Our story
NANCY, FOUNDER
Born and raised in Antananarivo, the vibrant heart of Madagascar, Nancy grew up in this multicultural city with a lifelong dream in mind: to one day live in Paris, the capital of boldness, freedom and avant-garde expression.
From an early age, she was captivated by the world of fashion. The women around her - especially in her own family - shared this same instinctive eye. She soon developed a deep affinity for handbags: more than mere accessories, they are style statements, symbols of confidence and allure. Elegant, expressive, and timeless, they have the power to transform a silhouette and reveal the soul of the person carrying them.
Later, once settled in France, she kept nurturing that passion, especially for the creations from iconic luxury houses, until the thrill of buying leather handbags came with a hint of guilt.
She was still deeply in love with the object, but no longer felt aligned with the materials. She then needed an alternative.
Driven by curiosity, Nancy began exploring the world of plant-based materials as known as next generation materials (next-gen materials), which sounded like the future of leathercraft and a promise to her: the possibility of continuing to love fashion without guilt. Yet, no existing brand truly resonated with her.
And just like that the idea of Anjara was born: a modern, desirable alternative to the traditional leather bag, designed for women who want timeless style that align with their urban lifestyle and their values.
Reinventing while honoring tradition
Anjara officially came to life in December 2024 in Paris, after nearly two years of research, material sourcing, design iterations and countless of new beginnings.
Today, Anjara offers refined handbags crafted from cutting-edge, animal-free materials from natural Malagasy raffia to innovative plant-based alternatives to leather.
The use of malagasy raffia and the collaboration with Ateliers based in Madagascar felt instinctive. A tribute to her roots, and a nod to timeless craftsmanship. After all, a beautifully made raffia piece is a wardrobe essential. A timeless piece. Likewise, collaborating with a French atelier is a tribute to the artisanal savoir-faire of France, her adopted home
Anjara is free-spirited, conscious, and contemporary.
Nancy's vision is to establish Anjara as a lasting presence in the world of accessories, a reference for innovation in plant-based and vegan materials craft.