How to choose your Madagascar raffia bag? Complete guide

As you probably know, raffia is a material made from natural fibers derived from the leaves of a palm tree endemic to the island of Madagascar. It is biodegradable, renewable, flexible, robust and durable. These are characteristics and assets that some advocates of Madagascan craftsmanship are taking to new heights with their exceptional creations! In the world of ethical and sustainable fashion, Madagascar raffia bags from IBELIV stand out for their :

• Respect for the environment: the Madagascan raffia used to make the creations in our collection is ethically harvested, guaranteeing the sustainability of this natural resource. In addition, by promoting the raffia industry, IBELIV is making a commitment to the environment, as raffia plays a major role in soil stability in Madagascar. This commitment limits the replacement of palm forests by rice paddies in the country.
• Quality: our process incorporates a sufficiently long air-drying time to obtain a supple raffia fiber, in other words, an ideal material for designing a high-end quality creation. The bags are made entirely by hand, to guarantee top-of-the-range results.
• Style: raffia fibers are dyed with natural colorants to create bags in a wide range of colors, from natural cream to more daring vivid hues. As for the design itself, it is enhanced by the skills of Madagascan artisans, in this case craftswomen, who perfectly master the art of braiding and the crochet technique to form specific patterns and designs.

Good to know: IBELIV sets itself apart from many market players by basing the manufacture of its raffia bags in Madagascar. Unlike brands that offer raffia accessories from Madagascar and don't produce locally, we make it a point of honor to support the Malagasy economy and communities by opting for local production and short circuits.

It's time to choose your Madagascar raffia bag. Here are the main criteria to consider when selecting your fashion product.

1. Product quality: know-how and creative process

To make your bag a true life companion, opt for a product that is the result ofauthentic craftsmanship, a guarantee of lasting beauty. At IBELIV, the craftsmen who make our raffia bags rely on traditional know-how and ancestral techniques that require hours of painstaking work.

2. Manufacturing materials: lining, fastening and carrying elements integrated into the bag

If raffia is the main material of your bag from Madagascar, other materials can be used in its design. Check that these are of equally high quality, to ensure that you're opting for a sturdy, durable product. This is the case for all IBELIV products, which feature organic cotton lining and vegetable-tanned zebu leather for straps, handles, fastenings, etc.

3. Bag size/shape: depending on your future use

Depending on the raffia product, the capacity of the bag can vary, allowing you to carry more or less personal belongings with you. Among the different sizes available are the shopping bag, perfect for carrying your groceries, the rectangular bag that can accommodate your laptop or the raffia pouch that forms a pretty case for your essentials.

4. Bag color: authentic look or trendy appeal

As mentioned above, the Madagascar raffia bag can be adorned in a wide range of colors. If you're looking for a fashion product with an authentic look, opt for sober colors such as beige or brown. Conversely, if you're looking to liven up your look, opt for more daring colors.

5. Bag style: sober or sophisticated

When making a raffia bag, the Malagasy craftsman makes a number of choices when it comes to crocheting: crocheting and/or braiding, tight or open-work stitch, regular stitch or elaborate pattern, or even embroidery. The result of all these choices is a more or less sophisticated product. Depending on whether you're looking for a tote bag for day-to-day use or a raffia handbag to complement your evening outfit, you won't opt for the same degree of sophistication.

6. Bag versatility: versatile styling and carrying options

For more responsible consumption, opt for a versatile raffia bag with a practical, timeless design for every occasion. You'll be able to wear it for years to come, whatever the current fashion, for casual outings or formal events. The IBELIV brand achieves this goal by combining tradition and modernity, while offering a variety of carrying options (hand handle, removable shoulder strap, etc.).

7. The brand's commitments and core values: promoting local artisans

Supporting a sustainable consumption model is a good thing. It's even better to choose a Madagascan accessories brand that promotes local artisans and thus plays a key role in the country's socio-economic development. Make a commitment to ethical fashion by opting for a locally-produced raffia bag from Madagascar. IBELIV goes even further, setting up training workshops in the Madagascan villages where the company is based. These enable women living in mural environments to join the craftsmen already involved in the IBELIV adventure, and thus benefit from a comfortable income.

You now have all the information you need to select the ideal product. Browse the various models from our Madagascan workshop to find the raffia bag that's just right for you.

There's no doubt about it: handcrafted products made from natural raffia are a great alternative to mass-produced products made from other raw materials, and guarantee superior-quality accessories compared with straw creations!