Based in Madagascar, Eileen Akbaraly, I’M Alumna of the Bachelor’s course in Fashion Business at IM Milano Fashion, is an Italian-Indian designer and responsible fashion entrepreneur, well-known for her brand Made for a Woman.

Founded in 2019, Made For A Woman is Madagascar’s first women-led and women-centered fashion brand, offering a platform for Malagasy artisans to showcase and preserve their cultural heritage and artistic savoir-faire. Its mission is to focus on responsible luxury, using sustainable materials to create timeless fashion while uplifting local communities. In particular, the brand is active in preserving the Malagasy tradition of raphia weaving and modernizing artisanal techniques such as crochet, loom weaving, and basketry.
Since its inception, the brand has received international recognition leading to prestigious collaborations with luxury fashion maisons such as Chloé in 2023 and Fendi in 2024, as well as features on prestigious magazines and media outlets, including WWD, W Magazine, Vogue Italia, Madame Figaro, Vogue Talents, and Elle.

Eileen’s dedication to social responsibility and innovative design has received numerous awards for sustainability and innovation, she was selected as a finalist for the CNMI Sustainable Fashion Awards, in both the Human Rights category in 2022 and Best Emerging Designer in 2023. In 2024, she won the Fast Company World Changing Ideas Award for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region, as well as the Prix de la Francophonie Économique, solidifying her reputation as a leader in sustainable fashion.