A coffee with Raphaella
Welcome to the club, Raphaella! Let’s start with a little intro: Who are you?
Obrigada <3 I am Raphaella, but if we were besties, you would call me Raphy, Rafa, Raph, or Rafinha (one of my many nicknames). The most important things in my life are my children, my family, and my friends, they truly mean the world to me. I am obsessed with my work; I live to dress women in beautiful clothing, and I deeply appreciate the relationship I have with them. Other things that sum me up: I am a Pisces, a dreamer, and a positive thinker. I am open, honest, and vulnerable. I have a strong work ethic, and I am ambitious about my future.
Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I was born in a small town in Brazil (Maceió, Alagoas). The first time I was ever on an airplane was when I was 13, when my whole family moved to Canada. I lived there for a little while, and during my 20s I also explored living in Mexico and Australia. Eventually, I moved to Barcelona, Spain, where I’ve been living for the last 8 years and where I now call home.
How did your brand Raphaella Santana begin?
I went traveling, the airline lost my suitcase, and my first thought was, “I am getting a sewing machine, and I am going to start making my own clothes.” That was 11 years ago, and I’ve never stopped making clothes since. It started with my own clothes, then my friends’, then friends of friends and now I’m making beautiful dresses for women all over the world. I’ve had my namesake clothing brand for six years.
Where do you source your inspiration from? Tell us more about your creative design process!
I draw inspiration from anywhere and everywhere. I’m a deeply observant person, constantly attuned to the details around me, whether it’s architecture, street style, movement, or design in everyday objects. I’m endlessly mesmerised by different art forms and expressions of creativity. Living in a city rich with texture and creativity fuels my process, and I believe that is reflected in the level of attention to detail in my work.
How do you plan on stirring things up in the future?
We are stepping into bridal, it’s something my clients have been asking me for years. I resisted for some time because I know how meticulous and challenging the process can be but increasingly I feel ready to embrace this new chapter. I finally feel prepared to grow & evolve, and meet everything that will come with this whole new design world that is making wedding dresses!!!
If you had to pick one emotion you want someone to feel when they wear your designs, what would it be and why?
If I had to choose one emotion, it would be feeling beautiful ~ deeply, confidently, and full of self-love. The kind of feeling that turns a moment into a core memory. I want my designs to be remembered not for the design itself, but for how you felt wearing them.
What’s one thing you always make time for no matter how busy you are?
Watching The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. It’s my favorite reality TV show and my guilty pleasure. 🤭
Last, but definitely not least, how do you take your coffee?
A flat white with whole milk, please :)
