Martin Raffa: Eco-Couture Comes To Paris

By Diane Small

We must admit: Argentinian born, Parisian based eco-couture designer Martin Raffa’s eco-couture collections continue to go from strength to strength.

Using materials discarded by the fashion industry, self-taught Raffa demonstrates how capable he is of creating red-carpet beauty out of what some would consider trash: metallic grille is transformed into a delicate, futuristic top, loose feathers saucily adorn a bare shoulder, and discarded taffeta is given a new, beautiful life.

“I find it tragic, the amount of waste in the fashion industry,”explains the designer. “It’s incredible – fashion houses will throw out metres of some of the finest materials: silk, chiffon, even fur. Textile companies also have serious issues with waste; the material they fail to sell is called ‘dead stock’ and if it doesn’t get sold at a discounted rate, it more often than not will find its way into a landfill. I’m proud to be able to put these fabrics to good use.”

We decided to show the world the potential beauty in waste by shooting the best of just a few of Raffa’s eco-couture creations at the hip Parisian restaurant and nightclub, Matignon, in an exclusive feature for Eluxe Magazine.

Like all couturiers, Raffa makes clothes to order, and can be reached at: [email protected]

Special thanks to Andrea Feick and Matignon. Makeup by Nicolas Petiot.

Hair: Carlos and Mauri Salon Photography: Emmanuel Sarnin Models: H Model Management

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Chere Di Boscio

Founder & Editor in Chief at Eluxe Magazine

Chere has always loved writing, fashion and languages, and holds degrees in Psychology and Art, and postgraduate degrees in Applied Linguistics and Education. Her long career in journalism spans several continents: she’s edited and written for prestigious magazines in Toronto, Dubai, Paris, London and Buenos Aires. Learn more about Chere’s extensive career on LinkedIn.

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