Tell us more about your commitment to sustainability?
"The importance of sustainability was instilled in me from a very young age, as I grew up learning to appreciate the value of quality over quantity. My mother and grandmother also played a very important role in teaching me the importance of biodiversity and environmental conservation. My grandma is actually president of the Goulandris atural History Museum in Athens, and has dedicated her life to raising awareness about climate change:'
What steps have you taken as a brand to be as eco-friendly as possible?
"As a brand we support local artisans and craftsmen, responsibly source materials, integrate biodegradable components, as well as implement a near-zero-waste policy, which is achieved by recycling and upcycling all left-over materials:'
What more would you like to achieve in this area?
"I don't think that any brand can say with certainty that they are 100% sustainable. That being said, it doesn't mean we shouldn't all be working to become more sustainable. As a brand we try to do our part by not only offering more sustainable alternatives to existing best sellers (e.g. the Porter is a more sustainable than the Riviera bag) but we also constantly experiment with new materials, alternatives to leather, and fabrics that have a smaller environmental impact:'
How did the Porter bag come about?
"We collaborated with Maria Fernanda Hernandez Franco, head of sustainable projects and global communications at LuisaViaRoma, on the Porter bag, which is made from biodegradable leather and ecological wool. It was this collaboration that really got me thinking outside the box and gave me the idea of incorporating fabrics made of an ecological blend of wool and cashmere."
Your bags are investment pieces -who is the Marina Raphael woman?
"The Marina Raphael women is not defined by trends. She is timeless yet modern, regardless of age; carries herself with confidence and embraces her personal sense of style. She is international and often on-the-go, so the functionality and form of her handbag are essential."
You Jve got some amazing high-profile fans. What does their support and endorsement mean to you?
"It's incredibly heart-warming to see people with such an incredible sense of style showing such love for the brand. The fact that these elegant and influential women have chosen my brand, is truly an honour. Of course, all the women in my family own a Marina Raphael handbag."
What do you like to do to relax?
"What relaxes me the most is going on mountain hikes with my dogs. This helps me to clear my mind:'
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MilliOnAir magazine
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