DE MARQUET
De Marquet is a Swiss luxury handbag brand committed to sustainable craftsmanship, with each piece handmade in Italy. Their designs blend modern elegance with functionality, utilizing premium materials like regenerated leather and velour.
MEET RAFFAELLA ITEN METZGER, THE DESIGNER AND CO-OWNER BEHIND DE MARQUET
An entrepreneur at heart, Raffaella embodies creativity, passion, and a fearless love of challenges. Fascinated by fashion and often traveling the world as a true “frequent flyer,” she was inspired to create her own handbag brand, De Marquet, named in honor of her noble Viennese great-grandmother.
Her iconic design, the Night&Day bag, features interchangeable covers—an idea that resonates with women who travel frequently, offering both practicality and a more sustainable way of consuming less, but consuming better. Entirely Made in Italy by Tuscan artisans, the Night&Day represents a smart, modern concept that balances elegance with versatility.
Raffaella continually seeks collaborations with both renowned and emerging artists, seeing each cover as a canvas for expression. Many of these creative partnerships evolve into lasting friendships, reflecting her genuine interest in people, their stories, and what inspires them.
Guided by a belief in courage, transformation, and the pursuit of dreams, Raffaella has built De Marquet not just as a brand, but as a philosophy—one rooted in passion, artistry, and connection.
A note on Sustainability from Raffaella
Sustainability seems to be a buzzword nowadays, though I sometimes wonder if we all truly grasp its meaning in the same way. Regardless, I believe the essence lies in embracing a new mindfulness and making a positive impact, no matter how small. At De Marquet, embedding sustainable and social considerations into our product development has been a cornerstone from the start. Opting for “Made in Italy” wasn’t just a label for us; it was about fostering local production. That’s why our workshops are nestled in the heart of Tuscany.
A unique aspect of our atelier is its role as a re-integration facility. This means 30% of our workforce comprises individuals facing physical or mental challenges or disabilities or those emerging from tough social backgrounds.
The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdowns underscored the importance of safeguarding these jobs. To adapt, our facility, typically focused on crafting bags and shoes, pivoted to mask production. This move was dual-purpose: it preserved jobs and provided meaningful engagement for our team while supporting the broader community.
For us, this adaptability is a shining example of sustainability and social responsibility in action.
It’s a testament to how sometimes, the smallest actions can make the most significant impact.
Wouldn’t you agree?
Sincerely,
Raffaella
