Beauty, Sustainability, and a Brave Vision in Madagascar

Annalisa della Libera, founder of Idea Ricami S.R.L

Nestled in Vicenza, Italy, Idea Ricami S.r.l. represents a unique union of Italian craftsmanship and a global outlook. Born from the vision of Annalisa Della Libera, Paduan embroiderer also known as “Golden Hands”, the company specializes in haute couture embroidery, maintaining an exquisite archive in its Parisian showroom for the consultation of leading fashion houses.

Despite its Italian roots, with headquarters in Torri di Quartesolo (Vicenza, Italy) and a showroom in Paris, Idea Ricami S.r.l.’s story took a transformative turn far from Europe. When economic realities necessitated offshoring production, Annalisa faced a pivotal decision: to move to India—a more economical option— or Madagascar, a country that would allow her to maintain the techniques and rigorous production standards central to her craft. Rooted in ethical and qualitative values, Annalisa’ decision fell on Madagascar, with the purpose to preserve traditions while fostering innovation and social responsibility. “Madagascar was a blank canvas,” Annalisa recalls. "When I arrived in 2000, there was nothing—not even basic infrastructure. Yet, I saw an opportunity to create something beautiful, not just in the products we made but in the lives of the people we worked with.”

Vavitsara Rahantanirina Gabriella, Minister of Technical and Professional Education, visiting our facility in Madagascar

From its inception, not only our factory complied with the EU standards, but the whole company was built around a deep respect for human dignity. Its facilities in Madagascar include amenities uncommon in the region: running water, clean restrooms, and expansive windows that allow light to flood in. Annalisa has also invested heavily in education, founding a two-year school program to prepare young people for professional opportunities while also offering cultural education, civic awareness, and language studies. “Through our school, we don’t just provide skills for a profession; we teach them about equality, environmental respect, and their own rights.” This education not only prepares them to work with us but also equips them to seize a wide range of opportunities.

At its core, Idea Ricami is about creating beauty in all its forms—not just in the fine embroidery it produces but also in the environments it nurtures. The company’s two-hectare garden in Madagascar, filled with palms, oleanders, and bougainvilleas, stands as a testament to this philosophy. “We believe beautiful things should be made in beautiful places, by people who are treated with dignity,” Annalisa explains.

Idea Ricami headquarters in Madagascar

Sustainability: A Balancing Act

For Idea Ricami, sustainability has always meant more than environmental compliance. It encompasses a holistic approach, blending social, economic, and ecological considerations. “Sustainability is a big word,” Annalisa says. “It’s about much more than CO2—it’s about the people. It’s about their rights, their living conditions, and their futures.”

The company has committed to achieving zero emissions in its operations by 2028, ahead of the European Union’s 2050 climate neutrality goal. This effort includes investing in solar panels for hot water production and acquiring one hectare of land for a certified tree-planting program to offset carbon emissions. 

Yet, these efforts come with challenges. “Building such high standards inevitably raises costs, putting us at a disadvantage against competitors who disregard regulations and ethical practices,” Annalisa explains. It’s crucial that brands align with these values and support companies committed to this approach, even if it means a higher price point. That price reflects not just the quality of the product but also the integrity of the working conditions and the sustainability efforts behind it.

In Madagascar, not every business can afford the resources required to meet these goals,” Annalisa notes. “And when businesses fail to adapt, the consequences are dire: closures, job losses, and deeper poverty in an already fragile society.”

Despite these challenges, Annalisa remains firm in her belief that businesses have a duty to lead. “It’s a difficult road, but it’s the right one. Respecting regulations and embracing sustainability may raise costs, but it also raises standards—and that is non-negotiable.”

Outside view of the factory

A Model for Sustainable Fashion

Idea Ricami’s story highlights the potential for fashion to become a force for good when it embraces sustainability not as an obligation but as an opportunity. In a world where luxury often comes at the expense of ethics, the company offers a different vision: one where beauty, respect, and environmental stewardship coexist.

“What we do in Madagascar may seem like a drop in the ocean,” Annalisa admits, “but every drop matters. This country has given me so much, and I feel an immense responsibility to give back—not only to its people but to the future of our industry.”

Through its commitment to sustainable practices, Idea Ricami shows that fashion can indeed reflect not just what we wear but also the world we aspire to build.