Fashion With Impact: Made For A Woman x Chloé

In a world overflowing with trends and throwaway fashion, creating something that’s both beautiful and meaningful is no small feat. But Italian-Indian designer and entrepreneur Eileen Akbaraly seems to have found her own elegant answer. Her brand, Made For A Woman, is based in Madagascar, where she works hand in hand with local female artisans to preserve their savoir-faire — transforming age-old craft into contemporary pieces with purpose.

After turning heads with a standout collaboration with Fendi — yes, she’s the woman behind that two-tone raffia Baguette bag from last summer — and attracting attention from the LVMH group, not to mention hosting pop-ups in Paris and Milan, Akbaraly returns with a new fashion moment. This time: a third, and perhaps most exciting, collaboration with Chloé. The result? A capsule of summer-ready bags that fuse laid-back elegance with social impact.

Made For A Woman is, quite literally, made by women. More than a fashion label, it’s a social enterprise built on empowerment and craftsmanship. The brand uplifts communities in one of the world’s poorest — yet most naturally rich — nations, spotlighting the artistry of women from vulnerable backgrounds. Known for its joyful colour palette and bold textures, the label stands out not just for its aesthetic, but for Akbaraly’s commitment to running a business that’s both socially and environmentally responsible, all rooted in Madagascar, where she spent her childhood.

What began as a humble atelier of 15 has blossomed into a vibrant, raffia-filled workshop in Antananarivo, now employing more than 350 artisans, 95 per cent of them women. Collaborating with the local Ministry of Population and grassroots organisations, the brand provides women in at-risk situations — from single mothers and survivors of domestic violence to sex workers and individuals with disabilities — with professional training and crochet classes, offering new paths forward and long-term stability.

The new Chloé x Made For A Woman collection features two standout silhouettes, destined for summer wardrobes everywhere: a compact sized tote for everything from market hauls to beach reads, and the season’s must-have hobo bag. Each piece is meticulously crafted from raffia and calfskin by a single artisan over the course of 4.5 days in Madagascar, before being finished in Chloé’s leather ateliers in Tuscany. Look closely, and you’ll spot a handwritten signature — a subtle nod to Chloé’s rich heritage — as well as a delicate chain and charm detail for added flair.

The colourways are equally considered: timeless shades like Black, Hot Sand, Clay Brown and Summery Beige sit alongside a sun-soaked palette of Tea Leaf green, Fuchsia Rose, Citronelle and Stormy Sea. The only hard part? Choosing just one.

Courtesy: Chloé

Text: Lidia Ageeva