OUR ESSENCE
"CYPRAEA was born from a little girl's dream, from a desire to create, to make beautiful things, to tell stories with the materials around us, and to put craftsmanship back at the heart of fashion."
At CYPRAEA, we believe that raw natural materials have a story to tell—a story of culture, craftsmanship, people, and time.
Wood, mother-of-pearl, horn: reclaimed from incinerators, these materials find a second life as unique accessories on our pieces, shaped by the hands of Malagasy artisans.
Our clothing and bags, woven in Madagascar, bear witness to this—creations that celebrate the beauty of the raw and the memory of the gesture.
Each collection is made with attention to detail to offer you quality pieces. We believe that to create better, we must create little. Each piece is designed by the creator, involving our artisans in the creative process, so that craftsmanship remains at the heart of the project.
Why CYPRAEA?
The Cypraea, scientific name for the cowrie, is an Indian Ocean seashell formerly used as a form of currency and a beauty accessory in Africa and Asia.
"Cypraea have been my lucky charms since I was little: small talismans that I used to find on the beach in front of my house in Madagascar to make into bracelets, to entrust my secrets to. It was the first raw, natural material that fascinated me, with its countless possible shapes and colors; it was therefore obvious to name my first project after it, hoping it would bring me luck in this adventure."
Sandy-Anne CAUVIN
A little about me
"Originally from Reunion Island, I grew up in Mahajanga, on the coast of Madagascar, in a very creative and loving environment.
My parents always encouraged me to keep busy with my hands and with what was around me; I spent my childhood collecting seashells and driftwood, turning them into mobiles and accessories.
Having grown up in a family of entrepreneurs who weren't afraid to say "I love you" and "I believe in you," it made sense for me to start a project that reflected me and spoke to my inner child.
After my father passed away, my mother and I returned to Reunion Island so I could take my baccalaureate. I had only one idea in mind: to go back to Madagascar and create CYPRAEA.
I then took a plane ticket to Antananarivo and began internships and professional experiences in the fashion and craft industry. Immediately fascinated by the diversity of mediums used in Malagasy craftsmanship, I immediately wanted to create a brand that combines design and raw natural materials.
That's how CYPRAEA was born."
Sandy-Anne CAUVIN