Raoul Birdy Tote Bag (Opium) ©Raoul

Homegrown fashion label Raoul has signed up Paris-based designer Raphael Young for its pre-fall 2014 collection of shoes and handbags. The burgeoning collaboration has put forth classic minimal shapes infused with leopard prints, metallic accents and quilted leather.

Young was born in South Korea, but grew up in Romans, the birthplace of French luxury shoe-making. His designs are favoured by celebrities, including Lady Gaga, Beyonce and Rihanna.

Raphael's gained international design experience at leading Parisian and Italian studios such as Manish Aorira and Elie Saab. He later headed the shoe and accessory design team at Calvin Klein in Europe.

Douglas Benjamin, co-creative director of Raoul, says: “Accessories have in recent years become an important and growing part of Raoul’s business. Our decision to sign on Raphael shows our commitment to invest in this business and to offer our customers the ideal choice of accessories to complete the Raoul look or to create individual styles as desired.”

This article first appeared in Singapore Tatler July 2014 issue. Get a copy from newsstands or purchase the digital version on Zinio or Magzter.