UNHCR/MADE51

Refugee-made artisanal products from MADE51 launched today on Virgin Atlantic flights. This is an exciting step forward for MADE51 and our collaboration with Virgin companies. It is also a new milestone in Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to supporting refugees and builds on their long-term partnership with UK for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency’s national partner for the United Kingdom.

We are proud to announce a Chloé x MADE51 collaboration. Starting with Chloé’s ‘22 Spring/Summer collection, Chloé is engaging refugee women to produce components that are incorporated into their products. The first collection incorporates the craftsmanship of Afghan refugee women into Chloé’s accessories range, including their iconic Marcie and Woodie handbags.

Tahira Afridi is the Director of Artisan Links, one of MADE51’s social enterprise partners working with Afghan refugee women.

Since 2011, when conflict broke out in Syria, approximately 22,000 Syrian citizens of Armenian descent found refuge in Armenia. Most of these Syrian-Armenians live in rented apartments in the capital Yerevan and nearby towns.

When refugees flee, their most valuable asset is often the skills, knowledge and craftsmanship they once used to earn a living. It should be the case that opportunities await them in their host communities.