fashion and sustainability?
A: Stay
curious, embrace innovation, and never compromise your values. The fashion
industry is evolving, and new ideas, especially those rooted in sustainability,
are the future.
Dirt X
https://www.dirt.charity/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw3C_EFiW1xXFYgfdZ7rZEA
Marina
Rafael https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marina_Raphael
Arisona
Muse https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arizona_Muse
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