ZOUZOUDAGO, a conscious and culturally rich artisanal studio is more than just a fashion brand. Its where art meets purpose. Herizo Robin, the heart behind the brand, brings his Malagasy heritage to life through every stitch and seam. His designs are like love letters to Madagascar, bursting with colors and patterns that speak of home. Herizo’s vision is entwined with commitment to upcycling that challenges us to see beauty in the discarded, transforming waste into wearable art that not only tells stories of resilience and change but also much needed movement for our fashion industry within the ongoing anthropocene era.

Jagrati: Dear Herizo Robin, I am truly glad to be doing this interview with you and thankful for your consideration. I will always remain grateful for allowing me to enter your headspace today.

Herizo Robin: Thank you for having me. It’s wonderful to share my journey and the vision behind ZOUZOUDAGO with you.

Jagrati: My first question is about the name ZOUZOUDAGO. I love the name, but I’m keen on knowing the story behind it. So, what’s the story?

Herizo Robin: The name ZOUZOUDAGO holds a special place in my heart. "Zouzou" is my nickname that’s filled with joy, affection, kindness, and creativity. It’s a playful nod to my childhood. "Dago" is the fond nickname Malagasy people abroad use to talk about our homeland, Madagascar. The name is a beautiful blend of who I am and where I come from. Together, they encapsulate the spirit of my brand: playful, vibrant, and deeply rooted in the rich cultural tapestry of Madagascar. It’s about celebrating my roots while innovating for a sustainable future.

Jagrati: Let's get into your life in Madagascar before you got into fashion, along with the story when you got into fashion. How did fashion happen to you?

Herizo Robin: Growing up in Madagascar, resourcefulness was a way of life. We naturally practiced creative reuse and upcycling, principles fundamental to ZOUZOUDAGO. My journey into fashion began when I moved to Paris and later Montreal, now based in Lisbon Portugal, where I was exposed to the global fashion scene. I worked in various roles, from design to production management, gaining a deep understanding of the industry. It was there that I saw the potential to merge my design and heritage with contemporary fashion, leading to the birth of ZOUZOUDAGO in 2017.

Jagrati: There is a crucial need to be responsible for the environmental effects our creative endeavors bring. Your brand ZOUZOUDAGO definitely does that, rather more beautifully. What impacted and influenced you to be a social entrepreneur in the first place?

Herizo Robin: My deep connection with nature and the environment has always been a driving force. Witnessing the detrimental effects of climate change and biodiversity loss in Madagascar, such as severe droughts and the decline of unique species like lemurs, I felt compelled to create a personal and unique brand that not only addresses these crucial issues but also showcases that even small brands with their own story can be innovative, joyful, and beautiful while making change. My experiences in Madagascar taught me the importance of sustainability and what "resilience through creativity" means, which I’ve integrated into ZOUZOUDAGO’s core values. Our ethos is one of collaboration and community, as we strive to create a world where fashion coexists harmoniously with nature.

Jagrati: What kind of guidelines are you working with to make it as conscious and creative as possible? At the same time, what kind of revelations have you come across in the process of all this—something that the fashion industry still isn’t aware of?

Herizo Robin: At ZOUZOUDAGO, we adhere to principles of upcycling, minimal waste, and ethical production while raising awareness and pushing the global conversation for ideas and innovations. One revelation is the power of community-based approaches. Traditional fashion often overlooks the value of the collective power of communities. By embracing these, we not only create unique pieces but also support and uplift people. This holistic approach is something the broader industry can learn from, while also having a strong mission beyond the product itself.

Jagrati: Let’s get on to concepts and designs along with the creative process. What kind of challenges do you undergo and what inspires and influences your designs?

Herizo Robin: My designs are inspired by the vibrant colors and patterns of Malagasy textiles, the intricate clash and unexpected color mix techniques, and the unique upcycled materials. The biggest challenge is balancing sustainability with aesthetic appeal. Upcycling materials often means working with limited resources, which pushes us to be more creative. However, these constraints often lead to innovative solutions and unique designs. I'm also not afraid of making mistakes because some end up being pieces that are unconventional and add an intriguing flair. For instance, we transform discarded fabric scraps into beautiful patchwork garments that tell a story of resilience and creativity.

Jagrati: What are your intentions? What is your purpose?

Herizo Robin: Our purpose is to redefine fashion as a force for good. We aim to create a sustainable and inclusive fashion industry that respects both people and the planet. Our business model revolves around sustainability, upcycling, and ethical production. We transform discarded materials into high-quality fashion items, ensure minimal waste, and support ethical production practices. Our workshops foster collaborations in sustainable practices, leveraging the collective imagination of a new generation of conscious creators while connecting the dots locally to global issues with actionable inputs. Our intentions are to raise awareness about environmental issues, promote and scale our business model, and inspire others to adopt a mindful approach to consumption.

Jagrati: What’s most bothering about all this? Something that fuels your navigation?

Herizo Robin: The most troubling aspect is the fashion industry’s rampant overproduction and waste. This fuels our commitment to upcycling and reducing waste. The desire to protect our planet and leave a positive legacy drives everything we do at ZOUZOUDAGO. Moreover, there is a significant imbalance in waste generation and management between the Global North and South. Addressing this through a decolonial lens means recognizing and mitigating the disproportionate impact of waste on developing countries and ensuring that our practices do not perpetuate these inequities.

Jagrati: What future do you imagine for ZOUZOUDAGO?

Herizo Robin: I envision ZOUZOUDAGO as a global leader in sustainable fashion, known for our innovative upcycling techniques and our commitment to social and environmental causes, from local to global conversations. We aim to expand our impact by collaborating with other brands and organizations to drive systemic change in the fashion industry. Through these collaborations, we offer our expertise in upcycling, waste reduction, sustainable design consultancy, and community-based approaches to create meaningful and impactful projects. I truly believe that we already have the solutions and that new business models are flourishing all over the world. We just need more collaborative culture from fashion companies.

Jagrati: Shout out to films, books, artists, music?

Herizo Robin: I draw inspiration from many sources. Films like "The True Cost" really highlight the fashion industry’s impact. Books like "Cradle to Cradle" by William McDonough and Michael Braungart are essential reads on sustainable design. Artists like El Anatsui, who transforms waste materials into stunning art, and musicians like Salif Keita, who blend traditional and modern influences, continually inspire me.

Jagrati: Last but not least, what’s coming next? What are you excited about?

Herizo Robin: We’re excited about expanding our workshops and collaborations with global partners. I also plan to travel to Madagascar to work on a new collection that will explore innovative upcycling techniques and materials blended with local traditional crafts and heritage to tell new stories through meaningful collaborations. Most importantly, we’re looking forward to continuing our mission to inspire positive change and connect the dots for Madagascar globally in the fashion industry. In collaborations, we can offer workshops, sustainable design consultancy, and our innovative upcycling techniques to help partners integrate sustainable practices into their operations. My journey is a testament to the resilience and creativity that characterize life in my homeland, and I aim to bring these values to a global audience.

Jagrati: Thank you, Herizo, for sharing your inspiring journey and vision with us today. It’s been a pleasure.

Herizo Robin: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure to share my story. Together, we can create a more sustainable and beautiful world.